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Just about to pull the trigger on Pontus 15th ...

This came up 12 hours ago... I like the small form factor but wonder if the sound quality can measure up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUv-Tb87y8Y

 

lanx0003
lanx0003 OP
1,199 posts
 

@mattw73 That is exactly the outcome I expected. The Pontus 15th is essentially a scaled-down Venus 12th and is supposed to be top-notch, as several reviewers have raved about. The value proposition is strong—gear of that caliber would easily cost several grand if designed and manufactured here in the U.S. You certainly described the sound nicely.

Good news for you—if you're wondering where the 15th stands: A British Audiophile actually did the homework for everyone. He placed the Pontus 15th above the Gustard R26, Harmony DAC, and Holo Cyan 2, and rated it 'Outstanding'—his highest recommendation. He's one of the few 'trustworthy' reviewers I consistently follow for reliable information.  I don't believe any Topping Dac could compete with it.  The highly raved everSolo A8's internal Dac sounds flat image wise. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-BtA2XPiRU&t=532s

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,422 posts
 

I too wonder how the 15th compares to the original Pontus II (which I own). Hard to say if it would be worthwhile to move up to the 15th or go directly to the Venus.

lanx0003 OP
1,199 posts
 

@ozzy62  I guess none of the Audiogoners here are able to address this good question, but Tarun, A British Audiophile, is one of the reviewers who closely traces the evolution of the Pontus and Venus DACs and could possibly offer some insights (see his first three videos). WaveTheory also provides some useful comparisons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-BtA2XPiRU&t=805s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA9GD7arBlw&t=173s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zw4l69HCA0&t=605s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PBnl5Jqwi4

@sls883 @mattw73 

I finally pulled the trigger on the µDAC. Right out of the box, it sounds pretty good. According to Harmony, the unit underwent a 100-hour powered-on test at the factory.  Soundstage is quite expansive—wider and taller (actually taller than any DAC I’ve heard, including the R26)—compared to the D90. Depth and layering are similar between the two.

The biggest contrast between these DACs is that the D90 offers pinpoint focus and finely outlined edges, leaving more distinctive space between instruments. In contrast, the µDAC, like other R2R DACs, has softer edges and a sound that fills in the space more naturally. When listened to in isolation, both DACs offer well-defined instrument separation.

Secondly, the µDAC’s midrange is richer and more seductive than that of the D90. Thirdly, I hear more micro-detail from the D90. Lastly, the µDAC has more bass presence, though it’s relatively softer and bolder, whereas the D90’s bass is more controlled and articulate.

Both DACs are in the same league—just as iiWi has noted in his review—but they present music differently. I like both. However, for classical music, I prefer the D90 slightly, primarily because it outlines notes better and offers greater instrument clarity and precise imaging.

Harmony also mentioned that many customers report further sonic improvement after about 200 hours of actual use. I suppose time will tell the µDAC’s ultimate capabilities. For now, I still notice a bit of harshness in poorly recorded tracks and hope it will smooth out over time. 

One thing that is sort of negative but completely normal is that the µDAC runs warmer than most DAC, sespecially chip-based ones, due to its discrete R-2R architecture and fully Class A analog output stage. I think the warmth is also attributable to its compact size and lack of heat sink.  According to Harmony, as long as it’s touchable and has space for ventilation, it’s well within safe operating limits and there’s no cause for concern.  Nevertheless, I am just concerned about the heat that will dry out the cap. more quickly over time.

sls883
778 posts
 

@lanx0003 Congrats on the purchase.  Thanks for the very descriptive write up.  

Do you intend to try a clock or alternative power supply?  

lanx0003 OP
1,199 posts
 

@sls883 

The plan for the clock will depend on whether I purchase the Gustard. At this point, I'm leaning toward the X30. The X26 III is only marginally better than the D90 III Discrete, which I've kept for my second system. The µDAC is still under evaluation while it is breaking in, but the more I listen, the more its muddier mid-to-low registers become less appealing. While the µDAC does have a rich midrange, I keep returning to the D90’s clean presentation. Also, I’m becoming less tolerant of the heat it generates.

X30 does not have that mid-low registers congestion I was referring above, I believe.

I’ve been watching the X30 for a while, but the price hasn’t dropped during the last two major holidays. I’ll probably wait until the end of this year to make a decision.

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