F-XLR to M-RCA recommendations

@mulveling, fair point - I missed that. That being the case, I think tyray would be better looking at a different DAC. If not, I second your recommendation of using a transformer to convert balanced to single ended. Still, its an awful lot of faffing around for a cheap DAC.

I love how gauging the efficacy of the cables on Amazon came down to them costing too little.  Because yes, you guarantee yourself a much better product and experience just by finding something that costs more.  

Anyway, a DAC with only balanced outputs should be connected to balanced inputs.  If nothing has been purchased yet, I wouldn't be looking at adapters, I would be looking at different gear. 

Still, it’s an awful lot of faffing around for a cheap DAC.

I actually was looking at a more expensive DAC. It was the Laiv Harmony DAC for $2700, but right now and in the near future that’s just to much money for me to allocate for a DAC.

So to my surprise, the logrhythm directed me to this Steve Huff pre-view of the Liav Harmony µDAC, a smaller version of the Laiv Harmony DAC and it pique my interest.

The new $994 R2R DAC from LAIV is making music in the system today. It’s a smaller more compact form factor but uses the same R2R architecture as the full size Harmony. This one is called the Harmony uDAC. This is a super value and is loaded with features and build quality not usually seen at this price. First impressions is that it sounds 90- 95% the same as the larger Harmony for 1/3 the cost. Seems a touch more relaxed vs the full size but these are first impressions that can change. More soon. :)

And when I read -

’This is a super value and is loaded with features and build quality not usually seen at this price. First impressions is that it sounds 90- 95% the same as the larger Harmony for 1/3 the cost.’

That really got my attention. Not to mention that sometimes in audio, some things come around and turn out to be giant killers, for their lesser price.

Anyway, a DAC with only balanced outputs should be connected to balanced inputs.  If nothing has been purchased yet, I wouldn't be looking at adapters, I would be looking at different gear. 

Now I absolutely don’t see anything wrong running the Liav µDAC through my Eversolo DMP-A8. Without the need or expense of adapters or other add ons. As I wrote earlier, I will repeat what also I said in a previous post.

@steakster, thanks for the thoughtful answer/explanation. If I do decide to get the Liav µDAC I’d run it through my Eversolo DMP-A8 XLR input connectors.

And y’all forgive me for going off topic, as I am also interested in from the Harmony line up, the Laiv Harmony µDDC for $849. So I just started to imagine the possibilities...

Thanks to the @OP, I was able to take the opportunity here to bounce ideas on, off and around here, on this post, and learn a thing or two.

@tyray

Not to mention that sometimes in audio, some things come around and turn out to be giant killers, for their lesser price.

For a component as important as a DAC, take your time in deciding. Generally speaking, the best giant-killer opportunities are with pre-owned gear - not low MSRP prices. Low MSRP prices means they’re cutting corners from the get-go.

Much depends on how your future DAC will be used. A desktop computer set-up - or a 2 channel audiophile system - or a home theater.

Currently, it’s a buyer’s market for used audio equipment.* Just submit an offer that you’re comfortable with. A new DAC doesn’t necessarily mean better SQ. My DAC is 10 years old and sounds amazing.

- - -

* When buying used, carefully read the sellers’ feedback about how well previous sales were packaged to prevent damage in shipping.

@steakster

I agree with you here.

For a component as important as a DAC, take your time in deciding.

But I do not agree with your statement here.

Generally speaking, the best giant-killer opportunities are with pre-owned gear - not low MSRP prices. Low MSRP prices means they’re cutting corners from the get-go.

What I have learned in audio is there’s no such thing as ’best’. One dac design today, in the past or even the future is based on the the electrical engineers creativity and skill in getting what and how a unit is to perform.

@snowdog57

This is what I found on youtube Not Just Another DAC: Unveiling the LAiV Harmony µDAC’s Inner Beauty! Dated March 21, 2025 from Vinshine Audio this youtube post states:

’And most importantly the true xlr output, despite the compact size the micro dac is a true balanced r2r ladder dac. What if you wanted to use an rca? No worries at all. The micro dav is designed to be adaptable. You can easily use a xlr to rca adapter or cable with the micro dac without any signal degradation loss. You’re well covered with a balanced output or the traditional single ended out.’

I try to come here to audiogon with an opened mind, to share ideas, to learn and ask questions with a courtesy to others. But sometimes some members have such an absolutist answer to a question as if there statements are the end all to a question asked. And what I’m finding out more and more is those statements are sometimes completely without merit.

I am simply here because I enjoy this audio hobby and I approach it as such, a hobby. And hopefully, although I’m not as well versed in electrical engineering principles as others, I hope it’s ok that I and others too can share ideas and questions here, no matter how rudimentary they are.

@snowdog57

Here’s a newly released youtube review of the Laiv Harmony µDAC dated March 21, 2025 from Steve Huff. I think you will like this also. The LAIV MICRO Harmony DAC Experience! NO COMPETITION EXISTS for this UNDER $1k Super R2R DAC.

@mulveling, your well thought out and gracious posts I’ve had the pleasure of reading over the years and most importantly learning from are always a welcome pleasure for me to read.

I could be wrong, but I suspect Laiv is going to sell a lot of these ’cheap dacs’.