LAIV Harmony

I have had mine for weeks now (edti, received and put into use on 5/14/24). On my system it competes with my older high end dacs (Theta Gen V; Lexicon, ES) and my newer ChiFi DAC (D90SE).

I really like it. Very quiet and sounds great. Have used in in NOS mode quite a bit and OS for a week or so. Whilst I seem to prefer NOS, in any setting it sounds great, noise is lower than the others and (i know subjective) it sounds more musical than the Topping.

I find myself listening to music longer without fatigue. Also at a higher SPL.

It is a good looking piece also and remote its superb.

I say, give it a try. I could have bought any and my budget for a new DAC was up to $15K. I decided to try the LAiV since I wanted to try a ladder type. No complaints from me. It has become the DAC on input #1 on my PreAmp!

Dear friends,

I am Weng Fai, founder of LAiV Audio based in Singapore. Thank you @audiostick  for creating this thread on one of the largest forums in the US!

We’ve got some great news about the LAiV Harmony DAC! Our team has been working hard to ensure everything is perfect, and we’re excited to share where we’re at.

Current Status:

• Production: The DAC(s) are currently in the final stages of production.
• Quality Assurance: Each unit is undergoing rigorous testing to ensure it delivers the superior sound quality and reliability you expect from LAiV.
• Estimated Shipping Date: We’re shipping out orders as we speak! Backorders are currently being fulfilled. If you’ve placed an order with us, you’ll be receiving your tracking information very soon!

We appreciate your patience and understanding. Trust us, the wait will be worth it—the LAiV Harmony DAC is going to take your audio experience to the next level.

Thanks for hanging in there with us!

Best regards,
Weng Fai
Founder, LAiV Audio

My biggest concern is the lack of a volume control.  What is the recommended way to remotely adjust the volume without altering the sound signature of the DAC?

Get a Benchmark preamp.

@koestner Thanks for sharing your success story.  A 4 day delivery on the replacement board is indeed impressive.  I agree, I would much rather perform the repair myself than wait months for the unit to be repaired and returned.

@ervikingo Appreciate your input as you have owned quite the array of DACs in the past.  The "non-fatigue" factor is why I'm leaning R2R as well.

Keep us posted on your impressions as you put hours on your DACs.  Thanks!