Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC

I have also appreciated this thread and all of those who have taken the time contribute to it, for bringing my attention a lesser known piece of equipment that seems worthy of discussion at least and for some, for consideration. I have been considering purchasing one myself, so thanks to those with first hand experience sharing their impressions and comparisons where available, and I hope that will continue.

I will say that I find the fact that ShenzenAudio seems to have a different policy for returns in practice than stated on their web site a bit troubling, and certainly good to know - thanks @pt999 for making me and us aware of that. That’s particularly useful (imo) in this case of a (so far) lesser known and appreciated and therefore potentially not as easy to resell item.

All of the info in this thread is and has been good info and food for thought for me in considering this item and potential purchase.

For my $.50 (inflation adjusted value ;-) I hope that we can continue to hear and appreciate all of the different impressions and experiences with the product, similar and comparable products, and with sellers from whom we might purchase.

Hmmm... this thread is beginning to remind me of the Tekton threads from a few years ago. Same plot at work here .... a handful of fans singing praises of the brand, small sample size, anyone who dares to criticize the brand is ’dealt with’ appropriately, punching way above its price point, select anecdotes from people preferring the brand to other brands which are 3-5 times more expensive, etc. etc.

I just don’t see where @metaldetektor is trying to play the official policeman of audiogon. FWIW, I completely agree with his assessment, which I feel is fair and balanced. I can certainly relate to a lot of what he is saying.

And finally, instead of addressing the concerns (email) that pt999 raised, we are going after the messenger. So he is now an expert who borrows dacs to feign expertise? How else are you supposed to compare equipment in the absence of dealer stores? And who says that you cannot compare the 005 to May? If someone can claim that it beats the Mola Mola, I think it’s fair game if someone finds the May a better DAC compared to Musetec. Like most things in audio, it’s about personal preferences.

And finally, exchanging equipment in lieu of faulty equipment is not the same as returning something for a full refund. If the email reproduced by pt999 is indeed authentic, it is clear that Shenzen is not being upfront about their policies. If there is re-stocking fee than it must be stated clearly on their website. Otherwise, the company is being deceptive. Simple as that.

Here is the web URL that explains Shenzheaudio's return policy. Seems pretty clear here.

Guarantees & Return Policy – SHENZHENAUDIO

Here is the return policy for Apos Auidio the USA based seller of this DAC.

Apos Audio 45-day return policy | Apos Audio Help Center

Also, pretty clear about the policy.

What I find interesting is when people with very expensive gear feel that something much cheaper cannot be as good. There are 2 things to remember

- There is a personal preference aspect to gear.

- There is also a rip off aspect of gear.

It is clear to me that one place where one does NOT have to spend a fortune today for great sound is DACs.  The 005 and Gustard X26 Pro are 2 perfect examples for my tastes.

BTW - if anyone of you gets STUCK with a 005 (in black) send me a DM and I can see about buying it. 

Chime in as suspicion grows ;-)

I had bought what I thought was my keeper DAC, the mola mola tambaqui. Space, detail and tonal clarity like I’d not heard before. Then my business partner mentioned someone on here had mentioned the musetec out performing a another dac I love the holo may. Slightly incredulous, I agreed to getting one to try.

Long story short, a back to back demo made the mola mola

sound compressed and veiled, very much sound stage moved back between  thet speakers. That was that and I know have an 005 and £5k in my pocket or back on my credit card ;-). The only downsides are you really need a pre amp to hear it at its best but apart from that I’m not sure how they’ve done this for such a low price.

I know it’s no simple feet but I can’t recommend more highly, getting a listen to one of these, it really is too good to be true.

Still enjoying my 005.  Last week I attached a Gutwire Ultimate grounding cable to the RCA input.  That was quite a change as front to back soundstage and bass clarity jumped up a significant amount.  I am still not used to hearing this type of 3 dimensional sound in my system.  This change is profound enough that I am going to have to revisit my HQP settings and bass woofer settings.  

I am sure the Gutwire will  have a similar effect on other DACs but thought it was worth mentioning in this thread in case anyone was considering adding it to their system.