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New Luxman DA-06 doesnt sound so great. Will it get better?

Hi, I recently received a Luxman DA-06 dac (new, gray market Japan import) and it the sound doesnt seem to have any life.  It sounds a bit dull, uninvolving, and just low fidelity.  The best way can explain it is that it sounds like when a phono cartridge has a bad impedance mismatch with a preamp or if the signal gain is too high and it is clipping .  The unit only has less than 15 hours on it.  I wanted to know if this is normal and it would clear itself up or I have received a bad unit.  I have tried it in 2 different systems and it sounds the same. I have tried both outputs, balanced and unbalanced.  I have read this dac requires 100s of hours break in time and I hope the sound improves.  Anyone has any experience with this and could share their thoughts?  I would greatly appreciate it.  
audioman2015

Showing 3 responses by dave_b

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dave_b
3,159 posts
 
I missed the note about the step down transformer.  Not a good idea...also, don't assume you understand what's going on in the audio chain.  There is still some things that remain unquantifiable!
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
First impressions usually indicate whether or not a piece of audio gear will do it for you...sorry to say.  I've owned a lot of gear and break in IS real, but only goes so far.  If there is an inherent problem like your describing then it will most likely simply suck a little less over time.  So...Asian sourced grey market aye?  Sounds like a counterfeit...Music Direct would give you 30-60days return just in case.  Lesson learned...sell it fast if you can!
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
IMO, all this trendy mix and match DAC stuff with assorted degrees of crap accessories is quite pointless unless your pursuit is pure functionality alone.   For great sound, a one box source and simplified amplification stage with quality cables/cords into highly dynamic speakers will yield better results.  Computers and DACS and converters...why?  Sit down, put on a great disc and turn out the lights.  Relax then repeat!
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