This preamp / headphone amp just changed the game!

[@Jeep_on_audio]

You didn't mention that the warmish character of the headphone amp does not translate to the preamp section. Simply because that section with the mosfets is off. It sounds really clean in preamp. I have both. Very happy with them.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad you're enjoying them! I didn't find the headphone stage to be warm at all - perhaps because my comparison points are amps like the Prelude.

[@CookinBeatloaf]

If the aesthetic matches what you're going for, this is an awesome looking design

[@PassionforSound]

I agree!

[@danielbulcsupekh7922]

Thank you for the comparison with the Prelude. I think I am going to choose that one because I already have the He1000SE and the Susvara and I'd like tame the upper range a tiny bit.

[@PassionforSound]

The Prelude is a great match with those. Good choice!

[@aceofspades6667]

Beautiful kit and setup.. not sure it would be for me but glad to see another solid option on the market.

[@gavin8489]

Dude, dont hype every product. Your channel is insane! Everything is best, everything is greatest, everything is a must buy.

[@Leo-yn5fx]

Theres a lot of great products for the money

[@Maver1ck911]

Lack of understanding the meaning, "read between the lines". The things not reviewed are not worth talking about.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

Bru, watch the video. He says it's not the best

[@alphaniner3770]

He is just very polite, and honest. There are simply many great products out there. We should just learn to stay calm when we listen to a positive review.

[@_DeepGroove_]

@@Maver1ck911 I would even say: it something is not mentionned, it probably is not that great.

[@swinkles]

As a happy Laiv DAC owner since launch, I was eager for the HP2A to be released. When I saw that I'd have to buy an additional unit just to plug in my turntable (my only other input besides the DAC), it was a hard pass. I think they're crazy for doing this. I'll stick with my Benchmark LA4, thanks.

[@davec2007]

I got the DAC 6 months ago and added the Amp 1 month ago. I concur the Amp was more of a “wow” than the DAC, and can second that together they are really spectacular. Im super happy and addicted to listening on this. For perspective I also have a ZMF Aegis running off a Cyan 2 and I think the Laiv set up is noticeably superior in every category. Now I only listen to that to remind myself of how awesome the Laiv stack sounds. Excited to see their upcoming streamer (hopefully not also $2700).

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with this gear! I'm excited for the streamer too!!

[@quarzerrr7474]

Hey dude, thx for the video. What would you pick between this or Bursons Voyager?

[@Joel-m777]

I would expect the Burson say with the fusion core being on a completely different pricing level would be somewhat better but it would not be fair to directly compare due to the significant price difference.

[@PassionforSound]

That's correct. Unfortunately, the Soloist GT had just gone home to Burson when I did this review. That would have been a closer comparison because the Voyager is a clear step above.

[@quarzerrr7474]

@@PassionforSound true, currently I own a Conductor GT4 Max but thought of changing to a LAIv stack. Would that be a silly change?

[@PassionforSound]

@quarzerrr7474 that's a tough one! I'm away at the moment on holidays so I can't check, but I think it'd be a close call. The Harmony DAC might be a little better than the (excellent) ESS-based DAC in the Conductor, but the Conductor amp stage is extremely good!

[@quarzerrr7474]

@PassionforSound true, and the advantage, that the fusion core ist power DAC and Amp at the same time. The Burson might be the keeper then.

[@phantomplastics6582]

iiWi Reviews noted that the LAiV DAC was better than he realized when he optimized it. It outperformed the competition but only over HDMI using the DACs internal clock. Comparing like for like with the Cyan II with USB they were similar because the LAiV was not quite as good over USB.

[@alphaniner3770]

You mean I2S (over an HDMI cable). But that's the story of DACs - what clock to use, from the source or the DAC - depending on which has the best, the connection that utilises that one usually gives the best sound. This what many reviewers miss.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad to hear that he revised his opinion once he tried the I2S input. I use the Harmony DAC predominantly with I2S from the Singxer SU-6. The clocks are basically interchangeable between the SU-6 and internal Harmony DAC clocks on that setup.

[@Mackey-nb1rw]

Hi thanks for a preview … I follow you channel and enjoy your reviews- and the Laiv sparks my interest as a pre amp! Hey can I clarify were you ‘gifted’ the product? If so could I suggest that you verbally indicate when your gifted a product at the start of the video - better than a ‘banner’ running across the video? Thanks apologies If I interpreted this wrongly

[@PassionforSound]

I have the LAiV products on an indefinite loan so I can use them as a reference in future videos. Whether I declare it verbally or with a banner (plus the tag on the video that it contains paid advertising due to the product being gifted) doesn't change anything. If you've watched a number of my reviews, you'll know that I discuss the pros and cons of any product I review regardless of how I obtained it.

[@aaronfriedman8201]

Great review as always! It was built as a high-end preamp. As a result, the headphone section is very robust and dynamic. While it works great for full size headphones, Unfortunately, it does not play well with IEMs.

[@PassionforSound]

I can't recall if I tried IEMs with it (I rarely use full sized desktop amps for IEMs for the reasons you're talking about). What issues did you have? Noise, volume range or others?

[@aaronfriedman8201]

​@@PassionforSoundAn aquitance I trust tried it and as you suspected volume range and noise are an issue with IEMs. It is still a wonderful product but just not for IEMs.

[@fatdoi003]

how about comparing it to the Burson?

[@PassionforSound]

Unfortunately, the Soloist GT was back at Burson by the time the HP2A came up for review and the Voyager isn't a fair comparison point because it's much more expensive and expectedly better.

[@jaybrodnax]

I have the dac and amp and it's the best sound I've ever heard. I'm finally satisfied

[@_DeepGroove_]

For now :D

[@PassionforSound]

That's great news, Jay! I've found myself using the stack more than anything else in my setup even with the DAVE and Enleum AMP-23R. The DAVE setup is better, but I just love interacting with the LAiV stack.

[@_DeepGroove_]

@@PassionforSound Wait, even with your Susvara?

[@jaybrodnax]

@@PassionforSound The physical design is so beautiful, and honestly pleasure of that is underrated in this hobby. I've found that an ugly rack of gear lowers my enjoyment. Maybe I'm crazy, but I can't get over it

[@jaybrodnax]

@@PassionforSound are you using the dave as DAC for the 23r? Have you tried using the Harmony for the 23r? I know both hp2a and 23r use the same mosfets, so I'm vwry curious how sound compares. That would have been great to include or do a video on

[@leopotim862]

Amazing. 💪

[@Jingyih]

DAC + AMP is the price of a Chord TT2. Could you share your thoughts on how they compare?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't own the TT2 anymore, but I'd expect it to win a head-to-head thanks to the quality of its DAC. The key differences are that you can't input an analog signal into the TT2 and you have more input choices on the Harmony DAC.

[@Jingyih]

@@PassionforSound Thank you!

[@rkd59]

What unbalanced headphone cable is shown at 2:20 ?

[@PassionforSound]

That's an adapter cable from Double Helix Cables that goes with one of their XLR-terminated cables for the Focal Utopia

[@jameschandler7440]

Hmm, regular watcher, can you check your frame rate on your camera post KZbin upload?

[@noturnleftunstoned72]

Gorgeous. If I had the cashish, and on the lookout for a balanced pre and headamp, I would surely have this on my list. I might even look at the Harmony DAC to make a beautiful stack. I don't know much about Harmony. Do they have a good reputation? Great vid!

[@PassionforSound]

They're a new brand, but I've not heard anything negative (beyond the fact that audio is always subjective so there'll always be some who don't enjoy the sound)

[@Joel-m777]

In Australia going off your reviews it appears the Harmony dac is probably the standout dac at its price point at the moment especially if you compare it to say to the Yggdrasil MIB which retails locally for just over $5,500 AUD vs the Harmony at $4,149 AUD . I was considering getting the MIB myself but think here in Australia it is priced too high when adding on taxes etc. My understanding is that the Dayzee is not available here. I suspect the Gustard X30 , looking at it specs ( especially the advanced clocking technology it uses) will be one to watch out for…..

[@connorduke4619]

Denafrips Pontus 15th is the best dac in this price class at the moment imo. It beat the legendary Holo Audio May KTE in a head to head demo by New Record Day.

[@PassionforSound]

I think you're probably right about the Harmony being one of the better options, but without comparing directly with the X30 or Pontus, it's hard to be sure.

[@kempfand]

@Passion for Sound : Lachlan, thank you very much for an excellent review, with the right mix between information, visuals, story line. I would be interested, if you can daisy chain such preamp with a Tube preamp ( before the power amp at amplification stage ). I am aiming for having the detail and resolution, and also have that tuby sound and warmth. Or is this a no-go, and I’d better use a power amp with Tubes to get there. In any case, wishing you a good transition into 2025, kind regards, Andreas

[@PassionforSound]

Hey Andreas. You could definitely use a tube preamp before or after the HP2A, but it's generally recommended to keep the signal path as short as possible so I'd probably run the tube preamp instead of the HP2A when you want that flavour. For example, you could run the XLRs from the Harmony DAC into the HP2A and the RCAs from the Harmony DAC into the tube pre-amp. From there, you output to your power amp from each of the preamps and choose which flavour you want and when. (If that would work ok in your setup.) Happy holidays and happy new year!

[@carminedesanto6746]

GM ☕️🍩🦘😊 I’m good ..tho this is very interesting 🤔 Currently running a Bryston BHA-1 Headphone/Pre Amp ..being fed by the Denafrips Ares 12-1 …and it’s fantastic. Is there room for improvement..sure ..but I think it’s in the DAC rather than the amp ..but this is very intriguing. Have a great day 😊

[@PassionforSound]

As long as you're enjoying your setup, you're good! Happy listening!!

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

How does the unit compare to the LTA velo or the benchmark hpa4 ? Thank you

[@PassionforSound]

It's quite different from both. Probably closer in tonality/character to the HPA4, but a bit more natural and lifelike. Not quite as smooth as the Velo and maybe a little less "liquid" sounding.

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

@ thanks for your reply . I have the benchmark hpa4 and run a dCS dac and technics direct drive turntable through it for headphone listening. I find the sennheiser hd600 to be a very painful listen - too clinical and bright with the benchmark . In fact the koss porta pro are more enjoyable in that set up. I really wanted to buy the LTA velo but the lack of balanced inputs , the need to add the extreme LPS and change to better tubes put me off . If the sound of the Laiv is similar to the benchmark it probably isn’t for me (and I would need to buy the extra input box ). I’ve only recently returned to headfi but so far a bit underwhelmed by the so called reference products that I’ve tried and it bought ( susvara , benchmark hpa4. Sennheiser hd600).

[@PassionforSound]

@mrsinghsstereos6662 unfortunately, it sounds like you've been lead astray by the "brighter is better" crowd of audiophiles. I think you'd be surprised at how good a stock Velo amp is, even without any upgrades. I'd recommend it based on what you've said you're looking for.

[@vaneast411]

thanks Lachlan! some of these Chinese manufacturers are really becoming very compelling/competitive in their offerings

[@rudyvirupakshaiah5818]

They aren't not Chinese tho, Singapore based

[@vaneast411]

@ really? not just their distribution?

[@Jeep_on_audio]

"some"??? You obviously do not have much experience with what is made in China. They don't just make cheap products but also very high end products. Why would I buy a 'western' product made in China for 5x to 10x the price of buying something original? Often 'western' products are simply rebranded Chinese engineering.

[@PassionforSound]

Yep, we shouldn't consider all products from a single country as the same, no matter the country. China has been producing outstanding gear for years - they're maybe just less well known in western markets.

[@sjqideez6626]

Thank you for this Lachlan. It’s size, power & build are fantastic

[@PassionforSound]

You're welcome and I agree

[@_DeepGroove_]

Hi Lachlan, I would have liked to know quite a bit more. How does it compare with the Ferrum stack at roughly the same price, and perhaps even the Wandla HP at 3k? And a PoV on how it drives the Susvara vs the Enleum 23R which I think you own? And if you have also noticed poor performance from the single ended output (cross-talk is horrendous)?

[@PassionforSound]

I can't compare to the Ferrum gear because I've never tried it. The Enleum is still a vastly superior amp too (as it should be given its price). It's more detailed, spacious and engaging while also being a better tonal match for the Susvaras IMO.

[@_DeepGroove_]

@@PassionforSound Thanks!

[@rogerschofield3324]

Still too expensive but lovely design.

[@littlebit8901]

As far as audiophile gear goes, I consider

[@Pete.across.the.street]

Price is irrelevant if it is premium or not. If they just raised the price of a product $3000 and changed nothing else, it wouldn't suddenly become premium.

[@PassionforSound]

I think "premium" is a term like so many others regarding value in that it's 100% subjective

[@alphaniner3770]

that said - in some countries manufacturers manage to produce items of the same quality (or better) for substantially less. Try to produce something like this LAiV in Scandinavia or England.

[@BaileyWiggebutt]

Wrong. Audiophile is about the ability to sit, dance, & enjoy music for 2+ hrs. My $28K amp is 104 lbs and speakers are $30K. But I am fine listening to a boombox.

[@Nebo600]

What would you consider a high end AMP and DAC setup

[@shaunyweaver1144]

Not that long ago, Laiv had some of the worst sounding dacs on the market, what's changed ? Ohh the price .

[@PassionforSound]

I'd never heard of them prior to the Harmony. Some other brands have gone from average sound to great sound in the past though thanks to continuous improvement and innovation...

[@jimfarrell4635]

Laiv are a brand new company and the DAC was their first product. They were formed by colleagues of Alvin Chee at Vinshine, I believe.

[@PassionforSound]

That's what I thought, but I wasn't sure enough to say so.