LAIV Harmony

@pynkfloydd You got me to thinking about my power cables and it just came into my mind I can change bass output with my pc recipes (been a while since I had need to build one). I generally use Take Five Audio cryo'd silver plated copper on neutrals, I can change bass output by changing out number of runs and/or gauge, can also do this to some extent with number or runs on hot with the VH Audio AirLock, further adjustments also possible with gauge of ground wire.

Quite sure I can get the bass in proper tonal balance with rest of frequency spectrum with some adjustments here. Thanks for knocking on my brain door!

Extremely unlikely power cables, any cables or my modified BPT 3.5 Signature power conditioner at fault.

You got me to thinking about my power cables and it just came into my mind I can change bass output with my pc recipes (been a while since I had need to build one). I generally use Take Five Audio cryo'd silver plated copper on neutrals, I can change bass output by changing out number of runs and/or gauge, can also do this to some extent with number or runs on hot with the VH Audio AirLock, further adjustments also possible with gauge of ground wire.

 

Quite sure I can get the bass in proper tonal balance with rest of frequency spectrum with some adjustments here. Thanks for knocking on my brain door!

No problem!  I think you've hit the nail on the head...  Maybe not a "fault" as much as a tweak.

Interested in hearing your impressions after further experimenting!  Amongst my worst combo (aside from a few bad cables) included Furutech's gold plugs and reminded me of the same negatives you've highlighted.

I reported above that the input stage of my LAiV Harmony Dac died. After I reported the problem, I had a response in a matter of hours that a new board would be sent to me. It arrived by FedEx along with a ground strap, white gloves, new screws and a new warranty sticker in about three days. Half an hour to install following a YouTube video with installation instructions and the problem was solved.

LAiV wanted the old board back. I took it to UPS and they wanted $115.00 to send the old board back (maybe six ounces). I then went to the US post office and it cost $14.00 to send it back.

I asked why the failure and was told that a board supplier had sent an initial batch of boards with a latent defect and there hasn't been a problem since.

StandardModel

@standardmodel This is how it should be done.  I hope American manufacturers are taking notice.  I’m still miffed about the lack of communication from a certain California/ Texas based company.  I had to return not one, but two of their flagship products for the same defect.  Technical Service had no response, and days later, Customer Service asked if I wanted a refund or if I wanted to try again (?!)

Yes, should have fine backing and service with Vinshine. Also, not unheard of for runs of certain parts to be defective, mass production here. Modular design of Harmony makes repairs easy, just as @standardmodel found. Before judging reliability let the things live in field for at least a while.

So, finally inserted Musetec 006 into system, I have to say the 006 lives in different realm from my Musetec 005 and Harmony.  Resolution/transparency on a scale above. Still, I'd easily choose Harmony over 005, Harmony has a more relaxed presentation in NOS mode than either of the Sabre chip dacs. 00l6 DEMANDS attention, Harmony lets you choose. Presentations are important for source components, many will choose the relaxed over the hyper detailed, in any case Harmony doesn't lack detail as it can easily draw you in. Harmony still a  very nice dac in my book.

Now I saw an interesting take on youtube the other day, face off between Harmony and MSB (can't recall the model), Harmony didn't embarrass itself against this far more expensive dac. They preferred the Harmony with Aurender via USB vs Hifi  Rose via I2S.