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Back to the DAC

Just a bit of an update. When I inquired about a DAC upgrade in a recent post, it was suggested that I look at upgrading my cables first. Since then, I have done so (see my virtual system for that). Not over the top stuff, but a definite improvement over the mostly stock, generic cables I originally had.

System is sounding pretty darn good, but like most of us, you always wonder what a more expensive DAC will offer in the way of sound quality improvements.

Many of the recommended, higher priced DACs seem to include streamers and/or offer pre-amp capabilities. I have a good streamer and pre-amp and really don’t want all those components in one box.

Have any of you experienced a DAC which offers the sound qualities of highly praised units like the Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Lina, T&A 200, Weiss DAC501, etc. which their only function is a DAC?

navyachts
navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@mclinnguy That should have read "VAC" has sucked my dry, lol! Honestly though, I didn't ever think I would be springing for a DAC that cost more than my amp & pre-amp combined.

@agentwja thanks for the tip on the Merason Frerot DAC. There is the MF DAC: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb9bi0-merason-frerot-dac-d-a-converter-pow1-lps-63219-da-converters?refsource=hifishark

and then there is the Merason DAC1:

: https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650096273-merason-dac-1-mk1/

It would be the later here that I think I would consider. Thanks

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
791 posts
 

Honestly though, I didn't ever think I would be springing for a DAC that cost more than my amp & pre-amp combined.

I will always remember what my Linn dealer said 20+ years ago:  $5000 sources with $500 amplifiers always sounded better than the $500 sources with $5000 amplifiers. Sources then meaning vinyl and cd spinners. 

zlone
958 posts
 

I bought a second  hand Merason Frerot DAC with the external power supply over a year ago ( @ Zlone I would recommend it) and I am truly enjoying the detail and sound stage I never knew existed. 
 

@agentwja Thanks, I am pretty sure a Merason is in my future. Probably the new Reuss model.

ervikingo
192 posts
 

Well, my LAiV was delivered last night.  Initial impressions:

- beautiful packaging and attention to details

- unit looks and feels great.  Remote is on another level

- played P Gabriel on DSD (i2s) set on NOS mode and compared a/b to the topping (on filter 7).  Less sibilance, soundstage feels wider with better separation.  Bass and mids are deep; no sibilance

- CD's and Stream (Pros and Cons/R Waters, Lord Zuthula - Dean Peer, Eye in the Sky - Alan Parsons, Regret #9 - Steve Wilson, Also Sprach Zarathustra - Eumir Deodato Trio Live,Chan Chan - Buena Vista Social Club and Birds by Dominique Fils-Aime).

Compared LAiV v Topping D90SE v Sony ES Modwright v Oppo Modwright v Theta DS Pro Gen V.

The Sony, Oppo and Theta sound similar; clean yet not sterile

The Topping is fast narrow soundstage some sibilance

LAiV good lows, wide and clear mids sparkling highs with no excessive sibilance.   Listening to acoustic guitars and wind instruments, it is clean and enjoyable.

No listening fatigue!

All in all, I like it very much.  This were a couple/three hours. More to come.

 

navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@ervikingo Thanks for sharing, sounds like a steal! It will be interesting to see how others like this DAC as more people get a hold of it. The reviews have been stunning so far.

 

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