mackay maus
500+ Head-Fier
[size=11.0pt]Review of Neko Audio D100 Mk2[/size]
[size=11.0pt]I recently had the pleasure of auditioning the Neko Audio D100 Mk2 DAC. [/size]
[size=11.0pt]I’ve called myself an auditioner-not a reviewer. I feel ill equipped to review this DAC simply because it was light years over what I have listened to in the past. My current DACs are the Headroom Ultra Micro DAC and Desktop Portable. These are both great units in their price range-but the Neko easily bests both units in its liquid natural sound.[/size]
[size=11.0pt]Also, I’m not an audiophile. I listen to plunge into the music, not analyze signal. (Plus I’m not articulate enough to dissect the signal.)[/size]
[size=11.0pt]On opening the box, and pulling out the DAC, I was impressed by the weight and solid build quality. I did not open the unit, but assume the craftsmanship on the outside is reflected inside as well. [/size]
[size=11.0pt]The unit is streamlined, clean and well designed. It is simple, in the best sense of the word. No ugly plastic power bricks, no settings to calibrate. No bells and whistles. I loved the simplicity of the unit. You plug it in, turn it on, watch it lock on instantly, then forget about it and sit back and enjoy the music. [/size]
[size=11.0pt]All my listening was done with Grado GS1000s, HD 650s and IE8s with aftermarket cords. Music ranged from opera to rock. The DG issue of Satyagraha by Glass is my reference opera for new gear-imaging the chorus shows any equipment’s limits. The Neko placed the chorus behind and around the main singers where it should be. The Beastie Boys Hot Sauce Committee was crisp, sassy, and provided all the bass I needed. Dylan’s Mono Box exploded into life over the Neko. I was mesmerized by how immediate and vital these recordings sound. The effect was similar with the Miles Davis recording from the Blue Coronet. Shut your eyes, pretend you smell cigarette smoke, and you are sitting in the club in 1969. [/size]
[size=11.0pt]The Glass and Beasties are state of the art recordings. The Dylan and Davis show the limit of 60s tape. The Neko handled the former and was forgiving of the latter.[/size]
[size=11.0pt]I also compared the Neko to the built in DAC on my Rega Apollo. Again the Neko showed it had a warmer, more analog sound. When running signal to my MicroZOTL amp, I found vocals a bit too tubey, and preferred the solid state Micro Ultra amp. This is more a reflection on the sound I’ve dialed into the MZ amp than the Neko, and any tube head could tube roll for a pleasing sound with the Neko.[/size]
[size=11.0pt]I often find piano music on CD fatiguing-too brittle and harsh. The Neko made even the bombastic (but so very fun!) Steinway Christmas Album listenable. Every note was crunchy and clear, but with the decay that makes piano music listenable and realistic.[/size]
[size=11.0pt]My only quibbles-and they are personal aesthetic quibbles-reflect more on the design on the actual unit. While I admired the simple black box look of the DAC, I would have liked to a smaller black knob rather than the large silver one for switching-or even better, the knob moved to the back for a clean sphinx-like front. And I would have the power and lock lights lined up. There might be engineering reasons for not doing this, and I know most folks don’t have my obsessive-compulsive gene![/size]
[size=11.0pt]I’ll sum up my felling on this DAC in one sentence. I’ll be buying one when funds permit and I can sneak it into the house.[/size]
[size=11.0pt]Thanks again to Neko Audio for the review unit.[/size]
nekoaudio.com
[size=11pt]Neko Audio LLC[/size]
[size=11pt]P.O. Box 23405[/size]
[size=11pt]San Jose, CA 95153-3405[/size]
[size=11pt]408-476-3276[/size]