APL DACs are marketed as "designed to be analog sounding", but reviews are rare. Recently, there has been many very positive reviews (see below) but I'm not sure how APL compares to other brands. Currently, APL has 3 DAC models:
$40k DSD-MR MK2 D/A converter with balanced tube output stage
$15k DSD-SR MK2 D/A converter with solid-state transformer-coupled output stage
$7k DSD-AR D/A converter with solid-state transformer-coupled output stage
Currently, I'm relying on a WBF DAC shootout review to help me determine DAC sonic rankings which would lead to future DAC upgrade options:
but I am struggling to know how APL DACs compares to other brand alternatives. Does anyone have any addition info/experience with APL DACs?
Company websites
REVIEWS:
Audiophile Style
"I guess the cat is out of the bag. My secret APL ace now has a spotlight upon it, and for good reason. The DSD-SR MK2 is a terrific DAC that sounds nothing like the competition"
Hifi+
"I used an APL DSD-S DAC for some years, for many of the reasons outlined in this review. It never put a foot wrong, always sounded like real music and was one of those ‘best-kept secrets’ in audio."
a retailer review
An INCOMPLETE review - reviewer couldn't wait until unit broken in before evaluation
$40k DSD-MR MK2 D/A converter with balanced tube output stage
$15k DSD-SR MK2 D/A converter with solid-state transformer-coupled output stage
$7k DSD-AR D/A converter with solid-state transformer-coupled output stage
Currently, I'm relying on a WBF DAC shootout review to help me determine DAC sonic rankings which would lead to future DAC upgrade options:
Best DACs comparison test result [[My Subjective Opinion]]
Kassandra II LE Sig is not imported in Korea yet. Although I tested it, I think it is the world-best DAC. While the listening conditions have not been ideal and I have yet to complete my full review until after the room is finished, it is as close to analog as I think you can get with today's...
www.whatsbestforum.com
Company websites
Products - APL Hi-Fi
aplhifi.com
APL Hi-Fi | Ruse
APL Hi-Fi, Ruse, Bulgaria. 3,833 likes · 6 talking about this. Specializing in handcrafted manufacturing and engineering of boutique Super High-End Audio components
www.facebook.com
REVIEWS:
Audiophile Style
Review | APL HiFi DSD-SR MK2 DAC
The APL HiFi DSD-SR MK2, I'm told it's priced between the flagship DSD-MR MK2 ($40,000) and the new entry level DSD-AR ($7,000). That's seriously what I know right now. I'm sure if I look through some old emails there will be a price in there, but as it stands now, I have no clue. In certain circ...
audiophilestyle.com
Hifi+
APL DSD-SR Mk 2 digital converter
There are two opposing forces in high-end audio, especially digital high-end audio. The first is the notion that the best products can only be made by
www.hifiplus.com
a retailer review
DSD-MR SE
APL Hi-Fi DSD-MR SE: APL Hi-Fi is a High(er) End boutique hand-made Hi-Fi company based in Ruse, Bulgaria who’s history goes back as far as 1998. So one thing is for sure, these guys are absolutely no newcomers in the Hi-Fi world and really know their game. Alex has 25 years of audio...
belhifi.com
An INCOMPLETE review - reviewer couldn't wait until unit broken in before evaluation
SoundStageAustralia.com - APL DSD-SR Digital-to-Analogue Converter
www.soundstageaustralia.com