A DAC that crushes price vs. performance ratio

@oddiofyl 

Yes, it's a lot more comfortable listening to this Lab12 Dac1 Reference compared to my previous Musician Pegasus. 

I've compared it to Weiss DAC 502 and MSB Discrete and I don't feel the Dac1 loses out to them. It does not do DSD and does not have pre-amp, but who cares. 

@tksteingraber 

I did not change the tubes in my DAC. 

But last time I used a Furutech ADL USB cable to connect my desktop to the USB input of the DAC and did find it a tad too bright. I then connected my desktop to a Singxer SU1 DDC and used it to connect to the coaxial input of the DAC, the sound was decidedly more pleasing and less bright. 

I bought an Oyaide Neo Class S USB cable, tested it both direct USB and with the Singxer. The Oyaide sounded really good with direct USB, smooth, just a touch brighter than with DDC/Coaxial but with better soundstage and imaging. Ditched the Singxer and used only USB cable now. So, the quality of the USB cable did matter in my case. 

@jjss49 Not sure how the older SE model sounded, but at least after acquiring this Dac1 Reference I no longer have the urge to upgrade my DAC even if I have the money to upgrade to more expensive DACs like for example Weiss DAC-502 MKII. 

But it seems like this DAC is sensitive to cabling though. I suspect those who did not really enjoy this DAC did not explore different cablings. The Oyaide Class S USB I mentioned above seemed to work well with this. 

I also gained performance increase with a decent power cord. I use Real Cable Citrine with this DAC and it seems like a good match. 

@grey9hound 

Very happy with my Oyaide Class S and I prefer a slight bright presentation because I do listen to orchestral and metal. 

I am close to acquire a brand new Integre4 MKII, I think it would be a killer combo. I've heard the Lab12 Dac1 with Lab12 Pre1 and Suara, don't think anything else comes close to it at their price point.