joespride
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2013
- Posts
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Warning Im not big on audio speak, I will say I have been on a DAC quest for a very LONG time. I actually blame you all . It all started with the original Schiit Bifrost, then Uber, Centrance, Metrum,MHDT, Border Patrol, Aqua, ANK, Lampizator, Audial, AGD, Cherry, and several more that dont come to mind.
My goal which I am sure you hate seeing is to get as close to vinyl sound as I can afford. I want the layering, 3d stage, weight, and organic sound that vinyl affords without the hassles of setting up a cartridge (Very hard to do with an essential tremor)
I was eyeing an Abass DAC but with the happenings of late in Ukraine I thought it best to steer clear, I dont have 2+ K to lose.
Research and a used add on USAM led me to look at the LAB12. Abass likes the TDA chips the 1541 specifically, The Lab12 uses 8 of the 1543 chips ( sort of like Kingwa's Master 7, and the 1704. which I had and enjoyed very much, But the price on the new M7 is out of my range here in the states and I wont trust shippers ordering directly) When I took into account that the LAB12 uses 8 chips and that they were the TDA1543 I took a chance.
So Far with 25 hours on the DAC and swapping the EH 6922 out for a pair of Amperex Orange label A-Frames I had laying around, all I can say is "WOW" This DAC has the organic sound of Vinyl, It has weight, It has layering, It has Detail, and it has Great extension on top and bottom. I have an ANK4.1LE on the way in a couple weeks it will have to perform some mighty tricks to oust the LAB12................The SAGA continues, Though I think I am near the end of the hunt, time to set back and enjoy the MUSIC
If your in the market for a NOS DAC you might give Lab 12 a look
My goal which I am sure you hate seeing is to get as close to vinyl sound as I can afford. I want the layering, 3d stage, weight, and organic sound that vinyl affords without the hassles of setting up a cartridge (Very hard to do with an essential tremor)
I was eyeing an Abass DAC but with the happenings of late in Ukraine I thought it best to steer clear, I dont have 2+ K to lose.
Research and a used add on USAM led me to look at the LAB12. Abass likes the TDA chips the 1541 specifically, The Lab12 uses 8 of the 1543 chips ( sort of like Kingwa's Master 7, and the 1704. which I had and enjoyed very much, But the price on the new M7 is out of my range here in the states and I wont trust shippers ordering directly) When I took into account that the LAB12 uses 8 chips and that they were the TDA1543 I took a chance.
So Far with 25 hours on the DAC and swapping the EH 6922 out for a pair of Amperex Orange label A-Frames I had laying around, all I can say is "WOW" This DAC has the organic sound of Vinyl, It has weight, It has layering, It has Detail, and it has Great extension on top and bottom. I have an ANK4.1LE on the way in a couple weeks it will have to perform some mighty tricks to oust the LAB12................The SAGA continues, Though I think I am near the end of the hunt, time to set back and enjoy the MUSIC
If your in the market for a NOS DAC you might give Lab 12 a look