Pontus II lacks true NOS mode, while the Cyan 2 operates exclusively in NOS. It seems the Laiv is a well-rounded DAC option for a 'purist' but also want to have an option of filtering for some genres of music.
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.
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Yep, all dacs sound the same, all cables sound the same, all amps sound the same, all preamps sound the same, usb is the best interface, on and on with all the audio myths. Huge difference in sq, huge difference in chips/non-chip dacs (I only get fpga based dacs), and usb is the worst interface to a dac. If it was so good, why the hundreds of reclockers, cable splitting the power/data runs, femto clocks, offramp devices, on and on. The better streamers/dacs don’t even have usb, my streamer doesn’t. Remember the special interfaces between cd/sacd players and their preamps? Look at Esoteric products, they use i2s. 99% of audio people will never try/audition i2s or Ethernet interfaces because the cheaper dacs don’t include them. So before anybody has an opinion on i2s or Ethernet, verify that they has actually used this or disqualify it right away. My dac includes all interfaces and I have tested usb vs Ethernet vs i2s. Last place is usb, second place is Ethernet and 1st place is i2s. |
For accuracy, I have an RME ADI FS 2. It has USB, Toslink, and coax inputs. Among the half dozen digital filters is NOS. And a five-band parametric equalizer if you are into that.
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@bunkertoy going slightly in a different direction from some responses here, I’d share your BelCanto 3.7 is quite nice as-is. You might have to spend quite a bit more $ than some of the lower cost R2R dacs mentioned to beat what you have now = which is known to be smooth sounding dac with nice presentation. Having also tried some of the lower cost R2Rs myself just for fun, and compared against my own prior dacs. designed and built around that exact same BB TI/PM1792 chipset, I enjoyed those dacs too. If you have a chance, go for a top shelf R2R true resistor ladder dacs to make it a more helpful and compelling comparison, ime. Interested to see what you end up trying, testing, comparing if you do proceed. If not, enjoy what you have now which is very nice too |
@gryphongryph As I mentioned in my earlier post, I am really interested in the Audial DAC S5b. When you get it, please let me know how you like it and what qualities it has. It is a real intriguing DAC. I'm sort of stuck until I get something sold. @bunkertoy I know you are getting a bunch of suggestions. Just remember to look at all of the specs on them. Some don't do DSD. Some do not oversample (if that is something you want). Some don't have many digital inputs. I am pretty much committed for my new DAC to have an i2s input so I can use the DDC to the full potential. Some DACs use i2s as their native language so it would seem to make sense to use that input if it is available. Right now, for me, it is basically looking like either the Pontus 15th or the Audial DAC S5b although some others merit consideration such as the refurbished PS Audio Direct Stream or the Audio-gd R-7HE Mk 2 or 3. Also if a used La Scala showed up at a good price or a Holo May, I would jump at those. Anyhow, I still suggest you try a DDC first and possibly save yourself a bunch of money if you think your DAC is good but want to try different inputs. |
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