I had the Vivaldi DAC (v2.01) today in my system for the whole ... 60 minutes
I have connected the Vivaldi DAC via USB to the Aurender W20.
What I have noted vs my Lampizator Golden Gate (the original version, without the superclocks or the new USB board) is that the vivaldi:
- offeres more see-through transparency;
- has more resolution;
- has vastly improved bass articulation (GG bass sounds bloated in comparison);
- has a bit less 'meat on the bones', sounding a bit leaner and less palpable.
I liked what I've heard. The differences between the two are quite stark and easy to tell. They are also consitent from PCM to DSD. I need to borrow one from the distributor for a little longer.
Just noticed this post. I would think a tubed DAC is going to suffer a bit with bass articulation (while bringing other nice qualities to compensate). I would also expect the Vivaldi to be leaner sounding; not only because you're comparing it to a tube DAC but I've compared it to the Aqua Formula (solid state) and the Vivaldi was much leaner.
What about instrument separation and soundstage layering? Were both DACs similar in that respect?