2. digital
  3. 138060-3787

A DAC that crushes price vs. performance ratio

I felt strongly that I wanted to inform the Gon members about a new DAC that ranks with the very best on the market regarding performance, but costs around $2,000.00.  The Lab12 DAC1 SE was compared to three reference level DACS that retail for over $12.000.00 in my review for hometheaterreview.com and was at least on the same level sonicly, if not better.  This DAC from Greece is not just "good for the money" but competes with virtually anything on the market regardless of price!

For all the details about the Lab12 DAC1 SE performance and what other DACS it was compared to take a look at the review.  If you are shopping/looking for a new digital front end to drive your system, you owe it to yourself to check this DAC out, unless you like to spend tons of more $ without getting better performance.
teajay
auroravengeance's avatar
auroravengeance
135 posts
 

@jjss49 Not sure how the older SE model sounded, but at least after acquiring this Dac1 Reference I no longer have the urge to upgrade my DAC even if I have the money to upgrade to more expensive DACs like for example Weiss DAC-502 MKII. 

But it seems like this DAC is sensitive to cabling though. I suspect those who did not really enjoy this DAC did not explore different cablings. The Oyaide Class S USB I mentioned above seemed to work well with this. 

I also gained performance increase with a decent power cord. I use Real Cable Citrine with this DAC and it seems like a good match. 

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,850 posts
 

Lost me at the chip.

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
640 posts
 

This ref version with the old chips is quite tasty…more lifelike than any other DAC I have heard which isn’t a ton...it is no slouch.

@auroravengeance don’t forget to upgrade the fuse big difference!  QSA yellow, SR purple to name a couple.  I discovered a wonderful Chinese graphene/crystals fuse for a song on Aliexpress if you don’t mind buying from them. As good or better than the QSA yellow to me.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,992 posts
 

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2023/03/12/lab12-dac1-review/?amp

Recent review.  

grey9hound
1,112 posts
 

@auroravengeance 

I have a 1.5 Meter Audioquest Coffee ,  It is a little laid back and Not at all Bright and has a Deep & wide soundstage.
 I have the LAB12 DAC 1 SE, which is GREAT.
My pre is a McIntosh MX151, which is quite laid back. So with the Coffee, in my setup  it can be a little too laid back, but if your system is Bright, it should be PERFECT. LMK I think it might be perfect for your setup.

PM me

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