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
carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,709 posts
 

Lost me at the chip.

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
632 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
3,947 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

auroravengeance's avatar
auroravengeance
135 posts
 

@grey9hound 

Very happy with my Oyaide Class S and I prefer a slight bright presentation because I do listen to orchestral and metal. 

I am close to acquire a brand new Integre4 MKII, I think it would be a killer combo. I've heard the Lab12 Dac1 with Lab12 Pre1 and Suara, don't think anything else comes close to it at their price point. 

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