Back to the DAC
Just a bit of an update. When I inquired about a DAC upgrade in a recent post, it was suggested that I look at upgrading my cables first. Since then, I have done so (see my virtual system for that). Not over the top stuff, but a definite improvement over the mostly stock, generic cables I originally had.
System is sounding pretty darn good, but like most of us, you always wonder what a more expensive DAC will offer in the way of sound quality improvements.
Many of the recommended, higher priced DACs seem to include streamers and/or offer pre-amp capabilities. I have a good streamer and pre-amp and really don’t want all those components in one box.
Have any of you experienced a DAC which offers the sound qualities of highly praised units like the Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Lina, T&A 200, Weiss DAC501, etc. which their only function is a DAC?
I haven’t heard it and I’m sure it’s nice, but the LAiV at first glance looks to me like an 8 pound, half-sized, $1,700 Chinese R2R mini DAC. In a nice case and box. With a $2,700 price tag. Obviously, size doesn’t matter (says the Tambaqui to the Playback Designs and others). And of course almost everything has gotten smaller and cost 35-40% more over the last year or three. So maybe smaller size for higher cost is the new normal. |
@navyachts - could very well be. I’m not sure how the reviewer compensation or accommodation works nowadays. Although chips and DAC tech and architecture are obviously excluded (duh), my observation was more of a frustration with mini products with higher prices in this inflation-driven world. And a disclosure - aesthetically, I just prefer standard 17"-19" components in my main system|rack. I have and love a Musetec DA-005 with lots of power supply regulation. It is a delta/sigma ES9038 Pro based DAC and weighs almost 25 pounds. So it could kick any 8 pound, half width DAC’s butt !! LOL ☺ |
@navyachts - Congrats on your decision. I've heard it said that too many focus on design differences of sigma delta modulation, R2R converters, chips and FPGAs, etc. But probably more important is the implementation, and the design of the power supplies, the clocks, and the analog output stage. I'm sure you will be thrilled with the Bricasti !! Now you can focus on finding the right power cord, fuses, and isolation devices. 😆 |
@klh007 - I was actually mostly just tongue-in-cheek on the comment about cords and fuses. Especially after all of the analysis and shopping for the actual DAC purchase. Kind of "you just THOUGHT you were done..." :) Although they both can make small differences. Happy weekend everybody. |
