Hot Takes | Laiv Harmony DAC

Just a "quick" video, I wanted to get my thoughts out on the current hotness, the LAIV Harmony DAC.
I have full intentions in the near future of doing a follow-up video about the unboxing and even taking the bottom cover off even though that my void my warranty.
Cheers

[@alphaniner3770]

Thanks for the review. The Audial S5 is on my shortlist, more so than the Laiv, so it being talked about was very welcome indeed.

[@gryphongryph]

A question, I am ready to pull the trigger on the Audial S5b, but hearing you say that the Laiv would work better if running tubes got me wondering if this is a good match for my system that is as follows: Pre is a Supratek tube pre amp, power amp is a class A Belles and speakers are Graham Audio LS 5/9 (bbc) design, my current dac is a Primare Dac30, what are your thoughts?

[@ruger6049]

Great stuff. Good luck with future episodes. Cheers. ps - Yellow Dog is where it's at, 😉

[@davidrivera2165]

Thanks for your contribution to our community. I'm the rare old audiophile who is no longer into the "analog, organic, natural, cozy, warm gooey sound". At 64 with 45 years into the madness been there, done that with original vinyl pressings. Fantastic imaging, huge soundstage, great dynamic contrast is my thing now. Great R2R dacs are following the turntable trend. You have to spend over $5k to start obtaining the detail retrieval and dynamics of a decent $1k delta sigma dac or Integrated amp can deliver. My advice, make sure your playlist consists of excellent 10:04 quality recordings. The quality of the actual recording makes far more impact and overall enjoyment than your room or components (speakers being the exception). This is why so many complain that a system, whether entry level or ultra high end can sound bright/ harsh/ fatiguing. It really starts and ends with the recording.

[@ruger6049]

So, if you listen only to 70's and 80s rock or pop there is no point in buying good audio gear? I've been down that path. A collection af audiophile recordings ($$$) that sound great but are boring as hell for this old man. Give me Tool and Rage !!!

[@BobCoalWater]

@@ruger6049 Been through that merry go round, could only listen to very high quality recordings, listening to music I did not care for. Decided to start from scratch and now have a system that is completely opposite, now when I put a super good recording there is something missing, which is a great trade off, since there are 100s of not perfect, but still well recorded records for every pristine recording. I just listened to the first Roxy music, it sounded fantastic and I dont give a damn, if Rebeca Pigeon does not sound amazing anymore.

[@saaie]

I guess less alcoholic drinks and better listening sessions I heard the Dac here in Holland for a couple off hours in combination with a violectric amp and a Hifiman Arya Organic and it rock so hard I started to stump my feet, serieus this Dac comes very close to my Rockna dac at half the price, I really don’t recognize the comment in your video and I know I am a critical listener the Dac is warm but that’s a trade of all R2R dacs and the top rolls off a bit, but that’s why I love R2R dacs is fast en engaging and you say no fun really! I don’t the now combination off your system but perhaps the amp or pre amp aren’t up to par as for the gr speakers I can’t tell because I listen to ATC, PMC and Hedd speakers 😊

[@ruger6049]

Other reviewers are not warming up to this DAC so the cheap shot about craft beer shows you are triggered simply because the reviewer does not agree with your view on this peice of gear. Grow up, maybe have an IPA and chill out.

[@saaie]

@@ruger6049 like i said you really missed out, I own a Rockna Wavelight dac, heard the MSB dacs for a period and this dac is certainly not at the same level that would also be strange when you look at the price difference but it punches above its price and the way you portray it it’s not even a starter dac and that really gives a wrong impression, but perhaps the rest off your gear isn’t up to par or you should not call yourself a reviewer, and He its was your idea to combine the dac review with beer don’t blame that one on me it’s your Chanel and your script so I agree to disagree

[@BobCoalWater]

You only heard it for a couple of hours?

[@Pete.across.the.street]

ATTN viewers, Set playback speed x1.75 to make this watchable.

[@tdfmike3915]

Man... I thought you are joking until I listened for the first 15 seconds...

[@patrickgeorge141]

How in your opinion does this compare to my RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE? I have been looking seriously at this dac.

[@thinkIndependent2024]

Was it in R2R mode? or oversampling?

[@everydayaudiophile5409]

I meant to cover that as well... I will in my next video. I, personally, had a strong preference for NOS while my friend preferred OS. It mainly came down to vocal presentation for us. Other reviewers have stated that OS is a bit sharper in the transients and I agree with that largely. This worked for some music, like Rock or EDM, but made live acoustic performances sound unengaging by comparison.

[@ernestmeunier1401]

Maybe less alcohol and more exactitude in language is indicated here.

[@everydayaudiophile5409]

Yo. Appreciate the comment. I understand, but it wouldn't feel right without a beer in hand talking about that music and audio equipment.

[@ruger6049]

This DAC has been shown to be mostly a pretty face. Poor value.

[@roberts3889]

Dumbest comment ever.

[@rogercoffelt9846]

You are very awkward to watch.

[@everydayaudiophile5409]

Appreciate the view nonetheless. Good thing I'm not planning on this becoming my sole source of income :)