2. digital
  3. 193751-78570

LAIV uDDC Arrived

It’s only been on a few hours and I like it a lot. I was wondering how much benefit I would get, currently using a Zen MK 3 and Denafrips Terminator 2, It’s been a very nice step up sonically and quite noticeable. Very impressed.
 

Soundstage has widened and has more depth. Super quiet black background. Instrument placement and sounds are spot on. Drums are really cracking, Spacial cues are very pronounced, great 3D feel, reverbs trail off longer, harmonized voices are very separated, you can pick out the placements of vocals and instruments.

Very pleased with this purchase. Built like a tank and connections were easy and immediate. 

toneranger58
sns
3,561 posts
 

Two things I don't get. One, not using I2S, so many reviews stating I2S superior to other inputs with the Terminator. Two, not using with Denafrips DDC, specifically Hermes or Gaia, again many reviews stating great synergy with these. With I2S you can run either dac internal clock (async) or DDC clock (sync), both Hermes and Gaia have superior OXCO clocks and power supplies for these clocks.

v-fi
173 posts
 

I would love to see a shootout between the Laiv and one or more of the Denafrips DDC models. Bonus points for adding the Musician Audio Phoenix and Leo which seem all but identical to the Denafrips counterparts.

toneranger58 OP
140 posts
 

Another finding, the DDC really benefits the presentation of the soundstage and inner micro details at a low volume. Really enjoying this relatively modest priced unit. Everything sounds better through it including my CD player. Hope to see some more reviews on this and see if my findings are consistent with others. I know this is all system dependent, my system is Sim Audio Moon 700i Integrated, Focal Sopra 2 speakers, Innuos Zen MK 3, Denafrips T2, Electrocompaniet CD 1 Up, Bluesound Node 2i. 

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