Exogal Comet DAC


hi I'm looking for a new dac to replace my Audiomeca Ambrosia.....and my sights are set on the Auralic Vega and Exogal Comet. Not particularly interested in DSD at the moment ( and i had a Chord Qute HD) so i did have a taste of DSD for awhile, but not impressed with the offering so far....but i like what i have read about the Auralic Vega (never heard it) and I like the fact that the new Exogal Comet is made by former Wadia engineers.

so anyone heard the new Exogal yet? impressions?

i like all classical, most jazz, alternative rock (i.e Old REM, ) , grunge (Sound Garden, Nirvana, Pearl Jam) and some world.

thanks in advance

my system:
YBA Signature preamp and amp, reference 3A integral speakers, interconnect and power cabling by Nordost (valhalla and odin), and speaker cables by Hidiamond, Audiomeca Roma Turntable and SB Touch for steaming to DAC...lots of power conditioning by Exactpower, with room treatments and ASI resonators
ie

Showing 4 responses by wscdvm93

Coming in late on this thread but I have the latest version of the Comet with the updated power supply. The power update definitely takes this DAC to a higher level. Huge deep, wide sound stage with very clean space between images. Sounds similar to the previous high-end Wadia DACs in more ways than not. Improvements being extended upper registers with more detail and definitely more authority and extension of the bass. So far competese well with other DACs I have auditioned in the $7,000-$10,000 price range. Was looking for an upgrade to replace the Wadia 27ix for CD playback plus current high-rez formats and this unit with the power upgrade has exceeded my expectations. Very much at home in my system which is relatively large in a large dedicated listening room. Minus the power upgrade, the DAC is commendable but not in the same league as with it. This is a must-audition if researching DACs in <$12,000 range and will likely compete successfully with some of those above.
Why yes it is the old Wadia guys: Larry Jacoby (Vice President of Manufacturing Engineering), Jeff Haagenstad (Chief Executive Officer) and Jim Kinne (Chief Technology Officer). That was what initially drew me to this DAC over the Wadia 321 which obviously is not the fruits of these guys. I am still waiting to hear the 321; anyone out there heard it yet?
The power supply upgrade provides a marked improvement. The longer I have the Comet Plus which includes the power supply upgrade the more I appreciate it. If auditioning/demo-ing" the Comet, make sure it's with it's power upgrade.
Would you comment on how they compared/your overall impressions regarding soundstage width and depth, imaging, space/air between images, midrange character and palpability, treble presence and detail, and overall presentation of the musical experience?