LAIV Harmony

My now 4+ yo Audio Alchemy DDP-1 (DAC/Pre) + AA PS 5 optional outboard power supply upgrade still serves me well, allowing me to easily discern changes to my set up, as it has over the last few days after adding VeraFi Black Hole isolation devices. IMHO, I think they would get a lot more buyers if they incorporated a highly pe-amp in it

@tweak1 
I believe they have a preamp on the way. The design is compartmentalized better for internal RF interference like separates in one box. If their preamp is as good as the DAC this company could really be interesting, I could spend a lot less on components that are beyond the threshold of hearing and a lot more on speakers. We may be getting to the point like retna displays that have more resolution than your eye does for your ears.

One size does not fit all. My favorite component is my line stage. I greatly prefer a hot-rodded DAC that possibly sounds slightly superior along with not paying a premium for features I will not be utilizing. I very well could be in the minority with this perspective I realize.

I will be upgrading my DAC in the very near future and have narrowed it down to the Harmony and the T&A Dac 200. I wish T&A would offer a stripped-down version, and for the reasons listed I probably will purchase the Harmony.

  Best for all

      LP

My update ~2 days in... 

Had to make some adjustments, but it's sounding really good.  Easily the best value DAC for the money.

• How it sounds so far:  Best I can describe is that no particular frequency stands out for me, everything has an excellent balance to it.  It doesn't have the hard edges from the ESS DACs that give a bit more 'definition' to vocal placement for my MBLs, but it also makes it much easier to listen to.  Imaging extends well beyond the room and no particular complaints.  Undecided on NOS/OS and phase, but left it on OS and positive phase for now.
• Initial Issues: 
  • Forwardness - I've seemed to tame this with some tweaking or, perhaps, my ears have adjusted. 
  • Stuttering / Dropouts - Seems to have been caused by my router (Netgear RS700s) which is in its infancy and buggy.
  • Unresponsive Remote - Reinstalling the battery and flipping the triangle/square selector a few times seems to have resolved this.
• Will I keep it?  Yeah, I think so.  Barring any issues, it's a great all-around DAC for my needs.  Rocka is coming out with the new MKII version of their Wavedream Signature and I anticipate Holo and MSB will follow with updates so I'll keep an eye out and possibly consider/audition in the future, but the Laiv Harmony will hold me over for a while (and be great in my spare systems if/when I upgrade).

Here's a pic of the Harmony in its new home, but please excuse the cable mess:

@pynkfloydd 

I thought exactly the same thing having a little DAC around is a great utility I think I’ll eventually put it into my video editing system until I find my tube DAC.

I connected the Harmony DAC to ch 1 (I2S ) and my PSA MK 2 (AES) to to ch 2 on my Boulder preamp so I could go back and fourth instantly, there was less difference than I thought when evaluating the Harmony this way. I did like the slightly more analytical presentation of the Harmony better.