DAC1 HDR vs. DA11 - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nada 

I thought you might like to be aware in your comparing that a source can be instantly likeable if it has a bright and shiny kind of sound.  After a few months that can just become very tiring like a glittering blonde. So try not to be dazzled but listen for the source that reveals both the details and the heart of the music while leaving you wanting to hear more because you feel refreshed.

 

In previous models the Benchmark was bright  and "etched" and the Lavry DA10 was rich. I havent heard the newer DAC models you have on trial so please post up your finding for us.

 

Have you had any luck in getting a HiFace so you can do a reliable comparison?

Very good points!  My evaluation continues, but I have not yet made a final decision.  A flaw in my testing is that I do not currently own a really stellar set of cans.  However, the Sony 7509HD are decent and very revealing.

Here are some of my current impressions (USB/DAC/AMP combo):

- DA11 sounds authentic and real.  Allows me to "see into" the music more than I ever have.  Very detailed and very engaging.  Seems to be built well, but not much to look at.  The PiC feature is kind of neat.  One major quirk is that interruptions in the USB data stream with hi-rez 24/96 files puts the unit into a mode where music stops and instead I get loud static/screeching until I stop playback.  This can be brought on by clicking windows in applications, etc.  Not so good for multitasking!  Normal 16/44 files are not a problem - just get barely audible clicks.  Could be my particular USB implementation.  I have informed Lavry tech support.

- DAC1 HDR sounds in comparison warm, rounded, twangy.  Deeper extension.  I would NOT call it bright or thin.  My observation here differs from almost everything I have read about the "DAC1" unit.  I don't prefer this sound for most of my music.  Very attractive little unit - I want to stare at it all day and touch it.  Runs warm even in standby.  Easy to operate with lots of attention to design and inputs/outputs.  Where the DA11 screeches as described above, the HDR gracefully mutes itself, which is far superior.

If the Lavry sound was coming out of the Benchmark the decision would be a no-brainer!

With my other cans, Yamaha YH-1, there is less difference between the two DACs.  I don't know if I should attribute this to the significantly different impedance and sensitivity of the cans, or to the fact that the YH-1 is simply less revealing than the 7509HD.

Those are just some initial thoughts.  Evaluation continues.  I might try to get a proper set of cans, and maybe a hiface, but that really defeats the purpose of a USB DAC.  I do plan to extend my testing with the help of my Oppo BDP-83 and its digital outputs.

BK

Quote:

Originally Posted by khaos974 

Thanks for you impressions and the photos. Out of curiosity are you using the Wasapi plugin or direct sound? Wasapi can sometimes be whimsical with windows opening and closing or changing sampling frequencies. With a proper setting, DS can do a bit-perfect output.

Anyway, when using Wasapi, the first thing I'd recommend is to have only foobar set up to output through the Lavry, all other sounds should go through the integrated chipset of your computer.

I'm using Windows XP + Fubar2000 1.0.3 set at 24bit ouput, and windows system sounds off.  I think that makes it DS.  I tried the KS addon, but it didn't work well with my ThinkPad T60 setup (I could get tracks to play, but not easily).

BK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nada 
 

Thanks, Nada.  I think you hit the nail on the head with the remark about the decision already being made by my ears, while my mind is still playing the choosing game.  So true I had to chuckle.

In the next few days I'm going to experiment with optical from an apple desktop, as well as coaxial from the Oppo, out to my cans and also my receiver, just to see what happens.

The DA10 + hiface suggestion is a logical and sensible one, but the flexibility of native USB is still important to me.

Another good suggestion earlier was to "pick one and enjoy the journey" because these are BOTH really nice units.

BK
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by USAudio 

Any decision yet?

I'm keeping the Lavry, but I have not yet been able to bring myself to send off the Benchmark.  I had no real issues with the DAC1 HDR, but I found myself reaching for the DA11 more often than not, which pretty much sums things up right there.  I extended my testing to the mac and optical inputs, etc.  Strangely, I found the differences between the two units be less than I originally noted with those setups.  I then did some additional critical A/B listening via USB on my main PC laptop and the gap between the two DACs seemed to have narrowed substantially.  My feeling was that after several weeks powered on, the HDR had improved somewhat and lost much of the rounded and twangy characteristic, whereas the DA11 remained the same.  In the end I let my ears make the decision and the DA11 was the winner.

BK