Upgrade from the Lavry?

[xenithon]

Is the Aqvox new? They have a 30-day trial, which I plan to make prodiguous use of

 

[VicAjax]

i personally just ordered a Cullen Level 3 modded PS Audio Digital Link III... I've not compared it to anything, but i have auditioned it and it's absolutely out of this world.

I've read a few reviews over at audiogon and Audio Asylum from people who have said it handily beats the Lavry. I'm just quoting, so take this for what it is... 2nd hand info.

but it might be worth looking into.

 

[nnotis]

I'm hoping that the Weiss DAC2 turns out to be much more than a lateral move from the Lavry black. It's features make it positively useful.

 

[Scrith]

In my experience, upgrading from the mid-grade DACs (Lavry, Benchmark, etc.) is probably the least cost-efficient upgrade for any system. I doubt you'll find a component that gives you a really significant improvement (relative to other component upgrades) over the Lavry for any price. A speaker and/or headphone upgrade is always the best place to put your money, based on my personal comparisons between high-end audio gear. Amplification is a distant second. DACs are an even more distant third place.

 

[tubes]

I have been on the digital hamster wheel for years going from one oversampling/upsampling Dac/Player to another each being a little different. I finally broke down out of frustration and tried a NOS dac, even hooked up to a DVD player as a transport I am very happy. For the first time in a long time I don't rifle through the tracks, I actually sit and relax and enjoy the music, I even fall asleep sometimes which for me is a good sign.

Phill

 

[poo]

From memory, you've had a DAC1 in the past, but if you want to swap for a while to try again PM me...

Like others have said, I can't think of a DAC within the price range that is likely to offer an upgrade in quality. You might find something that sounds a bit different though, and maybe that change would be enough?

Maybe hold off until the meet and try a few things - sounds like there's going to be loads there.

 

[cstan]

how 'bout hte lavry gold DAC? u could go lavry blue,
but i'm pretty sure hte lavry DAC1 is the same guts as a blue
(you can get 8 channels of DAC or ADC in a lavry blue unit).

i think the gold runs about $5-6k

Burl Audio just came out with a DAC at the latest
AES show in SF, its not on their website yet
but the company has been getting great reviews
in pro audio circles.

THE B2 BOMBER ANALOG/DIGITAL CONVERTER from BURL AUDIO: the meanest 2-channel analog/digital converter the pro audio world has ever witnessed.

msrp $3500

-carl

 

[The Monkey]

I recommend the North Star. As mentioned above, it has a musicality and presence that the DAC1 doesn't. I can't compare to the Lavry because I have only sent a few minutes with the DA-10, but the North Star is a pretty nice source for the price (used). Check the 'gon.

 

[tomjtx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrith /img/forum/go_quote.gif In my experience, upgrading from the mid-grade DACs (Lavry, Benchmark, etc.) is probably the least cost-efficient upgrade for any system. I doubt you'll find a component that gives you a really significant improvement (relative to other component upgrades) over the Lavry for any price. A speaker and/or headphone upgrade is always the best place to put your money, based on my personal comparisons between high-end audio gear. Amplification is a distant second. DACs are an even more distant third place.

X a trillion.

finally, a voice of sanity

 

[The Monkey]

Source first.

 

[juzmister]

Thanks guys

We all have our preferences about where it is best to spend in a rig...I've always thought the source/headphones made the biggest of differences, as it's where it all originates...

I've sold the Lavry...I just enjoy trying lots of new stuff...New toys are the best!

I also needed a pre-amp in my rig, so the Stello DP200 lends itself to the function and is a slightly better DAC...Will see if I can pick one up

The AUD has also tanked this week, so it's looking like i'll be buying something local

 

[poo]

I've no idea on price, but Perreaux have a DAC that I've been interested to try since release (made in NZ so The AUD shouldn't be a problem...)

Perreaux (International) : Products : Silhouette : SXD2 - USB Dac - High End Audio Amplifiers for Audiophiles

 

[juzmister]

Looks really nice...just no balanced outputs

 

[shaizada]

Good luck upgrading from the Lavry. I tried a lot and couldn't really outperform it significantly until about the $5k mark.

The Lavry is a fantastic DAC and I preferred it hands down to the Benchmark Dac 1...again its my personal preference. I lean towards musicality side of things and the Lavry fit right in.

~G