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Back to the DAC

Just a bit of an update. When I inquired about a DAC upgrade in a recent post, it was suggested that I look at upgrading my cables first. Since then, I have done so (see my virtual system for that). Not over the top stuff, but a definite improvement over the mostly stock, generic cables I originally had.

System is sounding pretty darn good, but like most of us, you always wonder what a more expensive DAC will offer in the way of sound quality improvements.

Many of the recommended, higher priced DACs seem to include streamers and/or offer pre-amp capabilities. I have a good streamer and pre-amp and really don’t want all those components in one box.

Have any of you experienced a DAC which offers the sound qualities of highly praised units like the Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Lina, T&A 200, Weiss DAC501, etc. which their only function is a DAC?

128x128navyachts
navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
477 posts
 

@tvad I have found a 2021 Bricasti M3 with a remote than needs the MDx upgrade so I'd be in for $3750. I also found a 2109 M1 that was factory refurbished to a SE at that time for around $5000. It could be brought up to M1 Series II for $3750 bringing it in at $8750. With your experience (at retail pricing) is the M1 Series II sound $6000 better than the M3?

There's also a member touting a Lampizator Baltic on US Audiomart, which you liked for around $5K but like you, I'm not much into tubes right now.

Post removed 
ervikingo
129 posts
 

I decided to be the first to jump in with the LAiV (the guinea pig!)

I will report my impressions (not measurements, my subjective impressions) in comparing the LAiV to my: Theta GenV Pro, Topping D90SE and the built in Sony ES, Oppo and Lexicon.

Currently the D90 takes the daily use for DSD and streaming.  The Theta does the CD's using a modified Sony ES as transport.

Looks good inside and out, remote looks nice and seems to be fully featured, has all the inputs and outputs i need also.

 

Now if I could only figure out how to easily switch i2s out from the transport to either DAC...? (D90 and LAiV).

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,328 posts
 

@navyachts fyi M3 all have mdx boards. Updating firmware has no impact on sound. 

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,578 posts
 

@ervikingo If I remember correctly, the LAiV has 8 preprogramed I2s settings that you can toggle through. Hope it works out for you and eager to hear how you feel about it.

There's more video reviews coming online and one reviewer who made his own home built Lampizator DAC model (pimped out the way he likes it) says it compares very favorably to it and on another, the owner of Quailo Audio said if he had to choose between his Holo May DAC and the LAiV, he'd opt for the LAiV.

The Hype Train is leaving the station. Let's hope it arrives at its destination. 👍

All the best,
Nonoise

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