Hi to know whether its worth it you need to try one out for yourself. I personally went and bought one as others raved about its ability to improve without listening two years ago. It did change the sound and I thought for the better but after listening for some three months and removing it I...

I've replaced my Benchmark Dac2(9018 chip) with the Oppo 205(9038 chip) it's that good. Both of these only run 1 chip, the LKS runs two and can also run as a preamp/DAC.

I would say your LKS player is barely run in. I have a new Oppo 205 for 6 weeks and its still getting better sound wise. It runs the same Sabre 9038 chip. These new chips are a big step up in sound. I'm considering the LKS myself.

"Dynamic swing" is the difference between the quietest and loudest pieces of music and the speed with which this is achieved. Most noticeable on action movies where someone can be whispering to an instant almighty explosion. This effect can be frightening/breath taking it happens so quickly on a...

I listened through my main system and LKS4 is better than Oppo as you would expect. But this is not enough information to make a decision. The price difference means either are value for money. Although we don't have a comparison with the Holo or Benchmark Dac3 which are on a similar level.

All I can say is the LKS seems less bright than the Oppo but thats on my small pc sound system. I will run through my main system later. Was the LKS connected via COAX? Comparing using USB inputs would be good on both.

Rick hows the new LKS004 sounding? No one has yet compared it to anything seriously.

Has anyone done a direct comparison with the Holo Spring or the Benchmark Dac3 using this LKS004 Dac?

"Pitbull34" I'm not sure what the point of the sounds from your system posts are using this DAC. It is not relevant unless you include a comparison with the same music on another DAC from your system to compare Dac's for example. The sound bytes you provide have no reference for anybody but...

You need to try it before buying. I have one and still use it and it does improve some aspects of the sound. But I'm not convinced its the right answer I can't describe what the negatives are but it has some. 

Don't panic until all avenues are covered. Personally I don't think the Oppo is the answer. Potentially the LKS should be better. In saying this you may have a faulty unit. But software and connections can be problematic. Also your source. Restarting items after renewed software etc.   Ric...

Personally I think if you have the option, Wave is the best way to go. I have heard a difference and prefer Wave. But because of all the variations in digital sound its not worth breaking your heart over. I still have some flac files only as this is the only download format available...

Whitigir did you buy the version with the upgrade USB? Looks like they have introduced an upgraded USB model which may negate the Intona for USB. I see that the I2S input can take up to 768k where as USB is 384k. Have you tried different inputs yet? The way this Dac is designed it looks like...

I see the May is a more upmarket product. I missed that comment. Its interesting as I would not rate the current Spring with Singxer/HDMI cable cheap. As it seems we need the Singxer to get the best sound which I find somewhat disturbing with the addition off yet another box and cable. I already...

I believe its a higher spec Holo Spring than L3, I guess with design refinements from Jeff primarily and possibly some more Kitsune tweaks. But also mentioned was a PCM only Holo version which I'm keen on that may be cheaper. I'm sure Bimmer 100 can clear things up. 

Have to say I only use a MAC for work not audio, so only have basic knowledge.     Read this online, is by Benchmark for computer setup, and has setup for Macs if you scroll down:   https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/wiki   or email Benchmark directly, I have found them very helpful.

You need to set Audio/Sound in your MAC system preferences folder to the Benchmark which should show up as one of  your devices for sound output. Click on this to set. Its worth setting all other sounds to off under Sound Effects. You should be able to control volume from MAC with your Audio...

Thanks for that link fon55. The Polish review is excellent in favour of this Dac. Interesting read for anyone looking at a new Dac in this price bracket. I would suspect that the X-Sabre Pro(ESS9038) may beat the latest Benchmark Dac3(ESS9028) soundwise. Something I'm not able to compare...

  Claudio did you try USB input on Ares? What did that sound like compared to Singxer SU-1.   The Singxer SU-1 gets good reviews with the Holo using I2s HDMI. The Ares does not have I2s HDMI and see you used coax input. I thought the main advantage of using the Singxer SU-1 was to use the I2s...

Certainly wouldn't put Apple in that category that's going a bit far. In comparison to true high end audio they do not play in this field and never intend to. 

It sure is but over time you usually get the right answer or the one you are looking for. The internet is the greatest invention. I'm just watching and waiting the Holo is very new but it certainly has upped the stakes in DAC's and other Chinese are producing some interesting Dac's. In terms of...

Nothing a lot of DACs still run at 24/192 my Benchmark DAC2 included. But even running 16/44 files upsampled to 24/192 in the software(XXhighend) sounds better to my ears as it does with Ted_b's experience in the Spring review.   The Phasure NOSa DAC has been running 24/768 since July 2011 so...

Thanks for that Superdad, what will it run to? Actually I see on the latest spec sheet 32/384 using USB or I2s. Interesting I'm sure on the original release spec sheet it said 32/768. This has been replaced with a new one.   I asked Ted_b about this and he suggested it could take 24/768 in NOS...

To get the best out of NOS Dac's one needs to run in NOS and oversample from the software. In fact Miska, HQplayer designer has recently shown a graph in CA from the Musette which he owns, that it only works accurately in this mode.      The consenus is if you buy a NOS Dac you run it in...