Apogee, Lavry - Thoughts/Comparisons

[spraggih]

I ordered a Lavry DA10 to compare against my Musical Fidelity X-DAC and X-10 tube buffer with the winner being kept and the other being returned. When I talking with Mercenary Audio who is out of Lavry's he mentioned the Apogee mini-DAC as a great DAC, very smooth, musical, analog sounding. Not sure I need analog sound but with my CD3000s smooth, musical might make for synergy.

I am not right now interested in the NOS which may also be great for synergy but have any of you heard both the Apogee and Lavry and if so which do you prefer and why.

 

[Jahn]

The Sony CD3K is notorious for requiring JUST the right components for correct synergy. I admit to trying and failing. PM Jpelg because he's owned the Apogee and the CD3K, tho i am not certain if he did so at the same time.

 

[jpelg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn PM Jpelg because he's owned the Apogee and the CD3K, tho i am not certain if he did so at the same time.

Nope, not at the same time.

I couldn't tell you what sounds good with the CD3k's as I haven't heard a good combo for those Sony's yet in all my years. Sorry.

 

[spraggih]

Thanks guys. I was initially I little scared given the since CD3000s are so hard to find synergy with but I would say the X-DAC and X-10 sound pretty good. But maybe things would sound even better with another headphone. I do not know which one though as I must have a closed headphone. I would not say a W1000 or W5000 would be much better although I have read the W1000LTD is a nice performer.

 

[jpelg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spraggih I have read the W1000LTD is a nice performer.

What's a W1000LTD?

 

[saint.panda]

Also consider the Apogee's additional intputs/outputs (USB-in, mini-jack out, etc.) if you need those and more flexible powering options (off/headphone/all).

 

[spraggih]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpelg What's a W1000LTD?

an error.

I meant ATD900LTD.

oops.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Soundwise, they have pretty similar signatures (i.e. a shade darker than neutral, but not what I'd call soft or warm). I'd say the Lavry manages to eek a little bit more detail and transparency out, but that's compared to the Apogee with it's stock power supply adapter. Perhaps running the Apogee from a better PSU, or batteries might even it up a bit? The Lavry feels a bit more ruggedly built. Both have their own interesting features and options, which might be what a decision between the two would come down to.

 

[spraggih]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer Soundwise, they have pretty similar signatures (i.e. a shade darker than neutral, but not what I'd call soft or warm). I'd say the Lavry manages to eek a little bit more detail and transparency out, but that's compared to the Apogee with it's stock power supply adapter. Perhaps running the Apogee from a better PSU, or batteries might even it up a bit? The Lavry feels a bit more ruggedly built. Both have their own interesting features and options, which might be what a decision between the two would come down to.

Have you ever written a comparison between the DA10 and the DA220? I'll use the search function but was wondering.

EDIT: Never mind - found it quickly...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer From my computer source, the DA10 and DA220 had about the same levels of objective sound quality. Specifically jitter-wise, it is hard to say that one did any better than the other. There is a small sound flavor difference between the two; the DA220 leans toward a very slightly weightier sound via an increase in the upper bass/lower mids. Other than that, a decision between the two should largely be based on size, features, and cosmetics.

 

[tourmaline]

apogee suppose to sounds real analogue, so does the lavry. Pricewise i think the apogee would be a beter deal.

 

[tourmaline]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spraggih Have you ever written a comparison between the DA10 and the DA220? I'll use the search function but was wondering. EDIT: Never mind - found it quickly...

Another review says the 220 mark II is clearly the better one... you can find it in the forums. Reviews was between the da 100, the old da220 and the mark II da 220, the latter one was clearly better to the reviewer then the other two dacs. Seems the da 220 mark II combines the strengths of 100 and old 220 in one; more body and slam in the lower regions.