I've seen quite a bit of commentary on the Aqua Formula DAC so I thought I'd post a little review. If enough folks are interested and / or have Aqua HiFi gear, please let me know via comments. Thanks in advance for your time 
Aqua Formula review (as compared to the Esoteric K-03)
Bits from the past
In 2013 after some time with Burson and Bel Canto DACs I decided to upgrade to an Esoteric K-07. I really enjoyed the increased clarity, dynamics, tight, powerful bass and wider and deeper soundstage. I then moved up to the D-05 DAC and matching P-05 transport and finally the K-03 a few years ago. The K-03 received rave reviews and was an all – purpose unit that was capable of SACD and CD playback plus a DAC and preamp sculpted in an all - aluminum chassis weighing a hefty 65 lbs. Certainly a good bang for the ol’ audio $.
Digital fast forward
However, over the past few years I heard several ladder DACs such as the Aries Cerat (Joshua the Aries Cerat dealer lives close by) and TotalDAC. What struck me was the “character” of both DACs which mine lacked. More specifically, a sense of air and tonal accuracy (more analog – like) with increased clarity.
Which lead me to the possible purchase of (in no particular order) a) TotalDAC b) Lampizator or C) Aqua HiFi
Ultimately I chose and purchased the Aqua HiFi DAC three weeks ago.
The sound - a formula for success or failure?
After a recommended 250 hours break – in I would characterize the Aqua Formula as slightly romantic yet explicit in detail. Here’s what I mean:
While listening to a Nat King Cole - the Extraordinary & Unissued SHM CD I was initially struck by the level of micro dynamics in Nat’s voice. The realism was eery and reminds me of my time in recording studios in my youth while listening to virgin playback. You are there ^squared.
Also, the Formula puts as they say, more meat on the bones versus the Esoteric without smothering the highs as is so often, no sacrifice to high end detail here.
Switching to a Billy Joel for Millennials – Gavin DeGraw on his Chariot Stripped CD opening track, I was struck by the fact that for the first time I was able to clearly decipher a first verse acoustic guitar chord left of center (Maj7) – good stuff for sure.
I recall after about 40 hours of break – in the bass seemed bloated and literally louder than mids and highs. However, after adequate break – in my worries were over. The bass is articulate, tight and a perfect match for highs and mids. Amazing to me how some still doubt break – in is real.
There and back again
I find that biggest sonic differences are detected not so much when you initially try a new piece of gear or cable, but more so when you switch back to your old gear. This proved to be quite true; a few real - time listening notes going back to the Esoteric:
- Instantly noticed the thinness of vocals.
- High hat open <-> close - more of a "ffft" than a "ssst"
- More flubbery / loose bass
- Accordion fuzzier, less detailed, less depth
- Slightly smaller sound stage
- Analogous to more freeze – dried sounding
Aqua – Glass half full or half empty?
It should come as no surprise that the Aqua Hifi Formula is a keeper. This is no slight on the Esoteric K-03 which is now a 6+ year old technology all – in - one tank that received exemplary reviews when released. For those that favor heavier rock and metal and / or who fancy spinning CDs and SACDs all for $10K new it’s a great unit. But step up in price and forward in time along with HQPlayer upsampling sonic benefits the Formula is one tall cool drink of Aqua I greatly enjoy that’s – dare I say a step and a half closer to - ultimate digital (I bet you thought I was gonna say analogue)!!
Happy listening to all, always!
Steve B.
Aqua Formula review (as compared to the Esoteric K-03)
Bits from the past
In 2013 after some time with Burson and Bel Canto DACs I decided to upgrade to an Esoteric K-07. I really enjoyed the increased clarity, dynamics, tight, powerful bass and wider and deeper soundstage. I then moved up to the D-05 DAC and matching P-05 transport and finally the K-03 a few years ago. The K-03 received rave reviews and was an all – purpose unit that was capable of SACD and CD playback plus a DAC and preamp sculpted in an all - aluminum chassis weighing a hefty 65 lbs. Certainly a good bang for the ol’ audio $.
Digital fast forward
However, over the past few years I heard several ladder DACs such as the Aries Cerat (Joshua the Aries Cerat dealer lives close by) and TotalDAC. What struck me was the “character” of both DACs which mine lacked. More specifically, a sense of air and tonal accuracy (more analog – like) with increased clarity.
Which lead me to the possible purchase of (in no particular order) a) TotalDAC b) Lampizator or C) Aqua HiFi
Ultimately I chose and purchased the Aqua HiFi DAC three weeks ago.
The sound - a formula for success or failure?
After a recommended 250 hours break – in I would characterize the Aqua Formula as slightly romantic yet explicit in detail. Here’s what I mean:
While listening to a Nat King Cole - the Extraordinary & Unissued SHM CD I was initially struck by the level of micro dynamics in Nat’s voice. The realism was eery and reminds me of my time in recording studios in my youth while listening to virgin playback. You are there ^squared.
Also, the Formula puts as they say, more meat on the bones versus the Esoteric without smothering the highs as is so often, no sacrifice to high end detail here.
Switching to a Billy Joel for Millennials – Gavin DeGraw on his Chariot Stripped CD opening track, I was struck by the fact that for the first time I was able to clearly decipher a first verse acoustic guitar chord left of center (Maj7) – good stuff for sure.
I recall after about 40 hours of break – in the bass seemed bloated and literally louder than mids and highs. However, after adequate break – in my worries were over. The bass is articulate, tight and a perfect match for highs and mids. Amazing to me how some still doubt break – in is real.
There and back again
I find that biggest sonic differences are detected not so much when you initially try a new piece of gear or cable, but more so when you switch back to your old gear. This proved to be quite true; a few real - time listening notes going back to the Esoteric:
- Instantly noticed the thinness of vocals.
- High hat open <-> close - more of a "ffft" than a "ssst"
- More flubbery / loose bass
- Accordion fuzzier, less detailed, less depth
- Slightly smaller sound stage
- Analogous to more freeze – dried sounding
Aqua – Glass half full or half empty?
It should come as no surprise that the Aqua Hifi Formula is a keeper. This is no slight on the Esoteric K-03 which is now a 6+ year old technology all – in - one tank that received exemplary reviews when released. For those that favor heavier rock and metal and / or who fancy spinning CDs and SACDs all for $10K new it’s a great unit. But step up in price and forward in time along with HQPlayer upsampling sonic benefits the Formula is one tall cool drink of Aqua I greatly enjoy that’s – dare I say a step and a half closer to - ultimate digital (I bet you thought I was gonna say analogue)!!
Happy listening to all, always!
Steve B.
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