Emm Labs DV2 versus Tambaqui

Very interesting takes... @metaldetektor your posts have been very helpful in particular, but I do appreciate reading almost all posts on this matter.

I was looking for a new reference DAC and wanted something non-ESS based since I presently have the Musetec 005. My short list was as follows

Holo May KTE (R2R)

Denefrips Terminator+ (R2R)

Chord Dave (FPGA)

Mola Mola Tambaqui (FPGA)

I'm awaiting a call about my Tambaqui audition, and went the FPGA route out of both reviews comparing these item's in some context of A vs B, then ultimately choose to go with the Tambaqui do to some reviewer's putting the May = 005 >/= Terminator+.

My thoughts again are that since I have the Musetec 005, the Tambaqui could be the standout given these other DAC's being so close in overall performance.

Could be wrong in my thinking, but the Tambaqui I know needs to run hot and does take some break in, but for the massive jump in cost compared to the competition, I need it to be fairly substantial (like when I got the 005) to my ears given it's price in order to confidently keep it.

Otherwise I might just get the May KTE and spend/save the rest of my money.

I'll post more later, but I plan to A/B the 005 against the Tambaqui, but haven't personally heard the May or Terminator+.

@yyzsantabarbara Well that’s a good idea... I pulled the pin and should have the Tambaqui in house come first week of April.

So I can definitely give you my thoughts on the Musetec 005 vs Tambaqui A/B, and would be cool to have some others A/B different DAC’s listed.

Appreciate the suggestion!

It might take me a little time to really give a good listen (new baby T-minus any day), and I’m told it needs to run hot and get some hours in. But I’ll do my best in giving you my unadulterated subjective, relatively new to Hi-Fi opinion.

Excited none the less.