Any conclusions re Gaia-006 vs Gaia-Harmony, ie is the Gaia that special in what it brings to both DACS?
First impressions of new MH-DA006, Musetec flagship
I have received the 006 almost a week ago and have been breaking it in. The price at Shenzhenaudio is $3,900.00 USD, $600 more than the 005. The ad copy states:
"DA006 is a new generation of flagship DAC developed by Musetec over three years and launched in 2024. During this period, it has undergone more than ten revisions and adjustments.
Compared to the previous DA005, the listening experience of DA006 has been improved in all aspects. DA006 has clearer and richer details, a stronger sense of texture, a more stable sound base, better detail control, a wider soundstage, fuller and more powerful, smoother and more natural. . ."
Some brief listening during break in has been very very positive. I will report back when it has run at least 300 hours.
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sns, Thank you for your thoughts and in depth reviews as things evolve. I have owned an 004 for 4 years and have had many other dacs and always keep the 004. It's a great DAC especially at it's price point. I've been looking for a used 005. I have found the I2S input out of my inexpensive Xingcore USB to I2S converter input by my windows Jriver PC to be superior to straight USB to the 004. I Will look into the Gaia but also seeking the 005. Is the 005 a worthwhile step up from the 004? Thanks again for your time and effort with the reviews. |
I’m sure others will chime in as several folks went from 004 to 005. But no question, it is a real step up. The USB to I2S implemantation in the 005 is somewhat different in the 005 and should be better. Different power supply and slightly better clocks, but same Amanero board. As i've written, I have a prefernce for avoiding any use of USB. |
@aw118 pm me or look at usaudiomart ads if you are looking for a used 005. |
@car123 I'd estimate this review is as much about the Gaia as it is about 006. I'd expect a lesser DDC or less optimized I2S interface to bring less to the table so in my mind the Gaia is an absolute necessity to extract maximum potential from 006. For those who may not have or want to spend the kind of money Gaia requires I believe the Denafrips Hermes would give you a large measure of Gaia performance at a savings of around $700. You also don't need to spend crazy money like I did on I2S cable, the $70 cheapo I'm using presently is at least a decent short term solution.
@aw118 I've been through 004-006, 004 was only fodder for modifications for me, I was going to go through the entire regimen of mods over on the Headfi forum thread. Then the 005 came out, forget the 004 mods, 005 was akin to a modded 004 in my mind. The 005 proved to be a keeper, at least as resolving/transparent as 004, and more importantly far more musical. I was never unhappy with 005, never heard a single sin of commission over the years. At issue with me is, historically I live with dacs for perhaps up to three, four years, then get the itch to try something new. My plans were to get the Mola Mola then I believe it was @dbb who first mentioned the 006, went over the tech, no brainer purchase. If I were to offer advice on staying within Musetec family it would be to scrimp and save for the 006 if at all possible, gulf between 006 and 005 greater than 004 to 005.
I still have my 005 and Harmony, both will go out the door, I foresee 006/Gaia combo being my reference for the next several years. And between the Harmony and 005, I'd pick the Harmony with quality I2S interface all day over 005 via usb. 005/Gaia is not something I've tried and not really interested in trying since its leaving me, could be quite nice, however. I can only say really love the Harmony/Gaia solution, I could live with that a good long time |
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