[adeadcrab]

I had the Gustard in audition back then when I was looking for a suitable DAC together with my solid state Violectric V280.

I found the G26 too narrow and less 3-dimensional, kind of ‚flat’ The DAC2541 was definitely the more musical one with a bit less mid-bass, but a better sub-bass imo. It has that special musically, less neutral presentation that allures you in music.

Was that the R26 or X26/A26?

 

[Basco]

Was that the R26 or X26/A26?

X26

 

[moriez]

I'm looking forward to dac1221, the follow up to 1321. There's been talk for at least two years and was informed by Soren he's finishing up a two or three months ago.

Would anyone have new info please share.

 

[slsmaster]

Hi Guys!

I am looking to replace my Topping D30 Pro/A30 Pro stack for use with my Focal Utopia OG. I find the Topping stack to sound fine for its price point, but a little boring sometimes. And I HATE the volume wheel of the A30 Pro, it has not enough depth and doesn't feel that great to turn.

I have found a used Violectric HP-VA200 for 350€ and couldn't resist to buy it. I have heard that Soekris DACs match exceptionally well with those older Violectric AMPs.

My question now: should I go for the 1541 or the 2541? As the Utopia is fairly sensitive, the output power of the 1541 feeding the Violectric via SE should be enough I guess?

Is there a substantial SQ difference between the R2R implementation of the 1541 and the 2541?

Thank you

 

[sajunky]

Is there a substantial SQ difference between the R2R implementation of the 1541 and the 2541?

If you can get 1541 cheaper, go for it. It is fully balanced DAC, including a ladder.

Coming from Topping, you should be satisfied from Soekris, but why not trying NOS DAC? Violectric should pair well. Gustard R26 comes with network streamer, Audio GD offer both pure DACs (R-1, R-8) and versions with a headphone amplifier.

 

[Basco]

If you can get 1541 cheaper, go for it. It is fully balanced DAC, including a ladder.

Coming from Topping, you should be satisfied from Soekris, but why not trying NOS DAC? Violectric should pair well. Gustard R26 comes with network streamer, Audio GD offer both pure DACs (R-1, R-8) and versions with a headphone amplifier

I read some blogs that Rockna (even pricepoint wise over the Soekris DAC 2541) is working well with Violectric also (If yo're lucky you find a used offer in the Classifieds for 2.5-2.8K in good condition.

 

[technisummer]

Rockna is fantastic, one of the best I've heard, but it's a tier above the Soekris in terms of price. I agree with what was said earlier - get a 1541 for a good price if you can, they're easier to resell than Rocknas. Besides you need to test the waters first.

 

[Basco]

Rockna is fantastic, one of the best I've heard, but it's a tier above the Soekris in terms of price. I agree with what was said earlier - get a 1541 for a good price if you can, they're easier to resell than Rocknas. Besides you need to test the waters first.

I would say Rockna might even be 2-3 tiers above Maybe with the Violectric and the DAC 2541 (or 1541) it might be even the better equilibrium as a whole setup.

 

[adeadcrab]

If looking for the 1541, maybe consider the 1421 - I don't believe the 1541 is for sale anymore, and the 1421 is just the single-ended version of that DAC. I have been using the 1421 for years with no real desire to upgrade it (yet) - it exceeds its price range IMO (although these days with the Gustard R26 / A26 the price points are getting low for even better gear).

If I were you I would personally bite the bullet and go for the 2541 - it is supposed to be a notch above the 1421/1541.

 

[s4tch]

1421 is the best dac I've heard in the sub 1k range. Upper treble spark could be a bit more pronounced, that's literally my only complaint. Usability, connectivity, build, sound, all close to perfection. The fact that I can remote control it with a good old apple remote makes it even better to use. I even like the slightly retro vibes of the design, and that mint green case, such a nice touch. I use it in a speaker system and the only reason I'm selling it is that my family doesn't like the complicated setup (streamer - dac - amp - speakers and loads of cables of course).

 

[Lacas]

I totally get the feeling that a separate dedicated amp is the way to go.

I have had 30 + amps here, still have a dozen or so...and right now I am using the HD 650's and ADX 5000 (420 ohms) with a balanced cable to the Soekris 2541 and its internal op amp head amp. There is enough power in the Soekris to make either of these cans play very very loud and into its going to damage your hearing range.

I can compare to many amps easily. Comparing to PassLabs HPA-1, iFi iCAN, Schitt Jotenheim, Schiit Lyr 3, Schiit Asgard 3, and others....

Honestly when you level let the amps the sound is very, very similar.
(amps, do not make mega differences but cans...cans indeed make a BIG difference for sure).

Humans are funning beings...connect to an amp, low gain and have to crank up the volume and smile.
Then flip the gain switch to HIGH and WHAM!! Its like its soooo much better.....and all those adjectives.

But take the time and level set and you will be amazed at how similar they really are...

This is a very subjective hobby...and we all here differently.

No right or wrong here....just enjoy!

Alex

...and yes I do like amps....

hi, based on your experience with the 2541 may the Nitsch Piety be a good pairing with a Soekris 1421? is it worth upgrading from Topping D70S? thx

 

[lostrockets]

Hello - I have the 1321 and was considering getting the 1421 for crossfeed, for those of you with the 1421 have you found it effective?

If you’ve heard both the 1321 and 1421 do they sound the same?

 

[adeadcrab]

Hello - I have the 1321 and was considering getting the 1421 for crossfeed, for those of you with the 1421 have you found it effective?

If you’ve heard both the 1321 and 1421 do they sound the same?

I believe the crossfeed is for the headphone out only, not when using the unit strictly as a DAC.
The 1421 should be slightly better than 1321, like the 2541 edges out the 1541.

 

[cats4cans]

One of the reasons I bought the dac1421 was to try out the crossfeed. Yes, it is only active through the headphone jack. I only listened to it a few times. It may just be the headphone output wasn’t nearly as good as my dedicated amps, which is to be expected. I also didn’t like it directly into my speaker amp. I still use its remote volume control, but always with a pre or hpa. I think the 1321 and 1541 are discontinued btw.

 

[Mattyjm]

does anyone know if soekris is still up? i recently (6 Dec) emailed them to ask if they were able to sell me a unit, but I haven't gotten a response since. would be nice to get a update/heads-up.

i haven't kept up with their company so I'm not too sure about their lead times, etc. I'd just go out on a limb and assume that he's taking the month off, I guess.