Since I'm waiting for my Cyan 2 to arrive, I've had a lot of time to think. I ordered the Cyan to replace my Gustard R26 in order to run DSD from HQP, thinking the Holo looks like a great "DSD machine" and probably a good value as well. Previously I'd been lusting for a Spring KTE as what I'd have to stretch to in order to appreciably outpace the R26 (and play DSD files).
Then came the Laiv Harmony. I first heard about it on John Darko's podcast with Srajan Eiben and was intrigued, and within two days it was everywhere with people inventing new superlatives to try to express their joy. Damn, $500 cheaper than the Spring and quite possibly a step beyond, maybe two steps.
This got me thinking, I wonder how the Laiv playing 768 PCM would compare to the little Cyan 2 running DSD? After all I've heard about DSD being clearly more organic, realistic, analogue, etc, I started to question everything. Go figure.
So now I want to put it out there and I'm really interested in what people have to say. I wonder first of all if there's anyone who thinks the DSD vs PCM thing might be a bit hyped (or not), and also if you think a DAC of the Laiv's class might overall be a better choice even with just PCM, because......it's just a better DAC?
I know this is pure speculation, but that's all I'm going to have to go by between now and the time I possibly cancel my Cyan order and send some money to Singapore.
I'm really looking forward to what some of you guys might have to say, there's a lot of knowledge and experience in this thread.