W9TR
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #1
I picked up this Apos Druid DAC on a whim for my headphone setup. $160 for a modern R2R DAC that sounds better than it has any right to. Is it a giant killer? I don’t think so. That’s an overused trope anyway.
Is it worth $160? Yes, definitely. It sounds surprisingly good.
It has a lively and vibrant character that improves with time. The ‘science fair’ look and lack of a true case will be offputting to many. Anybody who has built anything audio knows most of the product cost is in the casework and power supply. This eliminates both with no case and an inexpensive switcher you can easily replace with a linear power supply.
Fully balanced XLR outputs on back, along with the power and USB C input.
Amber LED’s emit a nice warm glow and can be disabled. R-2R network surrounds custom DAC chip.
You can roll the socketed output driver IC’s.
This is a great way to introduce someone to digital sound for a very reasonable price. They have a companion tube/SS headphone amp I have ordered.
Is it worth $160? Yes, definitely. It sounds surprisingly good.
It has a lively and vibrant character that improves with time. The ‘science fair’ look and lack of a true case will be offputting to many. Anybody who has built anything audio knows most of the product cost is in the casework and power supply. This eliminates both with no case and an inexpensive switcher you can easily replace with a linear power supply.
Fully balanced XLR outputs on back, along with the power and USB C input.
Amber LED’s emit a nice warm glow and can be disabled. R-2R network surrounds custom DAC chip.
You can roll the socketed output driver IC’s.
This is a great way to introduce someone to digital sound for a very reasonable price. They have a companion tube/SS headphone amp I have ordered.
