LAiV Harmony R2R DAC Impression and Reviews

[OhmsClaw]

Sure. Since you asked, my source is the USB out from a Hiby RS8 to a Holo Red (Used as a DDC to convert to I2S) which with then go to the Laiv (when I get it) which then will feed my Burson Solo Voyager via XLRs with the end of the chain being a set of Focal Utopia 2022 headphones. At the moment, I have the Cyan 2, but I'm returning that and will use the DAC from the RS8 until the Laiv Arrives. The Cyan 2 sounded fine, but I wasn't awestruck. I think the Laiv may be a bit more future proof, and may be better for some older tracks that may benefit from OS.

Nice amp and cans! Using a Dap as a Dac is interesting. The R8ii has been on my radar.

 

[NehPets]

Sure. Since you asked, my source is the USB out from a Hiby RS8 to a Holo Red (Used as a DDC to convert to I2S) which with then go to the Laiv (when I get it) which then will feed my Burson Solo Voyager via XLRs with the end of the chain being a set of Focal Utopia 2022 headphones. At the moment, I have the Cyan 2, but I'm returning that and will use the DAC from the RS8 until the Laiv Arrives. The Cyan 2 sounded fine, but I wasn't awestruck. I think the Laiv may be a bit more future proof, and may be better for some older tracks that may benefit from OS.

If you want to be awestruck, try adding an extra 2 zeros to your budget.

 

[StarlingCurve]

Nice amp and cans! Using a Dap as a Dac is interesting. The R8ii has been on my radar.

The RS8 has a surprisingly nice R2R Dac. I'd driven my Focal MG Clear Pros with the DAP and it sounds great. So while I wait on the Laiv Harmony, I'm using the line out 4.4 to dual XLR via a Hiby Dock to the Burson. Not bad for a week or two. My Laiv is supposedly shipping this week per an email from them.

 

[dpone]

Got it in to my bedroom system and will compare over the next week to the Denafrips.

EDIT:

So far, right out of the box, I can say that as of May 2024 **FOR a $2700 price DAC ($2675 after coupon)** compared to what else is out there now:

10/10 Design
10/10 Packaging & Unboxing Experience
10/10 Interface
TBD on the sound but I CAN say that I would choose this over the Rockna Wavelight, which I have also owned. I'm still comparing to the Terminator II-12th, but this thing pretty close and has a pleasing sound.

After I placed my order, I got a personal email from Weng Fai Hoh thanking me. Love the personal touch.

Any more sound impressions you can share? I also have the DSHA-3FN and Utopia OGs, currently using the Matrix X-SABRE PRO (MQA) dac, and have been considering switching it out for the LAIV Harmony dac.

 

[]eep]

If you want to be awestruck, try adding an extra 2 zeros to your budget.

That's like adding zeros to a forum. That doesn't improve anything.

 

[OhmsClaw]

If you want to be awestruck, try adding an extra 2 zeros to your budget.

Might as well spend 50k on 2 channel and stop coping with TOTL headphones

What are you on about man? Suggesting someone go from 3k dacs to 300k systems

 

[DarthVaderKamp]

I also have the DSHA-3FN and Utopia OGs, currently using the Matrix X-SABRE PRO (MQA) dac, and have been considering switching it out for the LAIV Harmony dac.

What is it about your current chain you hope the LAIV DAC will improve? I have one on order and have been looking at a DSHA-3FN for my OG Utopia when available from Nitsch later this summer. Any insight you have on strengths/weaknesses of this chain would be much appreciated.

 

[TheR0v3r]

If you want to be awestruck, try adding an extra 2 zeros to your budget.

Or not.

My current €500 network setup beats my previous €5000 network setup.

 

[catastrofe]

@wengfai

The Harmony marketing material specifically mentions that its modular design “empowers users with simplified upgrades” and “easy replacement or enhancement”.

Can you share what types of upgrades Laiv might be making available in the future? The ad copy implies that users will have the ability to upgrade (and repair) the unit themselves…is this correct or would the unit need to be returned to Laiv for upgrades?

————————

Our DAC is crafted with a visionary modular design, drawing inspiration from the efficiency and adaptability seen in industrial applications. This approach empowers users with unparalleled flexibility, simplified upgrades, and effortless maintenance, redefining the audio experience like never before.

Revolutionizing Audio: Inspired by Industrial Ingenuity.

Embracing the ethos of industrial modularity, our DAC's design is engineered to be effortlessly adaptable. Each component is meticulously crafted for easy replacement or enhancement, ensuring seamless integration into your evolving setup.

 

[Lucus]

I think it is marketing bul.....it

 

[sawindra]

@wengfai

The Harmony marketing material specifically mentions that its modular design “empowers users with simplified upgrades” and “easy replacement or enhancement”.

Can you share what types of upgrades Laiv might be making available in the future? The ad copy implies that users will have the ability to upgrade (and repair) the unit themselves…is this correct or would the unit need to be returned to Laiv for upgrades?

————————

Our DAC is crafted with a visionary modular design, drawing inspiration from the efficiency and adaptability seen in industrial applications. This approach empowers users with unparalleled flexibility, simplified upgrades, and effortless maintenance, redefining the audio experience like never before.

Revolutionizing Audio: Inspired by Industrial Ingenuity.

Embracing the ethos of industrial modularity, our DAC's design is engineered to be effortlessly adaptable. Each component is meticulously crafted for easy replacement or enhancement, ensuring seamless integration into your evolving setup.

 

[naynay]

Thanks to the modular design, any servicing needed can be handled easily. Repairs can be done by yourself due to the modular nature of the product.

 

[OhmsClaw]

What did you set out to accomplish? The end result of the published material, no matter the author, has been approved by Laiv for release.

 

[sawindra]

What did you set out to accomplish? The end result of the published material, no matter the author, has been approved by Laiv for release.

obviously to annoy you? as it seems

 

[Jake2]

obviously to annoy you? as it seems

I was going to ask, so beyond cutting and pasting, any thoughts to share with the thread?