DAC Attack

Jack in Wilmington

Jack in Wilmington

Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2013
Messages
196
Location
Wilmington, De.
I'm in a quandary over which DAC to add to my system. I have at present the Bryston BDA-1. I've looked at the following.

1. Bryston BDA-3 and 3.14
2. Denafrips Terminator
3. Musetek Audio MH-DA005
4. Holo Audio Spring 3

Some of these are lightly used and some brand new, but I didn't want that to influence anybody. If anybody has present or previous experience with any of these, let me know what you thought. T
 
Jack

I own a Spring 3 KTE and I think it is an excellent DAC. The Terminator unless you are looking at one of the older models is a higher price category with the May KTE. Another great choice if you can find one used is the Aqua La Voce S3 which I also own.
 
Jack, I would look at DAC's from Aqua. I got to hear the Aqua La Scala at a friends house and in my system when he brought it over. It is a very analog sounding DAC. It actually sounds like my Luxman but much better.

Out of the DAC's that you are considering, I vote for the Bryston. If anything goes wrong with it, you will be able to get it fixed without having to send it overseas.
 
Jack said:
Jack

I own a Spring 3 KTE and I think it is an excellent DAC. The Terminator unless you are looking at one of the older models is a higher price category with the May KTE. Another great choice if you can find one used is the Aqua La Voce S3 which I also own.
Click to expand...

I see that you have the Aqua La Voce S3. I am considering it for my next DAC. How does it compare to the Holo DAC's?

Larry
 
Mechnutt said:
Jack, I would look at DAC's from Aqua. I got to hear the Aqua La Scala at a friends house and in my system when he brought it over. It is a very analog sounding DAC. It actually sounds like my Luxman but much better.

Out of the DAC's that you are considering, I vote for the Bryston. If anything goes wrong with it, you will be able to get it fixed without having to send it overseas.
Click to expand...

I audition the Bryston tomorrow afternoon at Overture.
 
Jack in Wilmington said:
I'm in a quandary over which DAC to add to my system. I have at present the Bryston BDA-1. I've looked at the following.

1. Bryston BDA-3 and 3.14
2. Denafrips Terminator
3. Musetek Audio MH-DA005
4. Holo Audio Spring 3

Some of these are lightly used and some brand new, but I didn't want that to influence anybody. If anybody has present or previous experience with any of these, let me know what you thought. T
Click to expand...

I'd suggest adding the Lampizator Baltic 3 to your list. I owned one until just recently, and also have had a Holo May KTE on extended loan from a friend here for the last year and a half or so. The person I sold the Baltic 3 to is also VERY happy with it. In fact, his wife now joins him for listening sessions and says that she's never heard a system that sounds as good as his does now.

The Holo May is a nice DAC, but it's not even close to the level of the Baltic 3. They are a "quantum jump" apart.

HoloMay-Pic.jpg


The Holo May still sits idle as I now have a Lumin P1, which is also an incredible DAC. And streamer. Oh, and preamp. In fact, it's one of the finest preamps I've ever heard. (sorry, digressing now).
 
I also have a Holo Spring DAC (Kitsune level 3), in the system at my office (Bricasti M12 at home). I did upgrade the USB card a few years back, updated connectivity, not a sound change.

R2R DAC. These DACs are the top of the heap in this price range, to my ears, YMMV of course.

I had the Bryston at home, but really had issues with the controls (many small buttons, with even smaller, poorly contrasted letters. But then I am older and reading small things like that is a problem for me, not necessarily for you) These units are very feature heavy, and sound good too.
 
Jack in Wilmington said:
Just to change gears a little, how do you like your Xa-30.5? When I decide to upgrade my amp, that's what I was thinking of going to.
Click to expand...

I've had this little beast for a long time and I alternate it in its position when the cooler weather hits ( LOL) its a little heater in my office area, in the summer even with a AC vent 10 ft above it. Love the smooth sound, bass , soundstage and purity of the sonics. And the little amp pushes way above 30 watts. They can be found for around $2000-$3000. I paid $2800 for mine and sent it to Pass for a checkup just to be sure. I actually thought about going to the 30.8, but I liked the way this 30.5 worked with my W4S STP-SE Stage 2 ( which I had upgraded a few years ago) and I couldn't really see paying a chunk more for the 30.8 ( its nice though and little more refined).
 
CPP said:
I've had this little beast for a long time while and I alternate it in its position when the cooler weather hits ( LOL) its a little heater in my office area, in the summer even with a AC vent 10 ft above it. Love the smooth sound, bass , soundstage and purity of the sonics. And the little amp pushes way above 30 watts. They can be found for around $2000-$3000. I paid $2800 for mine and sent it to Pass for a checkup just to be sure. I actually thought about going to the 30.8, but I liked the way this 30.5 worked with my W4S STP-SE Stage 2 ( which I had upgraded a few years ago) and I couldn't really see paying a chunk more for the 30.8 ( its nice though and little more refined).
Click to expand...

I had both 30.5 and 30.8 at the same time few years back. In my recollection, 30.8 is more powerful sounding and 30.5 has more liquidity. I did not think 30.8 is more refined, but maybe more clear sounding. Both have a lot to like about although I moved on from them eventually as I changed speakers and needed more power.
 
kzhtoo said:
I had both 30.5 and 30.8 at the same time few years back. In my recollection, 30.8 is more powerful sounding and 30.5 has more liquidity. I did not think 30.8 is more refined, but maybe more clear sounding. Both have a lot to like about although I moved on from them eventually as I changed speakers and needed more power.
Click to expand...

That was one of my concerns being that my speakers are 4.0 Ohm and a sensitivity of 86, would I need more power.
 
Jack in Wilmington said:
That was one of my concerns being that my speakers are 4.0 Ohm and a sensitivity of 86, would I need more power.
Click to expand...

At normal listening level in a normal room, should be fine. Pass amps usually put out more power than its rating. I had a very large room at that time.
 
I ordered the Bryston BDA-3, just waiting on delivery. This was a really tough choice with many great DAC's to consider. Besides the four that I had listed, I got recommendations for some really top notch equipment that added to the search. Now when I'm in the market to upgrade I can look at some gear that I may not have had the money for now but can give serious consideration to next time. Thanks guys.
 
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