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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
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 It sounded so nice that the guy who was going to sell me his Accustic Arts transport rescinded after hearing the two together.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.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,481 posts
 
Good luck Bryanhod,
You might need it, the only way you'll get lucky is if a dealer has a demo or one from a show.
A used one from a consumer might be a while, they're still pretty new and unheard of (I could be wrong though)
I'm gonna be patient and look for a used Bidat to get a handle on it's sonic character and see how it stacks up against my Audio Logic with a nice tube compliment.
keith_316
18 posts
 
HI,

I have been asked a few questions now about the April Music Stello DA220 DAC......here is the link for stores that sell it in the US. AIsip posted a response to the review of this product, and I can honestly say that the review is dead on....I have first hand experience with the product, and its only a matter of time before the days pass and I get one for my B-day. any way, this dac is well worth listening to.......

http://www.aprilmusic.com/distributors.htm
bryanhod OP
211 posts
 
I have recieved a demo Reimyo DAP-777 and it is fantastic. My highest recommendation and worth a try to anyone researching this product. The documentation often states Anarog instead of Analog, very funny to us English speaking Audiophiles but the product is top nothc. It is always satisfying when you take a risk and it is better than you could hope for. This unit removes all remnants of any digital sound I used to hear. My system is now remarkably detailed but with warmth I thought could only come from tubes.
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