musician aquarius r2r dac any good?

@viethluu 

It probably needs additional hours of use. But I understand, the DAC has to satisfy you, not me.😀

Charles

@viethluu 

The mid-range of the Aquarius is definitely better than the Hugo2. Much more focus and clearly defined vocal. The Chord Hugo2 is a little bit more blurry in comparison.

This is a major factor IMO. 80-90% of the music is in the midrange, life and soul of the music. I’d easily choose the Aquarius for this reason alone. I do however recognize that each listener has their individual priorities. Congratulations on acquiring your new DAC. Seems to be a winner. 
Charles 

I love the 005 with my 2-channel speakers (incredible sound) but once got the unit back I also started listening with my VM-1a. SR1a, and CA-1a and it was not good at all. My Benchmark DAC3B is so much better with this headphone gear.

“It is all about synergy”

I believe that most can appreciate and accept the consequences of synergy. This seems to be an extreme example. Why does this DAC’s performance vary so markedly between speaker and headphone usage?
Charles

@auroravengeance

I appreciate your additional comments.In what I consider not inexpensive but reasonable price with reported high performance value are

Abbas DAC 2/3/4 SE models.

Lab-12 DAC Reference

Merason DAC1

Musetec 005

These are all highly regarded for both high resolution and yet remaining very natural sounding. Not easy to pull off.

Charles

@auroravengeance

I have read very good things about the made in Greece Lab 12 DAC Reference. Also similarly good comments about the Abbas (What’s best forum thread) DACs. Both of these being reasonably priced small European manufacturers.

Charles

@soix

While I’d love to have a Terminator Plus too, for the price difference I think I could live with turning the Aquarius off and on, and that’s IF this is an issue with other equipment at all. Just some thoughts/perspective FWIW

100% Agreed.

Having said that, have you ever heard the Terminator and the Aquarius in person?

Always the most pertinent question.

Charles

I know it is hard to describe, but brightness and transparency are two different things

Absolutely  true!
Genuine transparency has nothing to do with the coloration of brightness.

Charles