Thanks for the tip regarding the X5 for $254.  Now we are talking $54 more for the X5 versus the X3 II.  I know that I am giving up OTG, a better wheel, and smaller form factor, but is the X5 better in sound quality?

Brand new for 279 from Parts Express.

I am curious with the price drop on the original X5 (can be had for $279 new), does it make more sense to get the X5 or the X3SG in terms of sound quality?  I have the original X3 but I am looking to upgrade.

I agree that the passion Hilo has for their product is exemplified in their support.

I will continue to experiment with the Hilo over the weekend and see what I determine.  It sounds great and I will be disappointed if I cannot make it work in my system.  I think I may have found the issue but I need to play music a sufficient amount of time without a dropout before I claim victory.

I received my Hilo and I ran it through the paces.  I had some technical issues where the connection would drop between J River and the Hilo requiring a reboot and re-connect.  I was up-sampling using DSP in J River.  I also tried to send DSD over DoP and there were some strange digital...

Thanks I have everything set to put it in my system I am anxious to hear it after all the positive comments I have read.  Hopefully I get it this week.

I got it from another retailer who gave me a similar deal with free shipping. I got it from another retailer who gave me a similar deal with free shipping and better warranty.

I have my Hilo on order and I am waiting to receive it.  I cannot wait to hear it in my system.  I should get it the end of next week or first thing the following week.

  Thanks for defining the sound signature and clarifying that the transparency is not to be mistaken with etched.  Your description aligns with my sound signature preferences.  For example, I have open baffle speakers and digital correction because that lends to an accurate sound that resembles...

  That is a great suggestion, the only problem is that I really need hear it in my own system.  I have a very nice two-channel system with a HT pass through to integrate my home theater setup.  My vinyl rig is very resolving.  I feel like my DAC is one of the few things that is not on the same...

  Thanks for the follow up.  This is an expensive item to buy without auditioning, but there is a lot of positive feedback and I like the fact that I can get support if needed without shipping out of the country.  I did find that DSD128 is not currently offered but can be added in the future.

  I read about your customer service experience and that definitely impressed me.  I also have considered Wyred4Sound because they are US based and take care of their customers.    I really like the features being offered in the Lynx Hilo.  I would use it as a headphone amp, ADC for vinyl...

Thanks for the info.    I have not heard enough DACs to know how the Esprit compares to others, but my instinct tells me it sounds very good for the money and I like how it offers a lot of utility.    The Lynx Hilo seems to be a nice upgrade that offers even more utility than the Esprit.  I...

I have a Furutech Esprit that I use as a headphone amp, ADC for digitizing vinyl, and a DAC for JRiver on my laptop.  The Lynx Hilo seems like a nice upgrade to get those same features.  I am also considering a dedicated DAC and keeping the Esprit for the ADC and headphone amp.  Is the DAC on...