DAC break-in question

Even though we’re not debating (thankfully) the merits of run in, I’ll add my $.02. 

I’m still breaking in my new DAC which I acquired late December (as I haven’t been there that much). I couldn’t resist listening to it and my first thoughts were I may have made a very expensive mistake. It was smooth, but dynamically constrained and the soundstage not better than what i had. But I gave it a couple of weeks and it is now coming to life and the difference from out of the box is stunning. A magnitude of difference significantly greater than any component upgrade I’ve made. 

@signaforce 

A T+A SDV 3100 HV. It’s spectacular now and I’m thrilled. And, pretty sure it’s going to get even better with more time. 

@curiousjim 

Thanks much! White I don’t have the audiophile vernacular down, I can honestly say it’s the best I’ve heard with resolution, smoothness and musicality that just seems “right”.  

I had previously auditioned the Linn Klimax DSM3 and Ideon Absolute (clock and streamer), and DCS. 

The T+A was a good choice for me because I already had their DAC 200 and liked its very much (and I had auditioned a LOT of DACs before I purchased that unit about 18 months ago). I think the DAC 200 is a bargain for the performance it offers. The SDV is more of everything that I liked. More resolution, yet more natural too, whether PCM or DSD.

Thanks to Juan @blisshifi. I purchased both units from him. One of the good guys.

I’m moving the DAC 200 to a cabin system where I’m also building a new analog front end going into a tube preamp. Yeah - I recognize how lucky and spoiled I am.

@curiousjim 

I have not. Before I purchased the DAC 200, I considered the Holo May KTE and based on reviews, but that seemed a risky bet to me. I was able to audition the DAC 200 in home extensively prior to purchase. 

The closest I’ve come is listening to DCS Bartok and Rossini ring DACs given their topology is hybrid R2R. But I don’t think anyone here would suggest they sound like a traditional resistor ladder DAC and they weren’t my cup of tea, so to speak. 

Sorry I can’t be more help on that front.