Different R2R DACs


Several months ago, I bought a used Hono Spring Level 2 DAC to see how R2R would compare against my Mytek Brooklyn DAC+. I like the Brooklyn+ a lot, but, given the other components in my system, I'm thinking about building in a bit more warmth (without losing significant detail). I'm not looking for sweetness or holography. Unfortunately, I was thoroughly unimpressed by the way the Holo Spring Level 2 smeared the music. I returned it within two weeks. Perhaps the unit I bought was defective (though I bought it from a highly reputable seller of used equipment), but it started me wondering how much of the hype surrounding the newer generation of R2R DACs was just that, hype. However, I keep seeing so many glowing reviews of reasonably priced R2R DACS from Denafrips, Aqua, Lampizator and others. So I'm wondering whether I should give them another try. Unfortunately, where I live the only real (suboptimal) option is to audition by purchasing one DAC at a time. Before I start down that road again, I thought I would ask the collective brain of Audiogon about how much of a difference I might expect, as against the Holo Spring level 2, from a new Denafrips Pontus II or used Terminator II, a used Aqua La Voce or Lampizator, or some other R2R DAC under $5K. I don't require require resolutions greater than 24/192 (beyond which I discern no difference). I do like the option of MQA decoding, but it's not a deal breaker. 

The rest of my system (source components aside), at present, include a Parasound JC2 BP preamp, a pair of VTV Purifi mono amps, and Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers.

audio-satisficer

late to the thread, but I have a Freya + and it's my first pre-amp, so I have no comparison. what should I be hearing that I'm not now? Thanks

Sorry, but you got the wrong end of R2R DAC, The terminator is much better than the May, based on your taste. The May DAC is more diffused, and the Terminator is more incisive. Even amongst R2R DAC, there will be some SQ differences.

@jjss49 +1

It is the some of the parts. 

Have a LessLoss Echo's End DAC I have been auditioning and I am keeping it!

Wood chassis R2R  and it sounds perfect in my system.  No LED's or buttons just great sound.

i repeat - you CANNOT and should not conclude what a dac will sound like by just the technology employed for the d/a conversion...

Been listening to a used Musician Aquarius since yesterday morning. 1st time I’ve ever heard an R2R dac. Waaaay mo Betta than my Burson Composer which will be going up for sale shortly.