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Showing 1 of 5 reviews about:
JoanDelilah
9
Mar 7, 2020
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Digital Audio Bliss
Implementation Notes: I purchased this with the $100 usb clock upgrade option, and so far have only used it as a USB DAC. I am using this as part of my desktop setup; source is a Windows 10 workstation with a collection of HR FLACs or occasionally Tidal. I am feeding into a balanced Aune S7 Pro and a selection of transducers, usually a pair of Mr. Speakers Aeon Flow C’s, but also Fostex TR-X00s (Ebony), and Beyerdynamic T1s. It has replaced a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 in this configuration.
Just... Wow!
Like... WOW!
So first off, my primary DAC in my “reference” setup is a Schiit Yggdrasil and I always felt the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 in my headphone rig (which uses the ESS 9038, but not the “pro”) sounded too digital and harsh in comparison to the Yggy. I was Leary of this DAC because it uses essentially the same chips (although maybe there’s more difference in the 9038 “pro” than I realize.) But given the reviews and the MASSIVE difference in capacitors, etc. I figured it was worth a try and I could always sell it if it wasn’t an improvement.
Well it’s a MASSIVE improvement. I am assuming this is all in evrything around the chip more than the chip itself, but who knows?
So what’s improved? Everything. Zero digital harshness. Just pure sounding smooth natural tone. It’s just incredibly _smooth_ not unlike the Yggy. And yet, detail extraction is superior to the Pro-Ject. The soundstage and instrument separation are also significantly improved. It also feels like the frequency range goes both lower and higher than the Pro-Ject. My Aeons have more “slam” and everything has more sparkle, even though I’m using the same amp. The overall effect is that I sit there grinning from ear to ear. This feels like an endgame DAC for sure. I’m beyond impressed when I was thinking the difference would be marginal.
How much of this is the fact it’s balanced and the Pro-Ject isn’t? How much is the “pro” making a difference? How much is the power supply? How much is the capacitors? The clock? I have no idea. But the overall the difference is huge and I am in LOVE with this DAC.
Also it’s built like a German tank, looks like a $10,000 piece of gear and has buttons that couldn’t be more satisfying to press.
Highly recommended at $925 with the usb upgrade. Highly.
Recommends this product? Yes
Lambdastorm
77
Apr 14, 2020
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JoanDelilahI don't know how they're able to offer these at $900 with the USB upgrade. For $900, the value of this thing goes from insanely good to ridiculous. What's funny is that I asked the LKS guy and he himself isn't aware of this thing being sold for anything less than MSRP. Makes you wonder how drop even obtained these.
BenTeo
43
Sep 11, 2020
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JoanDelilahGreat review. How would you compare to a R2R DAC? Like the Denafrips Ares 2?
namlook
1
Sep 27, 2020
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JoanDelilahFor even better sound quality use the I2S connection instead of upgrading the USB. It will sound even better. I agree it's a great DAC.
(Edited)
JoanDelilah
9
Jan 2, 2021
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BenTeoI feel that this DAC is a bit more precise. Its not cold or analytical, but it’s very very fast and very articulate. Whereas my R2R DAC (Yggy) is a little rounder and smoother. In practice, this means i have a slight preference for listening to rock/pop/etc through my large system with my R2R as it feels slightly more organic and fun, whereas i use this DAC for more critical listening with headphones. Usually.
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