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?
@agentwja Thanks, I am pretty sure a Merason is in my future. Probably the new Reuss model. |
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.
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@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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@ervikingo thanks for your thoughts on LAiV! Keep running it around 200hrs is usually what DACs require for break in. Could still improve! |
@navyachts it is very neat and so far sounds very well. Wish i had a Lampi on hand to compare @audphile1 that is the plan! really busy week for me so I have not been able to put it through its paces. Of all things that i realize is that it is not fatiguing. I guess I’m saying that the Topping is fatiguing; at least on Filter 7 where I use it. Odd since the changes on filter 7 occur beyond my hearing range. |
