Just about to pull the trigger on Pontus 15th ...

@sls883 @mattw73 

So far, I’ve accumulated 60 hours of listening and 40 hours of power-on time (operating at 104°F), in addition to the 100 hours of factory burn-in. Similar to my previous experience with the Gustard R26, I conducted a group, non-blind listening test comparing the CA MXN10’s internal DAC, the Topping D90 III Discrete, and the Harmony µDAC. All units were connected directly to my Cambridge Audio integrated amplifier, the Azur 851A.

The MXN10, highly praised by Stereophile and rated Class A, was used here as a benchmark. While the MXN10 is capable of audiophile-grade sound, its soundstage is rather flat.

For some music tracks, I switched among the devices every 30 seconds to leverage human short-term (active) memory. For genres like classical music, I listened to entire pieces and took notes throughout. The results were quite straightforward:

1. Between the µDAC and the MXN10, I heard more similarities than differences. There wasn’t much layering in the soundscape.

2. The D90 III Discrete consistently preserved soundstage layering—when present in the recording.

3. Other traits aligned with what I previously described.

It’s important to note that my inability to hear soundstage layering from the µDAC doesn’t mean other reviewers are wrong. Perhaps the µDAC is capable, just not in my setup. The D90 Discrete, on the other hand, renders layering convincingly, making me the happiest audiophile in the world - while also making me wonder, “What the heck, why can’t the µDAC do this?” I had the same expectations—and the same disappointment - with the R26 before.

It is time to let go of another piece of gear and move on.  I’m not sure if a flat fee of $125 spent on this adventure was worthwhile, but at least I had fun.

@lanx0003 Interesting findings.  If you had fun with the testing, it was worth it.  You could spend that much going out to dinner.

It's all about system synergy and personal preference. Hang in there until you find the right fit for you. 

@lanx0003 that's a bummer that the Udac didn't get you were you wanted to be. $125 maybe isn't completely worth the results you gathered but at least now you know. And I do agree with your point that maybe the Laiv will have better results in another system set up. 

I am very familiar with the MXN10. I bought one when they 1st came out & used it steady for a few months. My opinion was that it's internal DAC for the money was enjoyable. It gave me an enjoyable warmish tone but I also understand the flat-ish soundstage you speak of..with the internal dac. 

Playing around this weekend using my sabre & 15th the differences aren't as grand with the 15th & certain components. I wouldn't classify any of them as garbage components..just different from one another. Everything has an affect or makes a difference with the end results..as we already know. 

@sls883 @mattw73  I guess the problems lies in the pickiness I have imposed on the gears and different expectation of the term 'layering.'  In my book the term 'layering' includes the followings: 1) Depth - front-to-back placement of sounds; e.g., vocals close, drums farther back; 2) Height - perceived vertical location, e.g., cymbal/voice sounding higher than bass; 3) Width left / right placement across the soundstage; and 4) Separation - clarity and space between each instrument or sound source.

I could hear the distinct front-to-back sound level differences of instruments through the µDAC—e.g., on tracks from Modern Cool by Patricia Barber. Nevertheless, the edges of notes aren’t as well defined as with the D90, which results in a diminished perception of depth when compared side by side. The µDAC’s presentation tends to be fuzzier and coarser around the edges, filling the space between instruments and masking the sense of separation. 

I went back to some reviews and noticed that most of them described instrument separation and layering as distintive qualities and hence separate aspects.

I guess I just prefer the D90 Discrete’s presentation much more.

Just found a Gustard X26 III in 'very good' condition at a discounted price and fully refundable. This time, I’m taking a safer approach to auditioning. Like you said, paying over $100 in return penalties is questionably worthwhile.

@sls883  I recall you had the U18 DDC, and may I ask you a question? I ordered a used one and hooked it up with the µDAC. The I²S settings on the µDAC were set to be identical with the “Gustard” (1st) mode on U18, but I’m getting static noise. Did you ever encounter something like that? Thanks!