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Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC

Some history: I was the OP on a four year old thread about the Chinese LKS MH-DA004 DAC. It achieved an underground buzz. The open architecture of its predecessor MH-DA003 made it the object of a lot of user mods, usually to its analog section, rolling op amps or replacing with discrete. The MH-DA004 with its new ESS chips and JFET analog section was called better then the modified older units. It has two ES9038pro DAC chips deliberately run warm, massive power supply, powered Amanero USB board, JFET section, 3 Crystek femtosecond clocks, Mundorf caps, Cardas connectors, etc., for about $1500. For this vinyl guy any reservation about ESS chips was resolved by the LKS implimentaion, but their revelation of detail was preserved, something that a listener to classic music especially appreciated. I made a list of DACs (many far more expensive) it was compared favorably to in forums. Modifications continued, now to clocks and caps. Components built to a price can be improved by costlier parts and the modifiers wrote glowingly of the SQ they achieved.

Meanwhile, during the 4 years after release of the MH-DA004, LKS (now Musetec) worked on the new MH-DA005 design, also with a pair of ES9038pro chips. This time he used more of the best components available. One torroidal transformer has silver plated copper. Also banks of super capacitors that act like batteries, solid silver hookup wire, 4 femtoclocks each costing multiples of the Crysteks, a revised Amanero board, more of the best European caps and a new partitioned case. I can't say cost NO object, but costs well beyond. A higher price, of course. Details at http://www.mu-sound.com/DA005-detail.html

The question, surely, is: How does it sound? I'm only going to answer indirectly for the moment. I thought that the MH-DA004 was to be my last DAC, or at least for a very long time. I was persuaded to part with my $$ by research, and by satisfaction with the MH-DA004. Frankly, I have been overwhelmed by the improvement; just didn't think it was possible. Fluidity, clarity, bass extension. A post to another board summed it up better than I can after listening to piano trios: "I have probably attended hundreds of classical concerts (both orchestral and chamber) in my life. I know what live sounds like in a good and bad seat and in a good and mediocre hall. All I can say is HOLY CRAP, this sounds like the real thing from a good seat in a good hall. Not an approximation of reality, but reality."

melm

Showing 5 responses by balja

balja
5 posts
 

I want to greet all the owners of 005. I've been listening to my Musetec since Christmas. Any change can be heard with it, such as the effect of silver-plated or copper power cables on cold or warm exposure. I got used to the fact that the sound of individual instruments overlap, while it is rich and detailed. I power my set via a 3,2kW isolating transformer with filters. I want to share my new experience with the power filter. 005 itself does not have a filter and it is possible that it has a reason. Out of curiosity, I made an experiment and temporarily connected the power filter to the power supply. For the first time it was Schaffner FN261-2-06 (+ 3.15A ceramic fuse). I did not notice any improvement or deterioration. The second time I tried the mains filter Schaffner FN 9260-1-06 (+ 2x fuse F 2.5A inside twisted wire). In this case, there has been a great separation and refinement of the individual tools, and more air has been added between the tools and there is no overlap at all. I had to add in volume. I don't want to rate what is better, but at the moment I prefer to listen with a filter. It's an interesting experience that I want to share with you and since there are a lot of types of power filters, fuses and also different sets, there will be a lot of solutions with different results :-) If someone likes holographic placement, this is the way to go. Curious be careful - dangerous tension! Jan

 

balja
5 posts
 

Has anyone tried to connect a Schaffner filter (FN9260-1-06) to the power cable for 005? In my system, a big improvement in the image of the stage and I finally hear what the real recording sounds like. It is not expensive and the production of a short reduction is simple. Someone try it to confirm it. By the way, I also replaced the original power cord with a silver "Supra".

balja
5 posts
 

Filters for higher current do not have damping properties like filters with lower current load. I can't comment on other types than the FN9260. Great benefit... and I have not experienced any loss. My filter will be built right into the 005 when the warranty runs out.

balja
5 posts
 

After the publication of information that some of the parameters stated by the manufacturer for the MH DA005 do not match the measurements, there was talk of possible compensation from the manufacturer. It pleased me at the time, is there anything new? Was this information true? Alternatively, what is the manufacturer's current official position on this inconvenience?

balja
5 posts
 

I was inspired by the previous posts and lately I've been testing different DIY USB cables (D+ , D- , GND, without power wire + / like RG316 ). I connect DIY cables between SMS200 and DA007. The results are better than with the original USB cable from Musetec, which I already put away. What is the difference? In general, the sound is cleaner, more detailed, more precise and more dynamic, e.g. the reverberation is longer, more details when the fingers move on the strings, the onset of the instrument is more vigorous, with the characteristics of silver wires, etc. Unfortunately, I don't have the possibility to compare with expensive USB cables. Can someone describe your experience comparing the original USB cable from Musetec vs. any premium from the store? The improvement is not as drastic as, for example, when inserting a power line filter into the DA007 power supply.

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