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RAM-Modded Lite DAC-Ah Review

Category: Digital

Let me begin by saying that I like Doug Jesse's work. I have several RAM-modded components that I am very happy with. So I may not be the most objective reviewer, but here are my thoughts anyway:

I've been running a RAM-modded Lite DAC-Ah in my system (I have actually listened to it in a couple different systems) for almost two weeks now and I am mightily impressed. I had the stock unit for some time and the modded version is a significant improvement. Details, transparency and soundstage are all dramatically improved.

I listen to a lot of jazz, especially piano trios and female vocals. I notice a much better sense of the music...cympals are crisp, drum brushes are eerily "there." Listening to Blossom Dearie's "The Party's Over" from the Comden and Green songbook, I was immediately struck by the wider soundstage. The song opens with a wonderful instrumental trio of bass, drum and guitar (the late, great Barney Kessel, I believe). Guitar and drum off to the right, big, fat, rollicking bass on the left. I could literally hear the strings being struck on the bass. When Blossom comes in front and center, it sounded like she was in the room with me.

I have listened to a lot of the contenders in the $1,000-$1,500 range and this DAC stacks up against any of them and is better than most. For the money it is hard to beat. I highly recommend it.
mezzrow

Showing 2 responses by mezzrow

mezzrow OP
114 posts
 
The main reason I use a DAC is so I can keep a multi-player in my system. The transports I used with the DAC were a Rotel RCC 945 CD changer, Arcam Alpha MCD and RAM-modded Toshiba 6915 universal player. I evaluated the DAC mainly in two systems. One system consists of a Symphonic Line Kraftquelle integrated amp and Vienna Acoustics Beethoven speakers. The other consists of a RAM-modded PS Audio HCA-2 amp/PS Audio PCA-2 preamp and Odyssey Audio Nightingale speakers. I use PS Audio UPC200s with both systems. I also briefly listened to the DAC in a bedroom system that consists of an LFD Mistral integrated amp and Morel MLP 203 speakers.

In addition to what I have listened to, though admittedly not all in my home, I have owned: Benchmark DAC-1 (original and later version), Scott Nixon Tube DAC+ (with outboard power supply), EVS Millenium II, MSB Gold Link III (with outboard power supply), McCormack DAC-1 Deluxe, Audio-by-Van Alstine Transcendence R-DAC, various Audio Alchemy DACs, Channel Islands Audio (with outboard power supply), Bel Canto 2 and Bolder Mensa ART DI/O.
mezzrow OP
114 posts
 
I owned the Benchmark (two of them actually) and found it to be a great DAC. I did find it to be little lean for my tastes, though. The modded DAC-Ah is, IMHO, more musical, for lack of a better word...more pleasing to my ears. The music has more soul.

In fairness, I did not own the two at the same time and I am relying on memory for the comparison. I did own the Benchmark at the same time I owned an EVS Millenium II (one of my favorite DACs) and I felt the same way comparing the Benchmark to the EVS; to my ears and in my system, the EVS was more musical and I sold the Benchmark. I would have liked to A/B the EVS and the modded Lite DAC-Ah. In memory, at least, I think the DAC-Ah would compare well and sound as good if not better. Considering that a new RAM-modded DAC-Ah costs $525 and a used EVS typically sells for around $800, I think the DAC-Ah is a bargain. I am currently using a CAL CL-10 as a transport with the DAC-Ah and the combo sounds just great.
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