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DAC shopping - Trying to sift through the Hype. Can I trust the reviews these days ??

Hi All,

Well I've been reading a ton of threads about DACs. This is a very complicated endeavor, trying to find a new DAC. My 1st question is: Can I trust all the Youtube reviews these days ?

Seems like everyone is promoting the same DACs. I'm looking into a R2R Dac. Tons of hype for Holo May,Cyan,Laiv Harmony,Denafrips. Are these truly great Dacs or are they just the flavour of the month ?. There is almost zero negativity towards these Dacs. It's kind of like when the Eversolo streamers came out. Seemed like every reviewer was pushing the Eversolo. So searching for a new DAC online almost seems like sponsored ADs everywhere, am I wrong in feeling this way ?

That all being said here is my criteria for a new DAC (Probably searching the used market to get best value)

I believe I want to go with a R2R Dac, but it's not a dealbreaker.

My budget: $1000-$3000

My system: Bryston 3B Cubed, VTL(tube pre),Bel Canto 3.7 Dac(with upgrades), Antipodes Ds-3(player/server).

I really enjoy my Bel Canto 3.7, but it doesn't have USB input and I'm curious how much better a DAC sounds in 2024, compared to an older Bel Canto,. My BC has an upgraded linear supply. Once again this DAC sounds beautiful, but when its not compared to anything......Maybe I'm depriving myself of a better DAC. This is the only DAC I've had with existing equipment.

I know plenty of you will say go audition as many DACs as you can, but that is difficult unless it's hooked up to my gear. Won't help going to a store with a DAC being hooked up to different gear.Plus I want to buy used. I can buy higher end with a bit of a discount.

 

From my research these are the DACs I'm thinking of pursuing:

Laiv Harmony

Denafrips Pontas ii

Holo Cyan

 

You can tell from my choices that I've been buying into the hype.

Please add to my list of DACs and please dispel any extra hype over the most talked about models.

Cheers.

128x128bunkertoy
bunkertoy's avatar
bunkertoy OP
46 posts
 

@jasonbourne71 I'm getting a feeling that the Dacs I mentioned are generic and nothing special. I want a Dac with layering, but with the newer technology. Me thinks that I would have to up the price to get something special. And I do want something special. My Bel Canto is special, just like to be able to compare.

 

@2psyop I only mentioned USB, because my Antipodes has USB out and many claim it's superior to SPDIF. The streamers they make mostly have USB out only. Most high-end streamer/servers are like that. Funny thing is, 10 years ago, everyone was saying too much noise in USB signal.

sns
3,208 posts
 

If you want to believe its only hype than it is. On the other hand, perhaps the reviews are honest opinions.

Agree that I2S superior to usb, I2S native signal path in dac's, and segregated legs for data and clock another advantage. Both the Harmony and Musetec 006 dac's I presently have provide evidence for this advantage.

 

 

stuartk
2,779 posts
 

@bunkertoy 

If you know what sort of presentation you want, it's definitely easier than if your goal is a vague "something better".  If you don't listen to other DACs, how will you discover what you like?  Reviews can be a relevant factor but if you're looking to reviews alone, you may end up disappointed with what you buy.

My 2 cents...

 

 

 

tkrtrb125
306 posts
 

Just pick one, lower tier DACs like these are indistinguishable, I would go with the DAC with the reputation for build quality, and that is not LAiV. 

iseland's avatar
iseland
134 posts
 

I would have to agree with mr JB in this . you are kind of looking at the same DAC in different clothes , and before you have listen ... I guess you get the point!

my friend came by today and had his pontus II 15th ed with him to compare with my soulnote D-2 just for kicks and it was a revelation on how a big difference DACs can do . do not expect a 3k dac to sound the same as a 10k dac or even a 5k . 

I would go for the live harmony , it has a remote !!

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