LAIV Harmony


New company with a new product.  There are several "professional" reviews out there, but not much consumer input here or elsewhere.  Those that have been using now for over a month, what are your thoughts?  What were you using previously and how does it compare?

audiostick

I'm with Jason on this one... Resistor drift is a non-issue for modern electronics and should easily expect a ~20+ year lifespan unless there's some serious abuse involved.

 

Drift Calculation for Thin Film Resistors

 

There's much greater precision required in other applications (such as automotive/aerospace applications) and somehow the world still turns:

 

Resistors in aeronautics applications: Meeting the new performance requirements

 

I was seriously considering a MSB DAC and in one of their design videos, they state that their typical product cycle is 7 to 10 years.  I can't imagine they'd expect someone to buy their $100k+ R2R DACs expecting it to sound poorly before they replace it with a new model.

I'm curious if anyone has ever had the opportunity to compare the LAIV Harmony Dac with the new LTA Aero Dac?  

If yes, could you share how they compare sonically?

Thank you and best wishes,

Don

@no_regrets  Michael Lavorgna reviewed both DACs on twitteringmachines.com.  Each review describes his sonic impressions and he makes some comparisons.

@nymarty Thanks for heads-up on twittering machines.  I was unaware.

And another positive review, how about that.  I enjoyed Michael's perspectives on OS vs NOS modes.

@nymarty Thank you for pointing out the twittering machines reviews of both the Laiv Harmony Dac and the LTA Aero Dac.  It was great to read his various comparisons of sound between these two days and well as others.

I've got a lot of money invested in my vinyl rig and lp's.  I have come to the realization that there is a lot of great music yet to be had that cannot be found on vinyl.  And, the sound of digital has come a long ways over the years.

I have been on the look out for a very nice sounding dac that won't break the bank, so to speak.  I personally cannot yet stomach paying over $10,000+ on a dac. So, the Harmony Dac and the LTA Aero seem to be quite attractive to me at least from a price point objective.

It appears (if I am understanding him correctly) that he thought the Harmony does very well up to it's price point, but not really above it's price point.

Based on the writings of Michael, the LTA Aero (although being more expensive than the Harmony) has more developed sonic attributes that are more in-line with what is important to me.  Based on this and the writings of others, I have decided to order a new LTA Aero Dac for myself.  I think it's great that we are living in a time that we have such great products at price points for everybody to enjoy.

Best wishes,

Don