The best DAC I have ever heard! There is nothing more to say! It is a 9 out of 10. Just amazing!

[@ginom407]

Ed your reviews are very enjoyable and greatly detailed! I appreciate your work. Thank you for what you do!!! 👍👍👍

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my friend.

[@clarencehoover6748]

I appreciate the detailed circuitry overview. This is one of the things that makes this channel shine. 💜

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much. I figured, if I think it is interesting, than maybe viewers will to. I do learn new stuff all the time about the tech and the gear. Thanks for returning.

[@alexkane84]

Did you buy it or were you sponsored for this review ?

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@alexkane84 As with ever other reviewer worldwide, the manufacturer sent it to me and it will be going back to them. No consideration is requested or offered. With literally dozens and dozens of positive reviews over the last year or so, I am flattered that you think my small channel is important enough for someone like Laiv to pay for a review. All my opinions are my own. Thank you.

[@tractioncontroloff9796]

Would this dac make a big enough difference in sound over the Orchard Audio Pecan Pi+ Premium going into Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC 2.5? Thank you for your detailed reviews. I respect your opinion.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am glad you know so much about this product and how it sounds. BTW, it measures quite well.

[@CButti-x1s]

Another great review Ed. Your reviews are both thorough and enjoyable. I’m going to check out those music recommendations for sure. Keep up the good work my man!

[@OldGuyHifi]

That's so nice of you to say. Let me know what you think of the music. Thank you so much.

[@riccitone]

Great review, and you’re one of the very few out there that get into depth: circuitry, design approach, history, recordings…and totally no need to apologize for being truthful about “high end” 😂

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Love that you listened to Little Feat. The box set of that album is amazing. Also your pictures and description of the Leslie reminds me of the one my Dad played his electric organ through. Beautiful live sound. Nothing else sounds like it. Thanks for triggering great memories, something music always does for me. Goosebumps indeed.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am so glad you enjoyed it. I love that album. Thanks so much.

[@trebep]

I am glad I pushed you to get this one in for review!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Ok.

[@trebep]

@@OldGuyHifi you may recall you were skeptical that your channel wasn’t big enough when I suggested it. Great to hear you loved it. Keep up the great content! Now I just need to save $2700 😂.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Now I remember. Thanks.

[@dazza1976]

Great to hear a review of this from you Ed. It's the DAC I'd most like to own. It's goose bumps in the UK as well by the way.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks Daz. Me too.

[@rafacq]

Thanks, Ed! I thought I posted this comment a few days ago and today I couldn’t find it! Baden Powell's guitar playing was truly remarkable. He was a masterful Brazilian guitarist, who sadly passed away in 2000. Fortunately for us, his music continues to captivate us. He expertly combined classical techniques with popular Brazilian themes, and his ability to perform in various styles such as Brazilian jazz, bossa nova, Spanish, and Latin rhythms is truly impressive. His love for live performances is evident in his many live album recordings. His music can be found and enjoyed on platforms like Apple Music and Tidal, and likely on Qobuz as well (not subscribed). I just found this with AI... "Baden Powell was a Brazilian guitarist and composer who was a key figure in the Bossa Nova movement. His music blended classical guitar techniques with jazz harmonies, and incorporated styles such as Samba, Bossa Nova, Jazz, and Baroque. During his career, he recorded 60 albums and composed over 100 songs." Lembranças was his last studio work. He was born in 1937. His last concert was in April 2000 in Berlin, Germany, as part of the "Brasil 500" festival. The concert was a highlight of the festival and was held to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Brazil's discovery. Here is a great page on his last album. musicabrasileira.org/baden-powell-lembrancas/

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks again for the recommendation. He is really good and fun to listen to.,

[@xeniavader]

you totally deserve one !!!!!!!! nice review.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That's so nice of you to say. Thank you for watching.

[@bagrubmeister4973]

Hi Ed, very good review. I own one and after about 3 or 400 hours I am amazed at what this delivers.. I can't wait for their streamer.. I am totally satisfied with this dac. I wont be looking at other dacs for a long time.

[@OldGuyHifi]

It is very good. I get it. Thank you for tuning in.

[@BobbyTwoTimes]

Another gem of a review. Thanks for bringing this one to us!

[@OldGuyHifi]

My pleasure! Thanks.

[@claptrap22]

A truly, helpfully informative video. I wish more of this content was available. I learned a lot.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much.

[@kunsliu]

every review has the best product in your happy life.

[@OldGuyHifi]

It is a very good product.

[@abxaudiophiles]

Gotta love when people drag up from a company to pursue their vision! Great run down Ed. ;)

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks my friend.

[@SteveWille]

For me, a solo trumpet can be a goose bumps trigger. Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” does this as well as Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man”.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Steve I agree. Thank you sir.

[@ryanbmd7988]

The best videos are always yours Ed! But you’ve raised the bar again with a comprehensive, cogent and thoughtful appraisal of features. Refreshing too to clear some air on the overuse of “high end”, rant over? I’d love a tad more. Thanks for the musical selections included in the review 🎵🎶❤

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you Ryan. You said you wanted more. More what? I would love to hear your thoughts. Give the girls a big pat on the head for me.

[@ryanbmd7988]

@@OldGuyHifimore oldguy rants! The pups loved Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition. Fantastic recommendations and a sweet spot of 3-5 is perfectamundo.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@ryanbmd7988 Thanks my friend.

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Ed thanks for the review. All the reviews I’ve seen online are positive so I’m sure it’s a winner. It’s beyond my price range for a DAC. I’m happy with my Holo Audio Cyan 2 which sounds excellent at about $1300 US. It’s just a DAC with no other features or a remote so it’s not for everyone but it works for me and my budget. Rock on!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you sir. Yeah, it is beyond my price range as well.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@guyboisvert66 No. No you can't and unless you have experience with the product, your comment is misguided. Sorry.

[@Audio_0dBm]

Hello, I'm new to the channel. I met you Saturday at the CAF. Very nice review of this DAC. As an engineer, I really enjoyed the tour through the circuitry when you opened the unit.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much. I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great review. Thanks for showing the guts. It is beautifully done. I like the isolation of the R2R ladder boards. If it is this good with the Crystek clocks this could be amazing with a simple clock upgrade. Those clocks are used in lots of expensive DACs. But they really are at the entry level of the good stuff. It would take guts to mod something this expensive, but if you pulled out those Crystek oscillators and dropped in iancanada SC-Pure you could take this to another level.

[@OldGuyHifi]

No need to upgrade the clocks. Laiv just announced a new reclocker/DDC that should be out after the first of the year. I should have a review sample in a few weeks. Watch this space.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

An amazing piece of equipment. Thank you for your perspectives and content. Apparently the Topping D90 III Discrete at 1000 USD is getting great reviews, if you can't afford this DAC, for an alternative. 😁

[@OldGuyHifi]

I haven't seen those reviews yet. I fear it is like the SMSL SU-X, if so, then I am not interested. Thank you my friend.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@@OldGuyHifi I don't believe it is anything like the SMSL, based on the reviews, but who knows. 😂 FOMO kicking in. 😂

[@stevenkelley9002]

Just ordered a Geshelli Labs Dayzee a week ago with the Sparkos 2590 discrete opamps upgrade. About $1,800. Looking forward to getting it... great reviews and friends of mine rave over it.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Steven, My review of the Dayzee will be out next Sunday. It is a very good, very good DAC. I didn't hear it with any Sparkos but I imagine it will be great. Let know how it goes.

[@jrockofages5413]

@stevenkelley9002 did you get lucite or wood? About to pull the same trigger.

[@dailyfrenchie9047]

Great review. Even though I don’t understand the tech aspects as much as you I can understand your excitement about the design and execution. I just bought this dac second hand so looking forward to getting it. I had a Holo May dac and loved it. Wish you had a chance to hear that and give your thoughts on it. Looking forward to hearing more of your reviews.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Let me know what you think. Thx.

[@DavidHead61]

Another great and thorough review Ed. I’d love to hear how this compares to the Schiit Yggy if you get a chance to review that DAC.

[@OldGuyHifi]

David, Thank you so much. i now have a contact at Schiit and as soon as they are done moving out of California, I will be able to get gear. Soon I hope.

[@mrt6349]

Got mine last week :)

[@OldGuyHifi]

Congrats.

[@bobzador4038]

Ed, glad your listening to Baden Powell please check out Images On Guitar , stand out track track Violao Vagabundo. One of my all time favorite albums, beautifully recorded, from a rock music guy. This album gives me goosebumps

[@OldGuyHifi]

Added to the playlist. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@Brian_Romska]

Awesome Ed! Pretty cool that you got your hands on this and got to hear another level of audio goodness, but you forgot to compare it to the fosi zd3, 😂😉thanks again!

[@OldGuyHifi]

I was going to compare it to the Prozor unit but, it wouldn't be fair to the Harmony.

[@dustinrichardson3607]

Would love to see you review the new Schiit Gungnir 2 DAC. Seems like a somewhat unique offering at its price point.

[@OldGuyHifi]

If Schiit would send me one I would love to review it. Thx.

[@rogerschofield3324]

Thank you for the review. My two penny worth is that in its performance category it is too expensive .

[@OldGuyHifi]

I get it. It is too rich for my wallet as well but, it is fun to play with. Thx.

[@JTB--]

I considered the Harmony DAC... but went the Geshelli Stack route with a J3 Pro DAC and Erish3 Pro Balanced Amp for 2 separate setups. One J3 Pro has the Sparkos 2590 Op Amps and the other has Burson V7 Vivid Op Amps . One stack was Padauk and Purple Heart woods custom Carved by the dude in Canada. 🔥 Money well spent if you're looking to stay away from the crazier costs of "High End" Audio gear and believe in diminishing returns. Can't beat Geshelli and Schiit for that imo

[@OldGuyHifi]

You made a great choice. I love my Geshelli J2S with the 2590 on single ended. That's the only place it fits! I have a review of the Dayzee which will come out on Nov. 2nd. Geno and the team make some really awesome high value great sounding gear. Thanks and enjoy your new rig.

[@timomy8]

This is an interesting piece. There's another interesting one you may wish to take a look at its the Topping D90 Deseret. Would be interested in your thoughts comparing the 2. Thanks for your time providing a little bit of a different approach to the video reviews.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am on the list to get one. Funny thing is I am hearing mixed reviews of it. I just got back for Capital Audio Fest and there were some interesting discussion about it. I am hoping to get it before Christmas. The channel is still small, so I am down the list. Soon. Thx.

[@ER-qb1nk]

Great technical info in your review!! Better than the Pontus? Truly impressive. In terms of emotional engagement and recreating a “live” sound, how would you compare the Harmony to the Pontus? Thanks !

[@OldGuyHifi]

It is better than the Pontus. That's what I said in the review. There is no way to recreate "live" sound. Live sound is mono and it can't be done in any home environment. It is a fools errand to think a hifi can reproduce anything remotely close to live. Thx.

[@norbsi]

Would be great if you have speaked about the tonality of the DAC: is it on the warm side? How is the midrange, top end, base?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I do.

[@stimpy1226]

I called that sense of space room ambience. I don’t know if that’s the best verbal explanation but it’s hard to believe that anyone can’t tell the difference in spacial acoustics or the size of the room.

[@Mrhifitunes]

Good review 👍. Just a small remark, there are R2R dacs that do DSD native. Eg Pure DSD dac. The "box" around the R2R ladders is more for temperature control then for RF insulation

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. As I mentioned I wasn't sure about DSD. Thanks for the heads up on the housing.

[@dizzle1119]

I had never heard of Laiv, so I had to go take a look at their other product. Man, it's some great lookin' gear. The internals of the DAC are mighty impressive, too.

[@OldGuyHifi]

It is a remarkably well engineered and built unit. Thanks for tuning in and commenting.

[@dizzle1119]

@@Jeep_on_audio I'm not actually interested in purchasing any of it. I just think it looks great. I've just got into the hobby less than 2 years ago, and I've already replaced every single piece of gear that I started out with. ...and with SVS liquidating their SB-16 Ultra inventory....I had to buy two of those. So, yeah. I was basically just commenting because the gear looks awesome. Thanks for the info, tho...

[@hugocosta179]

Great review, I have just one small correction: "Lembranças" is a Portuguese word, it means memories. Very nice that you put everything into the context using songs and albums.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for the correction and thank you for watching.

[@TheodoreBreaux]

The Holo Audio R2R DACs (Cyan 2, Spring 3, May) all process DSD natively via proprietary hardware without having to first convert to PCM.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks for the heads up and the view.

[@trevorbartram5473]

Hi Ed, you appear to imply that SPDIF is inferior because it's externally clocked. There are two well established technologies that overcome external clock deficencies (jitter & timing errors): a phased-locked-loop & adjustable digital delay lines. These have been employed since the year dot. This Laiv appears to be extremely well engineered, Chord & dCS must be quaking in their boots.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Trevor, you make a good point. I would however suggest that while those technologies certainly have been there since Gen 2 of digital, that they are for the most part poorly implemented on most gear due to costs and production constraints. I was in the industry for many years and have seen clocking and jitter test done by engineers that demonstrated the issue on all manner of digital audio gear including network switches and bridges. I am sure you have seen the rise in popularity of DDCs and Re-clockers even for asynchronous USB signal. I think those were developed to correct those timing and jitter issues. I can only express my opinions based on my experience. Thanks so much for the great comment and for watching.

[@KXP70]

@@trevorbartram5473 I don't think Chord will be worried at all.

[@Steve-se7dx]

Great Review!!! .....Thank You ! Hope ! ---- you get to Hear the Gustard X30 Soon...I Love to hear-- Your opinion comparing it -- To THIS DAC !

[@OldGuyHifi]

Glad you liked it! Thank you.

[@jasonc331]

Nice review, I will be happy with my 8.5 :) I have heard from others that these are serviceable from the mfg, they will send you the actual piece that is broken. This style modular and end user servicable looks like the future. This was on my short list, but the Qutest still makes me feel the goosebumps and I think I will stay put for a few more years on DACS.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Jason, I am in agreement with you. I do think the Harmony is fantastic but, expensive. The Qutest hits a good sweet spot for price v performance. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@jasonc331]

@@OldGuyHifi Can you ak the MFG if in fact they can send you indidual cards as replacements. If 100% verified that is a huge plus. Being able to just get a replacement module is an awesome feature.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@jasonc331 I will ask them and let you know.

[@brochg]

Thank you for the great review, Ed! I hope that you get the chance to review the new Topping D90 III single bit Dac. That is high on my list for my next Dac.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Broch, Shh, most Delta-Sigma DACs are one bit at their core. Some are 3 to 5 bit at the most. Don't tell anyone. We had one bit back in the 90's. It was called "Bit-Stream" and that is what morphed into Delta-Sigma. I would be interested in checking it out though.

[@michaelperry3578]

Ed, @brochg is right, we need your take and listening impressions on Topping’s “discrete” implementation of delta-sigma used on the D90 III. If you don’t have the best understanding of DAC-tech by any YT reviewer(likely) you sure as hell do the best job of explaining it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faqtfWqnhreCoq8si=p-w5e1_Ves87Kw1I

[@nascarracer886]

Would love to get a video of you explaining the different DAC s there strengths of each. Maybe a best of list at different price points?

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@nascarracer886 Were you looking over my shoulder? I have the rough cut of a video and script that more or less does exactly what you suggested. Soon I promise. Thx for returning to the channel.

[@nascarracer886]

@@OldGuyHifi Also another really good topic might be the sound quality of streamers. I’m sure if I’m confused there are many others. I would love to know if there is an audible difference between WiiM mini and all other WiiM streamers I’d they are all using an outboard DAC? Would I get a much better sound from Cambridge steamer? Or blue sound node? Like many I’ve watched many you tube videos and never figured out if Streamers sound better than others using a decent DAC Thanks again for your videos and sharing your thoughts on all the equipment!! Your explanations and reviews really seem to make sense.

[@knobbshots]

Always love the info Ed. This one a LIT-TLE out of my range. Is it three times better than Denefrips Aries or a Gesheli something? I know it doesn’t work that way, just sayin’

[@OldGuyHifi]

Carl, Let me put it this way, It is better than any other DAC I have heard. How much better is the question. I won't be getting rid of my Bifrost or my J2S anytime soon. It took an $6k amp (Edge A) and $7K speakers (Triangle) for me to really tease out the differences. That said, with that set up all my stuff sounded glorious. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I do appreciate it.

[@bizyz]

if something goes wrong with it,where can it be serviced?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Good question. I will ask them.

[@F.S.111]

Great review and interesting to see the inside! Yeah he was very interested in how I thought it compared to the Chord Cutest. No competition really the Laiv had a huge sound stage compared to Chord. It’s also seemed to have better timbre and instrument separation but the soundstage difference was immediately noticeable to me.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I agree with your assessment. Thank you so much.

[@willmac5642]

Great review as always. Your knowledge of what goes on under the lid etc. Why do you say you don't deserve it??

[@OldGuyHifi]

If I didn't have all of this really nice expensive gear coming in for review that I can use to evaluate something like this, I don't think I could appreciate it's sonic differences on my personal set up. Maybe? Thanks for tuning in.

[@lold6130]

The Laiv Harmony DAC is made in China. Laiv, the company that makes the DAC, is based in Singapore and was founded in 2023. Weng Fai Hoh, a former representative for other DAC companies, founded Laiv.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes. I knew that. I have spoken to Fai many times. He gave me the permission to break the seal and open the unit. I appreciate your view and comment.

[@danielbrown2715]

Great review! Which amp do you feel it had best synergy with? And have you finally fallen in love with surface mount technology?😊

[@OldGuyHifi]

The Cambridge Edge A sounded amazing with it and was the amp I used most. I did use the Galion TS120SE as well. I will never love surface tech. IMHO, it after DAC does its digital conversion, it degrades analog audio. In the analog portion of an amp where current is needed surface mount is inferior. It is cheaper to build, but it is for all intents and purposes unrepairable. Old guy rant over. Great comment. Thank you.

[@arunaryan1983]

❤❤❤. Gustard X30 is a good contender too

[@OldGuyHifi]

I haven't heard that unit yet. I would love to. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dan-sc7fm]

Great review. You said it briefly, that it is accompanied by a very good supporting cast of equipment. People should not consider a 'hi end' dac as the unit that will be the solution to great sound only. But, there is no question that with a quality preamp/amp or integrated and speakers, it will make them shine beautifully.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Dan, Great observation. It really is all about synergy. That's why I try to use all the gear to find a good match and that's why I mention the gear I use. As you noted, that's why it is called a Hifi system. Thanks for tuning in.

[@edricjr7930]

Hi Ed! 🙂Wouldn't it be cool to record the analog musical output of this DAC on a high bias cassette, Reel to Reel, or DAT recorder & playback the fullness of the music you processed through the DAC without the DAC ? 🙄😉😎 ( Me showing my recording songs off of the FM Radio to cassette age . . . 😁😂)

[@OldGuyHifi]

Edric, I didn't know you watched me. Thank you. I of course know you from Randy's channel. I am so glad to know you watch. It would be cool and you would have a killer recording but, it would be lower in quality but higher in nostalgia! I have a good deck and some NOS 3M Black Watch Studio high bias tapes... Maybe. It could be a project. I will let you know once I do that. Thanks so much for watching. It great to know you are here now.

[@edricjr7930]

@@OldGuyHifi - I Watch & Learn Ed . . . I appreciate your content very much. 😎 I have a WiiM Pro that goes through a Schitt Modi DAC on it's way to my Realistic STA-95. I have some old Maxell High Bias blank tapes still in their wrappers . . . Methinks I'll try making a playlist of favorites either on Tidal or Amazon Music & record it to tape using DBX noise reduction . . . just to see what I get on the other side. If anything it will allow you to old music that may one day disappear from your streaming service. 🤔 I'm interested on what your higher end results would be ! 😁👍🏽

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@edricjr7930 I will make some tapes soon. Before the Laiv goes back. I will keep you posted. Thx.

[@bengleason508]

Finally!!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes

[@adsph]

Ed I have been waiting for this. Appreciate the way you describe this dac. Detailed info. Build quality , etc.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@adsph Thanks Chris. It is a very good unit.

[@plyush]

Did you check all the Harmony DAC's digital inputs? What is the best one for your opinion?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes. The SPDIF inputs were the weakest unless I was running them from a DDC then they were fine. The USB and I2S were the best with I2S being the best overall. Thanks for asking and tuning in.

[@Charles12509]

Did you find much sound difference compared to the Pontus?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes. That's why I thought it was the best I had heard. The Pontus I had was the 12th so the new one could be different. There is always a new version of everything. Hard to keep up.

[@Charles12509]

@ thank you, I am 71 and love the reviews of new and old gear… I remember my father in-law taking me to Bob Carvers Phase Linear factory near Seattle and picking out a preamp and amp.. he knew Bob .. that’s how far back I go..

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Charles12509 That's a very nice memory. I have also met Bob when I was in the industry. Interesting guy for sure. Thx.

[@Charles12509]

@@OldGuyHifi…I have tried a lot of gear over the years but to this day I am really enjoying Nelson Pass gear…the XA-25 amp was first but the last few months the First Watt Sit-4 with the Volti Audio speakers by far are my favorite, it actually cured me of tube amps so I sold all those tube amps…I figured I would get tired of this amp after a few months like I usually do…this Class A of 10 watts Nelson really nailed it…no way have to look for something else to try..

[@User_not_found_403]

Agree. I owned quest before Laiv. qutest is great, but Laiv edges it out. Just more natural timbre and decay and it does things smoothly and easily.

[@OldGuyHifi]

The Qutest is very good but the Harmony, as you said, is on another level. I agree with your assessment. Thanks so much for watching.

[@robsandler1818]

Ed your audio equipment reviews are clearly Top Tier and IMHO the best of all KZbinrs. Your commentary is informative and enlightening. I learned a lot from this review and it appears we have similar tastes in music, so I added a few new albums/musicians to my digital playlist. What I enjoy most about your reviews in general, is that they are not filled with BS Adjectrives to describe the sound and you provide some details on the engineering that are missing from most reviews. Not sure if you're planning to be at Capital Audiofest, but if you are would really enjoy the opportunity to meet you.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I will be at CAF all 3 days. If you see me, stop me and let's talk. Thank you. I just try to express more about how something makes me feel not just how it sounds.

[@alexlopez-u3i]

What sounds better Ed? Laiv or geshelli?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Laiv. But considering the price it should sound better. Thing is I own a Geshelli. Thx

[@ExPsycHo]

Thanks for this review was great. I have got hegel h390, was a good compelement to your hegel h590?? Do you use the dac loop function of hegel ? Thanks again for the good work.

[@OldGuyHifi]

The H590 and the Laiv were very good together. I did use the internal DAC in the H590 and it was good. Not as good as a lot of external DACs but then that is usually the case. The Hegel had to go back before I was finished with the Laiv so, knowing that I used the Cambridge Edge A for the critical part of the process. The H390 is very good and I hope you love it. Thx for tuning in and commentring.

[@emotive7]

Sorry. Maybe I missed this. What were you streaming from?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I stream Tidal & Qobuz through Audirvana running on a windows PC. I like it more than Roon and it is bit perfect and sounds amazing. Thx for asking.

[@Moremusicnowplz]

Impressive piece, but out of my league. I was curious what you used as a source and if you could tell a difference if you changed inputs from let’s say spdf vs i2s? -Thank you Ed

[@OldGuyHifi]

I primarily used Audirvana running into a DDC to run IS2. I did use USB and that was good. I did use optical SPDIF and i was not that impressed. I didn't mention it because I thought most folks who would consider getting one of these would probably be running Roon and have a DDC or re-clocker. IS@ was the best, then USB and lastly SPDIF. Great question. Thank you.

[@benyHiFi]

Ed, how does it compare to the H590 internal dac?

[@OldGuyHifi]

It is far better, but that is to be expected. The Hegel does use one of my favorite DAC chips the AKM AK4493, but that chip is available in DACs costing less than $200. I must say Hegel's implementation is very good. I was very happy listening to the internal DAC on the H590. Thx for tuning in.

[@carljung9230]

can you compare it to the chord qutest?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I kind of did when I mentioned the Qutest is an 8 and the Harmony is a 9. It is better than the Qutest. Thanks for returning to the channel Mr. Jung.

[@larsv6144]

Have you tried the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE, Denafrips Venus? Are you getting paid, disclosure?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Lars, I have not tried those yet. Are you serious? Why would someone pay a tiny channel for a review? If it were paid content, then that would have been disclosed at the beginning of the video. Do think they paid the other 50 reviewers that have done a good review on this unit? Did you ask them?

[@larsv6144]

@@OldGuyHifi Hans Beekhuyzen is not paid either. His review was not that positive, making Laiv suggest that he received a defective model, no follow up on that yet from him. Hans also opened the Harmony.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@larsv6144 No. He used photos supplied by the manufacturer.

[@toai2]

Would pairing this DAC with an Onkyo receiver be a good idea? Thank you!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Truthfully, no. Please don't take this the wrong way. I am sure your receiver sounds great. Onkyo builds good stuff. Receivers are not always built to deliver the most accurate or resolving sound. They are often built to fill a price point or market niche. That does not mean they are not good it just means you are better off pairing it with a more price appropriate DAC. Even if you had the TX-RZ70 that cost $2800.00 I would not recommend this DAC for use wit that. I hope this makes sense. Thanks for asking.

[@toai2]

@@OldGuyHifi so this DAC is designed to pair with high-end integrated amp, correct?

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@toai2 Or separates. I think that is the best way to hear its sonic performance.

[@toai2]

@@OldGuyHifi May I ask what kind of amp did you pair with this DAC, plus what type of speakers? If you don't mind

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@toai2 I used it on a number amps. The Hegel H590, the Galion TS120SE, the Black Ice F22, the Amped AAP-1 preamp & AMP2400 power amp. My Cambridge EVO150, and Cambridge Edge A. For speakers I used Triangle Duetto 40th, Dali Optikon 2 Mk II, my Wharfedale Diamond 12.4, ELAC DBR62, NBD MLTL 6, and the Energy Reference 22.2s. Why? What are you considering?

[@Feliciano12v]

Looks nice, but I would definitely buy better speakers for my rig before a DAC of this tier.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Feliciano my friend, I might disagree with you on that. I am a source first guy. First link in the chain needs to be the strongest. You would be surprised by how well a decent, not expensive, speaker can scale up once you give it the best signal. I don't remember if you told what speakers you have. Thank you.

[@Feliciano12v]

@@OldGuyHifi I have the Elac UB52's w outlaw 2160mkII and Ares II DAC.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Feliciano12v That's a great set up. You may be correct in wanting to upgrade the speakers. BTW, I have the Dali Opticon 2 Mk2s on the stands for review. If you are looking for a good bookie these are very good.

[@scottsimonds6214]

I recently added Harmony to my dac collection. At this point I much prefer NOS mode, this with Harmony slaved to Denafrips Gaia OXCO clock via I2S. Denafrip OXCO clock superior to femto clock in Harmony. Result is superior resolving power, more of those lowest level details exposed, sound stage far more expansive, greater image density. NOS sound more natural, less artificial for me, Finally, forget about usb input, I have optimized usb for other dacs, Harmony usb implementation far inferior to I2S.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I mostly used IS2 as well. The SPDIF inputs were just meh. I am sure with all the additional re-clockers NOS mode could sound better. I think I may be getting the LAIV clock once it comes out.🤞

[@scottsimonds6214]

@@OldGuyHifi In regard to OS mode, I prefer my delta sigma sabre chip dacs for that oversampled sound signature. NOS mode on Harmony gives me that more natural, analog like sound signature. Superior clock in Denafrips adds an extra level of resolution/transparency, makes this unbeatable combination!

[@medonk12rs]

Good news: There's so much more for you to discover. :-) In the meantime, enjoy the most hyped DAC in 2024.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I thought the Eversolo was the most hyped. No wait it was anything with the Denafrips name on it. Thanks for watching.

[@mrt6349]

Would this pair well with a rega aethos and triangle magellan duettos sw2 speakers?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I can't offer any opinion on the Rega as I haven't heard it yet, but I did use the Magellan Duetto 40ths with the Cambridge Edge A for the lions share of the review and that was amazing. I wish I could offer more assistance. Sorry. Thanks for tuning in.

[@paulpaulzadeh6172]

The best implementation in my opinion is NAIM reference DAC , there is white papper about it. I have many different China 🇨🇳 😳 DAC . Sound flat and not natural. Topping with ESS DAC , AKM DAC . I will go back to my NAIM 😊😊

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am glad you enjoy your set up. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@webman1956]

Wow, but at $2700, can it pick up the sound of my empty wallet hitting the floor?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Not if you were standing on carpet. Lol. Thanks for the view and for returning to the channel.

[@webman1956]

@@OldGuyHifiLove your channel and content!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@webman1956 Thank you so much.

[@webman1956]

@@OldGuyHifi Kudos to the Cheap Audio Man for suggesting your channel.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@webman1956 Yeah. He did me a solid. Randy's a good friend.

[@boneseyyl1060]

Here we go again.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Maybe. Thx.

[@shankararora8117]

Nice review, although analogising a Pontus/Laiv to a Timex/Rolex makes no sense to me. The Pontus is a great DAC and it’s no timex 😊

[@OldGuyHifi]

You make a good point and I don't think the Pontus is a Timex. I was trying to make a larger point and it did not come out quite right. Sorry. The Pontus is a very nice unit for sure. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for pointing that out and watching.

[@michaelperry3578]

Ed you should have called the Pontus a Bulova or Seiko.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@michaelperry3578 Yes. I was referring to DACs in the $500 and under. I know I wasn't very clear on that. The Pontus may be a Tag -Heuer. Thx.

[@philipho9674]

Your reviews will be more informative if you compare the different connections, SPDIF, USB, I2S and your sources, PC, laptop, streamer etc. The sound quality is generally different depending on the connection.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for your comment and view.

[@chrisferrett4586]

4K Australian ? May be good but it is not a price i can afford. So I guess I will have to make do with my old black box Arcam

[@OldGuyHifi]

I can't afford it either. Thx

[@Baby_Boomer_Warrior]

Sorry, but Lembrancas is not a Spanish word, it is a Portuguese word, that in English means « memories »

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes. I know that now. Thx.

[@lextr3110]

at this price for a china dac, the best ocxo should be included... version 2 will surely have it making version one resell value way lower than it should truly be..

[@OldGuyHifi]

You should let them know. Thx.

[@razzman2987]

First denafrips they went shady now this is the new hero

[@OldGuyHifi]

It was founded by some of the original Denafrips engineers. Thx for watching.

[@hifirulezzz]

Great review, thanks. I own this DAC for a 5 months now. Great device and I will never go back to delta sigma DAC. The great addition would be Sony MosFET amp or Accuphase. This will bring even more warmth to the music.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am so glad to hear that. I got real good warmth when I used the Galion TS120SE. Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for your view.

[@nonchalantd]

♥

[@Lif-999]

Please don't think I am being flippant when I point out that if you can hear a DAC, there must be something wrong with it! I have a victorian attitude towards audio components in that [with the exception of the speakers] they should be seen but not heard.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That is why this hobby is subjective and so are my reviews. I do appreciate your point of view and am glad you commented. My thinking is that no piece of audio gear is perfect. I believe that those imperfections can be audible and that with a little effort, I can hear them. I have done hundreds of audio equipment comparisons over last 40 years, so I think I have developed an ear for this. I do take lots of notes and don't make comments just to fill out time. I don't do this for money, I do it because I have a passion for music first and gear second. I thought others might find it interesting so that's why I started the channel. Please continue to share your thoughts with me. Thanks for tuning in.

[@Lif-999]

@@OldGuyHifi The notion that equipment imperfections ARE audible is not without merit. Indeed, this is implicit in my earlier remarks. So then, we are on the same page. This is good! Whatever, agree or not, I wish you every success with your channel. Phil.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Lif-999 Phil, Thank you so much and I hope you continue to contribute your thoughts with me and with all of us. Thx again.

[@bw8827]

You've got interesting hearing, Ed. Your reviews are informative, yet you personally like a lot of what to me is overrated and sometimes overpriced kit, as is the case with the Laiv Harmony. I've heard better sounding DAC's at half the price. You also like the CXA81 2 and Evo 150, both which sound unremarkable to me. Also I've never wanted to own a Hegel amp, with that over damped presentation. Oh well, I guess it's true when they say hi-fi is subjective 🙂

[@donnowak4304]

Great comments. Lol.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks for the view.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks for the view.

[@OldGuyHifi]

You must have listened to the Laiv for an extended period of time. What equipment did you listen to it on?

[@lextr3110]

can you tell us what dac you think are better?

[@michaelspezio3196]

Ed thanks, I was surprised (in a good way) to hear you rate the LAIV Harmony so far above the Qutest and any other DAC you've heard, at least up to $3K or so. I am looking forward to your review of the Gustard X30, which seems to be impressing other trusted reviewers, including at least one who is not known for celebrating every new DAC, including being a bit muted in praise of the LAIV Harmony. The X30 is around the same price as the LAIV. The ESS chips in the X30 are the 9039 PRO, and they supposedly eliminate the high frequency, sibilant push of typical ESS-based setups, with very good bass control and great soundstage and imaging, reportedly slightly behind the Venus. I've not heard it yet, am waiting to hear what you think before taking the plunge. Also, if you have a chance and interest to review the Vega S1 from Auralic, please do! Very grateful for all that you bring to this hobby!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I would love to review the Gustard unit but as of now I have access to the brand. I am trying. Thx.

[@carminedesanto6746]

I was at the Toronto Audiofest..a d I must say MSB & NAGRA DAC’s were simply stunning…but at $80k CAD ..I would expect nothing less. As for me the Denafrips Ares 12-1 suits me fine 😉

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am sure they were amazing. The Ares is a nice unit. I am hoping to review one soon. Thanks for watching.

[@stimpy1226]

What about ethernet compatibility question

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am not sure what you are referring to. Sorry. It doesn't have an ethernet connection. It is just a DAC. Please let me knoiw what you mean. Thx.

[@christopherstorrier5560]

Great DAC but for that price a blinking lined display is not a great start, how annoying looking at the display like that...too expensive but i guess you get what you pay for...i'll stick to ESS Sabre DAC's...very well built machine, a nice fantasy for most sadly...good, i feel better as i don't like the sound of AKM chips...i'm sure it sounds fantastic but next year another better DAC to the point it is hard to tell any difference if well designed..now the display is white lines...they need to sort that for the price, i take it the display is dimmable & can be turned off whilst playing....nicely designed, looks good...probably sounds excellent..maybe hear it one day but i will probably choose a cheaper R2R DAC...a DAC is just 1 component in a system...connecting it to certain amps, streamers etc will not make it sound fantastic if no synergy with the rest of your hifi....it is high end, it's not the most expensive DAC by far but it is still a fair bit of money for an offboard DAC If it was that fantastic surely you would buy it if it is the best DAC you've ever heard ? i would if it worked great with my existing hifi.., good review bud...👍

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. You make some great points. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Thx for watching.

[@curtiscroulet8715]

I've enjoyed your videos up to now. But, really!? You can't pronounce "Giulini?" I don't think we're on the same page musically.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Seems a bit trivial. I guess asking you o subscribe is out of the question.

[@jackfalco5351]

Way overhyped I sent mine back. You need to listen to more dacs

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for your comment. To each their own. BTW, how many more?

[@patrickgeorge141]

I like your approach and your outward point that this is your opinion! More people watching reviews should understand this and dac's seem to be real personal! They are sideways moves not always upward even in price to an extent. Different flavors to ones tastes. I have been intrigued by this dac for some time, more so than others in its price point/range. I have Schiit Gungnir, RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE currently and listen to the RME the most. Something about it draws me in to the detail and speed it delivers over other dac's. I prefer it to the RME dac version as well. Some have told me they are the same I truly cannot agree lol. Now the RME PRO and dac versions can be used as linestage ,preamp of sorts, yet does it on the digital domain. And when I use my RME pro just as a dac fed into my SPL Elector preamplifier then to my amps and then Zu Omen Def. It shines and I listen all day. Never tiring of it. Long story short I have thought of this dac yet hold off since my RME makes me feel this way. Great review!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@patrickgeorge141 Patrick, That is the right way of thinking about all of this. You are the only one you need to satisfy with your gear. I have always said, "Opinions are like assholes. Every asshole has one." Including me! Thanks for the great observation and comment. I appreciate it.

[@patrickgeorge141]

@OldGuyHifi everyone elses stinks lol

[@F.S.111]

I have had the Laive for few months now. The owner after purchase asked how I liked it. Chinese name don’t remember and too lazy to look up the email. Amazing customer service to me. He seemed to genuinely care what I thought. I also have Hugo M Scaler feeding it. Then it goes to Burson Audio Voyager Soloist with Fusion Core power supply. It is a great DAC. My Terminator Plus is much better. Should be though costing almosy 3 times as much. The Laive beats my Chord Cutest. Of course it costs almost twice as much. Bigger soundstage than the Cutest. Are there better DAC’s for 2700.00? IDK. It seems to perform above price though to me. I run Focal Kanta No 2 speakers. For headphones I use Focal Utopia 2020 and 22, Audeze LCD-5, and HifiMan Susvara. I usually prefer Susvara but mood and music depends at times. I like variety too.

[@OldGuyHifi]

It is great that you are enjoying it. Weng Fai Hoh is one of the founders Laiv. He is a terrific guy and so nice to deal with. Thank you so much for your view and comment.