Lavry vs RME

[ianwfrost]

I've been reading, both here and elsewhere, about DAC shootouts and wondered if anyone could help with some advice about making comparisons

I've an opportunity to buy a Lavry over here in the UK at quite a reasonable price, but no chance to a/b test it.

Any one any idea whether it would yield significant improvements over the DAC in my RME 9636 sound card. I normally use a TAG for DAc duties but don't fine much difference between it and the RME, but i guess the RME will be better known over this side of the pond.

thanks

 

[thomaspf]

A Lavry Gold is probably going to make a bit of a difference but that is on of the best DACs available.

Which Lavry are ayou talking about?

 

[ianwfrost]

It's the DA10.

I noted several people here consider it's the best of the current crop.

Having been burned several times over the last few years, i guess I hoping someone will 'know' that's it's in a different league to the RME. Subtle diffierences I'm not looking for, big improvements I am.

Not That I'm unhappy with what I've got. perhpas I sholud spend my £ on music rather than more gear!

 

[Edwood]

Either way, I'd keep the RME solely on the drivers alone, and use it as a transport for moving those digital bits to whatever new DAC you get.

Or you can "downgrade" your RME to a lower priced one and still enjoy the benefits of the drivers.

-Ed

 

[Shout It Out Lou]

Who are selling the Lavry Ian? I'd be interested!

 

[Elephas]

I use an RME HDSP 9632's digital outputs. Its analog outs are not bad; I think they're better than the E-MU 1212M's analog outs.

However, I think the Lavry DA10 is much better than the 9632. Over time, the differences became more pronounced and I didn't want to use the RME's analog outputs anymore. To me, the difference is significant. I don't know if others will agree it is a "big" difference.

It's up to each person to determine if the improvement is significant or worth the cost. Many may be satisfied with the 9632's analog outs. Some people may think the difference with the Lavry is slight. I would've much preferred to be in this group and not buy a Lavry DA10.

Associated gear is also important. A less resolving headphone and amp system, including cables, may result in less perceivable differences. In some cases, the RME might even seem better, although I doubt that very much.

 

[ianwfrost]

Elephas

I too traded up from the emu, though I was a little disppointed again, that I couldn't tell the difference between the RME and my TAG.

Lou

It's a private sale.

If I do get the Lavry I'll probalby downgrade the RME, after all I'll need is a decent optical output. Maybe even a EMU 0404, though I do like the RME (just wish i understood the mixer a bit more.

Unlike most of you guys i'm not a headphone person, but having read lots on this forum, perhaps I'll become one. My amp and speaker setup is based around Cyrus and B&W.