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Laiv Audio µDAC + µDDR — Exceptional Early Performance

I’ve only had the Laiv Audio Harmony µDAC and µDDR in my system for a few days, but I’m already confident in saying these are among the most impressive digital components I’ve heard—at any price.

My setup has seen a few strong contenders over the years, including the Auralic Vega S1 and the Denafrips Venus. Both are excellent DACs, but to my ears, the Laiv combo offers a better overall balance of clarity, tone, and engagement. The sound is clean and dynamic, with exceptional imaging and natural timbre—without any of the glare or fatigue some digital gear can introduce.

I’m feeding the µDDR (Laiv’s USB-to-I2S digital-to-digital converter) from a Bluesound Node X via USB, then running I2S into the µDAC. Both units are powered by LHY LPS25VA linear power supplies (5V for the DDC, 15V for the DAC). The front end is plugged into a Puritan PSM156, which I believe plays a big role in the black backgrounds and effortless microdetail I’m hearing.

But what really sets this combo apart is the value. The performance-to-cost ratio is almost absurd. You’re getting a discrete R2R DAC with high-end refinement, backed by a digital frontend that noticeably elevates the overall presentation. I’ve heard DAC stacks at double or triple the price that didn’t offer this level of musicality, resolution, and coherence.

Even with just a few days of use and limited burn-in, this stack is already outperforming some well-established players in my system. I can only imagine it will get better with time.

Highly recommended to anyone looking for reference-level performance without spending a fortune. Laiv is absolutely one to watch.

papasaws

Showing 1 response by rjvissers

rjvissers
1 posts
 

I have the LAIV Harmony DAC as well as the LAIV µDAC, and µDDC. I also own the LAIV GaNM monoblock power amplifiers and the LAIV HP2A preamp with LExt-IN2 extender. All these LAIV units look and sound exquisite on my various speakers and headphones. All were purchased directly from LAIV Audio.

Both LAIV DACs have the same inputs: USB-B, Optical, Coax, and I2S, but important to note that the µDAC only has one set of XLR outputs (no RCA), whereas the Harmony DAC has a set of XLR and a set of RCA outputs that can be used simultaneously.

Both the LAIV Harmony DAC and the LAIV µDAC have the same R2R ladder components, but a different analogue output section. Both sound excellent. The µDAC sounds slightly warmer and the Harmony DAC slightly more revealing, to my ears.

The µDDC works fine on both DACs, but I found it made a bigger difference on the Harmony DAC so that's where I am using the µDDC. I put a much cheaper (currently $74 on Amazon) S.M.S.L. PO100 PRO DDC on the µDAC (USB-C to Optical) and this works fine for my headphones setup. I think DDCs in general can be helpful when your source is a computer streaming via USB for galvanic isolation and noise reduction.

I feed all my DC gear with LHY or Fiio Linear Power Supplies (very affordable on AliExpress) but that's because I'm OCD. To be honest the DC power supplies ("wall warts") that come as standard with the LAIV µDAC and µDDC sound fine, no issues whatsoever.

For those of you considering LAIV gear, the company is extremely supportive and responsive. I have had many conversations directly with Weng Fai, the owner/founder of the company any time I had questions or concerns. I had some issues with my (very early version) Harmony DAC, and they immediately sent me replacement parts, even with all the tools included, with clear instructions and they kept in touch ensuring that my issues were resolved satisfactorily. Everything works great at this time. I can highly recommend the LAIV brand!

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