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Poor man's reference DAC

I am looking for a DAC in the $3000 range to match with my system. I am hoping for a reference DAC that I can later add a transport to once the funds are available. I know this price point is a little light for a reference DAC but it is what I can afford. I was going to buy the Birdland Odeon Ag with reclocker but once you open the door you start to find other items. I am interested in other views so I can start researching these DACs. The newest item I have read about is the Harmonix DAP-777. Very favorable reviews. Anything else out there that I should think about?

I have the following set-up:

Rowland Synergi IIi preamp
Rowland M201 mono amps
Meridian 588 CD player
CAL CL-10 multi disc player
B & W Nautalus 802 speakers
Audio Note Cerulean cables
Audio Magic power conditioners

I listen to vocalists mostly and accustic music. All reply are appreciated.
bryanhod
slingshot
54 posts
 
I just purchased a used Reimyo Harmonix DAP-777 from overseas based upon the review in 6moons. 6moons which reviews the creme de la creme equipment rated it pretty much the equivalent of the Zanden. I have only had it a week. I also just purchased the Marantz SA-14 v2 and I have listening to both units during the past week.

I have used the digital output from the Marantz and then the output from a CAL 2500 using a HT digital cable. Will be buying a balanced digital cable probably a Silversmith which is why I purchased the CAL 2500.

Sounds better than Muse 9 Signature, no slouch for sound quality, the Birdland DAC Lite and the Redbook output from the Marantz. Build quality is tremendous. I believe there is a used one for sale on Audiogon for $2,400. I would buy it before its gone.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,481 posts
 
I read that review in 6moons, found it very interesting.
They claimed the player sounds better than the stand-alone Dac with a transport.
I was going to post a thread on this player asking if anyone has heard it, don't have to now !
Let us know how it sounds as break-in progresses.
slingshot
54 posts
 
RX8man: Yes, I also read that review. Unfortunately I don't have $14,000 to spend on a CD player! I paid $2,250 for the DAC and $850 for the CAL 2500 which was brand new. I figured the DAC is the more important half of the equation. They may come out with a stand alone transport at some time but I imagine it will be very expensive.
dpe
60 posts
 
I just spent the last month listening to every DAC I could get my hands on. I finally went for the Audiomeca Enkianthus. It sounded so nice that the guy who was going to sell me his Accustic Arts transport rescinded after hearing the two together. I thought that the Audio Logic was excellent too, but maybe it was just a tad too laid back, or maybe soft is more definitive. The Reimyo Harmonix DAP-777 was sort of a surprise, which I may have jumped on if I could find a used one.

Like you I listen to acoustical music and voice; mostly acoustical guitar and piano and for those mid to high frequencies I liked the Enkianthus.

You might also check out the Lector DIGICODE as well. I wasn't able to find one in my area. I'm looking for the DIGIDRIVE transport now.
bryanhod OP
211 posts
 
I am really interested in the Reimyo Harmonix DAP-777. It is rare to find one and I am going to look into buying one. I think I can always get a different unit to compare it to from a local dealer but not this one.
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