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New Luxman DA-06 doesnt sound so great. Will it get better?

Hi, I recently received a Luxman DA-06 dac (new, gray market Japan import) and it the sound doesnt seem to have any life.  It sounds a bit dull, uninvolving, and just low fidelity.  The best way can explain it is that it sounds like when a phono cartridge has a bad impedance mismatch with a preamp or if the signal gain is too high and it is clipping .  The unit only has less than 15 hours on it.  I wanted to know if this is normal and it would clear itself up or I have received a bad unit.  I have tried it in 2 different systems and it sounds the same. I have tried both outputs, balanced and unbalanced.  I have read this dac requires 100s of hours break in time and I hope the sound improves.  Anyone has any experience with this and could share their thoughts?  I would greatly appreciate it.  
audioman2015
audioman2015 OP
103 posts
 
Wow time goes by fast...  Ive had everything packed up for the last couple of years due to moving around.   For the last year or so Ive just been using my bluetooth headphones - Sennheiser Momentum 3.  They actually sound pretty good for being wireless and it is also a relief to have things be so simple.  

Before you decide on Luxman, I would look at dacs based on AKM dac chips.  The sound is full bodied similar to the old BurrBrown chips but is clearer since they are newer.  
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,684 posts
 
I think the D-06 has withstood the passage of time very gracefully. I bought a D-03X initially, and later got a good deal on a used DA-06. After comparing them for a couple of weeks, the D-03X was returned to the dealer. After all these years, the D-06 still retains top notch quality and can compete head to head with any modern sub $3k DAC.
ryder
1,690 posts
 

I know it’s an old thread but I’m compelled to update this thread. Other than the Japanese unit needing a step down transformer, it can be cables as well particularly the power cord that’s connected to the DAC . The Luxman DA-06 is rather sensitive to power cords and can sound lacklustre or unengaging when used with most common power cords out there. Just make sure you get a good one for it.

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,833 posts
 

ryder

 

Which Power Cord (PC) are you enjoying with your DA-06 ?

 

Happy Listening!

audioman2015 OP
103 posts
 

My DA-06 has been sitting for close to 7 years without use. I need to sell it. Honestly, it sounds terrible when compared to several other dacs that I have acquired over the years.

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