[OhmsClaw]

Sure. Since you asked, my source is the USB out from a Hiby RS8 to a Holo Red (Used as a DDC to convert to I2S) which with then go to the Laiv (when I get it) which then will feed my Burson Solo Voyager via XLRs with the end of the chain being a set of Focal Utopia 2022 headphones. At the moment, I have the Cyan 2, but I'm returning that and will use the DAC from the RS8 until the Laiv Arrives. The Cyan 2 sounded fine, but I wasn't awestruck. I think the Laiv may be a bit more future proof, and may be better for some older tracks that may benefit from OS.

Nice amp and cans! Using a Dap as a Dac is interesting. The R8ii has been on my radar.

 

[NehPets]

Sure. Since you asked, my source is the USB out from a Hiby RS8 to a Holo Red (Used as a DDC to convert to I2S) which with then go to the Laiv (when I get it) which then will feed my Burson Solo Voyager via XLRs with the end of the chain being a set of Focal Utopia 2022 headphones. At the moment, I have the Cyan 2, but I'm returning that and will use the DAC from the RS8 until the Laiv Arrives. The Cyan 2 sounded fine, but I wasn't awestruck. I think the Laiv may be a bit more future proof, and may be better for some older tracks that may benefit from OS.

If you want to be awestruck, try adding an extra 2 zeros to your budget.

 

[StarlingCurve]

Nice amp and cans! Using a Dap as a Dac is interesting. The R8ii has been on my radar.

The RS8 has a surprisingly nice R2R Dac. I'd driven my Focal MG Clear Pros with the DAP and it sounds great. So while I wait on the Laiv Harmony, I'm using the line out 4.4 to dual XLR via a Hiby Dock to the Burson. Not bad for a week or two. My Laiv is supposedly shipping this week per an email from them.

 

[dpone]

Got it in to my bedroom system and will compare over the next week to the Denafrips.

EDIT:

So far, right out of the box, I can say that as of May 2024 **FOR a $2700 price DAC ($2675 after coupon)** compared to what else is out there now:

10/10 Design
10/10 Packaging & Unboxing Experience
10/10 Interface
TBD on the sound but I CAN say that I would choose this over the Rockna Wavelight, which I have also owned. I'm still comparing to the Terminator II-12th, but this thing pretty close and has a pleasing sound.

After I placed my order, I got a personal email from Weng Fai Hoh thanking me. Love the personal touch.

Any more sound impressions you can share? I also have the DSHA-3FN and Utopia OGs, currently using the Matrix X-SABRE PRO (MQA) dac, and have been considering switching it out for the LAIV Harmony dac.

 

[]eep]

If you want to be awestruck, try adding an extra 2 zeros to your budget.

That's like adding zeros to a forum. That doesn't improve anything.

 

[OhmsClaw]

If you want to be awestruck, try adding an extra 2 zeros to your budget.

Might as well spend 50k on 2 channel and stop coping with TOTL headphones

What are you on about man? Suggesting someone go from 3k dacs to 300k systems

 

[DarthVaderKamp]

I also have the DSHA-3FN and Utopia OGs, currently using the Matrix X-SABRE PRO (MQA) dac, and have been considering switching it out for the LAIV Harmony dac.

What is it about your current chain you hope the LAIV DAC will improve? I have one on order and have been looking at a DSHA-3FN for my OG Utopia when available from Nitsch later this summer. Any insight you have on strengths/weaknesses of this chain would be much appreciated.

 

[TheR0v3r]

If you want to be awestruck, try adding an extra 2 zeros to your budget.

Or not.

My current €500 network setup beats my previous €5000 network setup.