Most Extensive State-of-the-Art DAC Survey Ever!

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Not saying my vinyl and CDs are lacking but the streamer takes it even higher. BTW, now using bluos with Quobuz since I have given up on Tidal's MQA. All that to say how this streaming journey has reached such incredible levels with such a reasonable setup and in such short time. Used to be that on this site, analog ruled, but it is evident that the tide is changing. And if you haven't yet tried the digital streaming world, you owe it to yourself to do so asap. I once said I wouldn't and I am a living proof of how wrong I was.

@baylinor Good onya for keeping an open mind in giving streaming a fair shot and that you’re now reaping the considerable benefits of doing so.  There’d be many more happy audiophiles out there if they too could manage to get their head outta the sand and give streaming a try.  Also, congrats on ditching Tidal and its invasive and intrusive MQA crap and discovering Qobuz.  I switched a couple years ago and am so happy I did. 

Since Rx8man owns one of the DACs we manufacturer, he has had the opportunity to understand what makes a DAC sound the way it does. The separate power supply is around 25 pounds. The R2R DAC is surrounded by higher quality parts then are in the high priced DACs in the video. Price has nothing to do with sound. If you really want to hear what a reference DAC can offer, just contact me or come to our Listening Room in Northern New Jersey. Bring your DAC over for a comparison.

Happy Listening.

@ronres 

Thanks for sharing the video.  
Along with other audio components. I also have been tracking what is the best DACs available, then trying to get the best options within my budget.  The seemingly top DACs are in the +$100k mark (MSB, Aries Carot, Wadax) and is out of my price range.  However, the new TOL Lampi Horizon at $45k sonically plays at their level which seems like a “relatively” sonic bargain.  Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that many on this forum seem to resent reports of gear priced out of their budget which makes me hesitant of sharing my component finds and choices.  I understand the reluctance of not wanting to hear of desired gear one cannot afford, but in “high-end” audio progress in knowledge and technological achievements march on. I’m of the camp to learning whatever I can then using the info to better my audio chain within my budgetary constraints.

I’ve been closely researching high-end audio DACs to plan my DAC upgrade path as funds allow.  I currently have a Denafrips Terminator, and will get upgrade to the Lampi Baltic3 which is a sonic bargain.  Eventually my end game may be the Dream DAC, but if the stars align perhaps a Horizon.

@kennyc -  I agree with your sentiment.  I attended the launch of the new Lampizator Horizon DAC in LA in February and reported the results.  The purpose was just to provide information regarding the DAC and my impressions of it.  The discussion was not productive and somewhat vile due to the affordability of the Horizon.  It got so bad I asked the moderator to take the thread down.  

Super high-end is not everyone but there is no reason to crap all over people that can afford to buy these products.  BTW, I ordered a Horizon but I have no plans to post a member's review on the product on Audiogon.  

Regarding DAC's, I have owned the Lumin U-1 Mini, D-2, A-1, X-1, and the Lampi Pacific.  I can tell you that each in order had improved performance and SQ. So,  good quality DAC does matter and it all depends on what you can afford and want to hear in your system.