DAC comparison and recommendation request
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Another contender, yes, but there are no Aqua distributors/sellers locally any more as far as I know.
Also, good as it was, the LaScala had a few issues reproducing the lowest frequencies (for examples on a Hans Zimmer Balde Runner 2049 film score) where it produced audible distortion. Probably something to do with the output transformers according to Aqua. That case never got resolved by the manufacturer.
Also, good as it was, the LaScala had a few issues reproducing the lowest frequencies (for examples on a Hans Zimmer Balde Runner 2049 film score) where it produced audible distortion. Probably something to do with the output transformers according to Aqua. That case never got resolved by the manufacturer.
Thanks for the feedback regarding Aqua where this seems to be a specific issue that I haven't heard about before.
We've got extensive experience with Mola Mola and many others within this segment. I would have a close look at Playback Designs as well if you're willing to spend a bit more.
The choice ultimately comes down to system synergy and what you're looking for in terms of characteristics from your system.
/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se
Well, the Aqua did a lot of things right for me, especially the naturalness and soundstage/depht was very good. With just a hint of tubishness.
Something similar would be nice- not too warm or comfortable, though. I’m a sucker for a big soundstage and 3D . But I guess I have enough tubes in my system right now, unless I’m going to change to a class D poweramp at some later point in time.
Something similar would be nice- not too warm or comfortable, though. I’m a sucker for a big soundstage and 3D . But I guess I have enough tubes in my system right now, unless I’m going to change to a class D poweramp at some later point in time.
Glad you were and perhaps still are enjoying the Okto DAC 8 Stereo. For me the big question is how will the DAC 8 Pro sound? I wish I could find someone who might have done a head to head comparison on the two. I need the Pro to build a 3.3 system. I don't want to risk springing for the Merging Hapi, for a lot more money, and being somehow disappointed. The Dangerous Music might be the best choice-possibly better sounding than the Okto, but who knows. Please share any other 8 channel DAC experiences. Thank you.
I'm also using tube amplification with Marten Parker Trio Diamond speakers and bought a Soulnote D-3 DAC roughly a year ago. I never regretted it. The clear space filling sound and wonderful midrange got me sold. I didn't do a direct comparison with the D-2 but I think the sound character should be retained. It might be a good match with your system but as always, if possible, demo it first at your place.
Great post. I've also owned the Tambaqui and Meitner MA3 and listened to both at length with multiple systems/configurations to get the best from them. Both are good.
However, my older Lampizator TRP2 was ultimately better to my ears with comparable detail and extension (with good tubes) yet with more image density, ambiance, soundstage depth, and ease/flow that is seductive, yet not syrupy at all from the TRP. Instead, the TRP is very energetic, in a vinyl sort of way to me, and the tube rolling tunability is divine if you are inclined as an optimizer (vs a satisfiser). This is with the Lampi being fed by an Innuos Zenith 3 via USB, comparing the MMT and MA3 fed by ethernet or USB via the Innuos.
Depending on funds, I'd suggest the Lampi TRP3 or the excellent Poseidon, which I also own. The Poseidon ran direct to amps is the only DAC to make a meaningful improvement over the TRP shy of the ~$100K MSB (The MSB is amazing...although I decided to put the funds in a Rivian electric truck instead for better back for the liability bucks!
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However, my older Lampizator TRP2 was ultimately better to my ears with comparable detail and extension (with good tubes) yet with more image density, ambiance, soundstage depth, and ease/flow that is seductive, yet not syrupy at all from the TRP. Instead, the TRP is very energetic, in a vinyl sort of way to me, and the tube rolling tunability is divine if you are inclined as an optimizer (vs a satisfiser). This is with the Lampi being fed by an Innuos Zenith 3 via USB, comparing the MMT and MA3 fed by ethernet or USB via the Innuos.
Depending on funds, I'd suggest the Lampi TRP3 or the excellent Poseidon, which I also own. The Poseidon ran direct to amps is the only DAC to make a meaningful improvement over the TRP shy of the ~$100K MSB (The MSB is amazing...although I decided to put the funds in a Rivian electric truck instead for better back for the liability bucks!
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How would you compare the sound of the LTA Aero Dac to the sound of the EMM Labs Dac2x Dac?
How do you feel the sonic traits compare, as possible examples regarding...
1. Tonal Richness?
2. Tonal Density?
3. Bass response - is one more fuller and impactful, or one more differentiated but seems lighter?
4. Does one lean more towards lower midrange and bass frequencies or one more tilted up?
5. Does one favor detail moreso over harmonic structure?
6. Does one sound more "hard, sterile, 2-dimensional vs one maybe sounding more full, rich, 3 - dimentional, etc.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me!
Best wishes,
Don
I'd give the Aqua La Scala DAC a listen. I use one with Cardas Clear Reflection balanced cables. The Aqua has two outputs, balanced and unbalanced. Regarding your preferences for less strident playback, i've found that the balanced, not the unbalanced, outputs are full and warm, especially with the Cardas Clear Reflection cables. It should also be quite a bit less than your budget. Aqua has more information about the difference between the two outputs.Long time reader, first time poster.
I've been on a DAC journey and thought I would share some impressions of all the DACs I've had in my house. After learning more about what I'm looking for, I'd love some recommendations on what to try next.
Current setup: Innuos Zen Mini MK3 + LPSU -> Classe Delta PRE -> Pathos Kratos (as a power amplifier) -> Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Grand Reference
About me: I have aggressive tinnitus and it is triggered pretty easily by harsh highs. I do all my listening in quiet at low volumes (~50db). Want to stay away from anything hyper detailed, dry, analytical, etc.
Here are brief impressions of what I've owned/tried in my setup:
okto DAC8 Stereo: 'wall of sound' and very in-your-face without soundstage nuance, seemed accurate and detailed with huge bottom end but was harsh/unforgiving on top
Classe Delta PRE: very non-fatiguing and easily listenable with plenty of warm bass presence, would love something with bigger soundstage and some more detail
Chord DAVE: interesting handling of bass textures that I've never heard before or since, overall was detailed but dry and not easy to listen to
Mola Mola Tambaqui: big soundstage expansion and overall sounded nice with fast transients but was left fatigued after my sessions (I think I might be sensitive to upsampling for some reason)
Holo May KTE: nice overall balanced sound and really huge soundstage, unfortunately several recordings were spiky and sibilant compared to the Classe and others so this was a no go
T+A DAC 200: the closest I've been to a satisfied upgrade to the Classe, more detailed for sure with certain effects and vocals really standing out in a good way, unfortunately left me slightly fatigued though
Meitner MA3: this is the smoothest DAC I've heard and it was overall very pleasing and non-fatiguing, unfortunately I felt the best sound came from network vs. USB and mConnect was an absolute nightmare
dCS Rossini APEX: what a huge love/hate disappointment for me, loved the big soundstage, extra details, quick response and decay, hated the thin/lean sound lacking bass and left me super fatigued (upsampling?)
So there it is in a nutshell. If I'm looking for good bottom end presence, large soundstage with more detail but a non-fatiguing high end for ~$20-30k what do you think I should be looking at? Aqua? Lampi? MSB? Mojo?
Thanks in advance
**EDIT**: Tons of great help here! Here are the recommendations I've received so far:
Most recommended:
Lampizat0r Pacific (7x)
Aries Cerat Helene (4x)
Aries Cerat Kassandra II Reference (3x)
MSB Premier (3x)
Playback Designs MPD-8 (2x)
Cardas Reflection / Golden Cross (2x)
Recommended:
Abbas (model not specified)
Accuphase DC-37
APL DSD-MR MK2
Aqua Acoustic Formula xHD
Ayon S5
Ayon Kronos Signature
EMM Labs DA2 / DV2
Esoteric (model not specified)
Lessloss Echo's End Reference
Lumin X1
Metronome | c|AQWO
Nagra (model not specified)
Ideon Audio EOS
SMSL D3
TotalDac (model not specified)
Vermeer Model Two
Weiss DAC 501
Others:
USB 'decrapifiers' (e.g. Innous Phoenix)
Get different speakers
Transparent Audio G5 Opus and XL power cords
Sablon Audio AES/EBU
Use EQ
Cerious Technolgies Lumniscate cables
Sonore Signature Rendu
Hey Don...I'll do my best do describe Aero's sound vis-a-vis Dac2x, but it's been a while since I last listened to the Dac2x. EMM Labs makes fantastic products -- I almost bought another.
1. LTA Aero is definitely "richer" to me. LTA, in terms of house-sound, does not have the classic "tube" sound. Many would describe the LTA sound as solid-state---ish. Of course, many tube aficionados would take that description as an insult, judgement of a neophyte, and someone who doesn't really understand how "linear" a good tube gear can sound. All that aside, to me, the Aero does give some of that "holographic" presentation that can be ascribed to good tube gear.
2. More, especially the in the mid frequencies. See #1. I'm doing some tube-rolling right now. I think the stock 12sn7 tubes lean toward the "detailed" side. Still early days as far as rolling goes.
3. This one is tougher for me. I think it's a push.
4. Aero leans more toward mid-range. Nonetheless, both dacs sound pretty detailed.
5. I think Dac2x favors details more so.
6. Neither sounds sterile. As described in #1, I think the Aero is more 3D.
Last, but not least, if you are at all interested in the Aero, I would encourage you to do an in-home trial. I am one of the early buyers of the Aero (before any review came out) and wasn't quite sure what to expect. The 30-day in-home trial made the difference. I'm really a fan of LTA as a company -- always helpful, willing to be flexible, terrific service, etc. fwiw...there are several Aero owners on the head-fi forum. Just do a quick search of LTA/Aero/Head-fi.
Hope this helps. Let me know with any other questions.
Ken
Hello Ken,
Thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts and experience with me... very helpful, indeed!
I will try and research some of the comments over on the head-fi site.
I will also agree with you that I feel that the LTA company is a really great company. Very responsive with emails and truly cares about their customers!
Thanks again and best wishes to you,
Don
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