2. digital
  3. 138060-3787

A DAC that crushes price vs. performance ratio

I felt strongly that I wanted to inform the Gon members about a new DAC that ranks with the very best on the market regarding performance, but costs around $2,000.00.  The Lab12 DAC1 SE was compared to three reference level DACS that retail for over $12.000.00 in my review for hometheaterreview.com and was at least on the same level sonicly, if not better.  This DAC from Greece is not just "good for the money" but competes with virtually anything on the market regardless of price!

For all the details about the Lab12 DAC1 SE performance and what other DACS it was compared to take a look at the review.  If you are shopping/looking for a new digital front end to drive your system, you owe it to yourself to check this DAC out, unless you like to spend tons of more $ without getting better performance.
teajay

Showing 5 responses by shkong78

shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
@ lordcloud

I am also curious about it.

My impression from the reviews is that Terminator has better scale and dynamics and Lab12 has more nuance like vinyl.

I placed an order for Lab12 two days ago but it is on 8 weeks wait.

It must be pretty popular or they can not manufacture enough or both.


Thomas
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
@solo8008 

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/lite-dac-83-versus-audio-gd-ref-7-8-9.513759/

It is interesting.

Good things are coming from China.

If I were reviewer, I would have a chance to audition GD 7,8 

 I am curious how do they sound.


shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
@ srosenberg

Nice and detailed review!

I also plan to do tube rolling and put SR blue fuse in it.

I placed an order for Lab12 3 days ago but I have to wait 8 weeks to get it.



Are you still in Oregon or had left for Vietnam?

I hope that you enjoy your stay in Vietnam.


I am living in Northwest of Washington State, midway between Seattle and Vancouver, BC.


Thomas



shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
@srosenberg

Enjoy your stay in Vietnam!

How long will you stay over there?

I have a beautiful view of Sound and Bay also Olympic Mountains from my home.

I may live here until I die especially I have a beautiful listening space here.

@lordcloud

My EMMLab Dac2 has balanced output which was one of the best Dac 8 years ago.

After inserting SR Blue fuse in it, it sounds more fantastic with lot of details, nice timber, wide and deep soundstage.

I have to wait 8 weeks to get Lab12, But it will be tough battle between those two excellent Dac.

I guess that EMM will have more weight and Lab 12 may be more nuanced.

One of them will have to go!


I also considered getting Total Dac MK2 tube version.

But Dac keep improving every year with new technology.

So I decided upon trying out Lab12 since it will cost me less even if I decide to sell Lab 12 after losing battle to EMMLab Dac2.

At this point, I am not sure which one of Dac will sound better in my system.


shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
@celander

I had talked with the owner of Rogue Audio who makes excellent product at reasonable price.

He know that some NOS tubes provide much better performance but could not provide those as stock tube with limited price of product.

Thus it is upto each customer to try out NOS tube.

It is same with high end fuse.
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