the firmware version is 1.4, do you need to update it?
Which version of the files on the MUSETEC website do they refer to?
Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC
Meanwhile, during the 4 years after release of the MH-DA004, LKS (now Musetec) worked on the new MH-DA005 design, also with a pair of ES9038pro chips. This time he used more of the best components available. One torroidal transformer has silver plated copper. Also banks of super capacitors that act like batteries, solid silver hookup wire, 4 femtoclocks each costing multiples of the Crysteks, a revised Amanero board, more of the best European caps and a new partitioned case. I can't say cost NO object, but costs well beyond. A higher price, of course. Details at http://www.mu-sound.com/DA005-detail.html
The question, surely, is: How does it sound? I'm only going to answer indirectly for the moment. I thought that the MH-DA004 was to be my last DAC, or at least for a very long time. I was persuaded to part with my $$ by research, and by satisfaction with the MH-DA004. Frankly, I have been overwhelmed by the improvement; just didn't think it was possible. Fluidity, clarity, bass extension. A post to another board summed it up better than I can after listening to piano trios: "I have probably attended hundreds of classical concerts (both orchestral and chamber) in my life. I know what live sounds like in a good and bad seat and in a good and mediocre hall. All I can say is HOLY CRAP, this sounds like the real thing from a good seat in a good hall. Not an approximation of reality, but reality."
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Updating the firmware is not required. If you are using Windows, I would recommend you use the Musetec Windows USB driver from their website, because some people have had issues with the generic Windows driver. http://www.mu-sound.com/service.html Apple and Linux don’t require additional drivers. Also I would suggest you don’t use the power cable that comes with the 005, it looks custom but you can do much better. |
@americanspirit +4 Nice review. These impressions are consistent with most here. |
@americanspirit - amazing , to what Dacs did you compare it ? |
I heard the Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC with streaming card and Mola Mola integrated amp today with Dynaudio speakers. Honestly it didn't come close to the naturalness of the 005, it was harsh and bright and a much smaller soundstage. That of course is compared to the 005, compared to other DACs it probably sounds ok. |
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