DAC Shootout - Tons of Fun

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Thanks!

The B3 is special indeed.

Best DAC I’ve heard so far in my system!

Great to hear you've been enjoying it so much. I find it very special, too.

[Rtan]

Baltic 3 is really amazing…Could not wait to cook the tubes to full 200hours.

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Levitator

Will you get the chance to hear the EMMLabs in your system?

TBD. I prefer to either "borrow" a demo unit locally when I can, or just buy a piece outright if it needs to be shipped.

Shipping in an out of state unit, while feasible, is also a pain in the butt-

If I had easy access to a unit in Northern Colorado, I'd be all over it.

I've gone back and forth on whether I should just buy a unit and "roll the dice", but with the ever importance of system synergy, trying before buying is the smarter approach.

Any AA'ers with an EMM Da2 in Colorado looking to do a shootout with the Baltic 3?

[Levitator]

I agree with the trying before buying approach, although sometimes it’s just not feasible unfortunately. Good luck, hope you can find a dealer willing to lend you a unit or someone close by…

[Grasshopper]

As I’m considering a finalist or two to battle the Lampi-someone told me I should also check out Playback Designs.

I decided to make a few calls to learn more and was directed to speak with Andreas Koch, the designer/mastermind behind Playback Designs.

Apparently he was EMM labs’ designer, and also did designs for Nagra. Many consider him to be one of the pioneers of digital audio. It was fun talking to him.

Has anybody on AA heard the Playback Designs Dream DAC?

Specifically those familiar with Lampi, emm DA2?

Playback is one of those companies you hear little about, but those familiar seem to really like the sound of their digital.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

As I’m considering a finalist or two to battle the Lampi-someone told me I should also check out Playback Designs.

I decided to make a few calls to learn more and was directed to speak with Andreas Koch, the designer/mastermind behind Playback Designs.

Apparently he was EMM labs’ designer, and also did designs for Nagra. Many consider him to be one of the pioneers of digital audio. It was fun talking to him.

Has anybody on AA heard the Playback Designs Dream DAC?

Specifically those familiar with Lampi, emm DA2?

Playback is one of those companies you hear little about, but those familiar seem to really like the sound of their digital.

Playback Designs makes some of the best DACs I have ever heard, and Andreas Koch is a brilliant designer and engineer. He's up there with Nelson, Herve Delatraz, and the late Tim de Paravicini, IMHO.

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Playback Designs makes some of the best DACs I have ever heard, and Andreas Koch is a brilliant designer and engineer. He's up there with Nelson, Herve Delatraz, and the late Tim de Paravicini, IMHO.

That is good to hear.

It was fun speaking with Andreas for sure.

I wonder why his DACs aren’t better known/circulated.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

That is good to hear.

It was fun speaking with Andreas for sure.

I wonder why his DACs aren’t better known/circulated.

Marketing. Or, rather, a lack of it.

[JoeN]

BTW, cabling on a DA2V2 makes a huge difference. I wouldn’t use the stock power cable that comes with it. I was considering Nordost and Transparent, but someone on another forum highly suggested Shunyata. He was correct!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by JoeN

BTW, cabling on a DA2V2 makes a huge difference. I wouldn’t use the stock power cable that comes with it. I was considering Nordost and Transparent, but someone on another forum highly suggested Shunyata. He was correct!

Shunyata QR-s is the way to go if in your budget. DACs were one of the sources it was specifically designed for.