The best DAC I have ever heard! There is nothing more to say! It is a 9 out of 10. Just amazing!
At $2700.00 USD, the Laiv Harmony DAC has a premium price and it is worth it. It is the best DAC I have heard to date and one of the finest audio products I have reviewed. It is an outstanding design and is outstanding sonically. 9 out of 10.
For more information about the Laiv Harmony: https://www.laiv.audio
Albums featured in this review:
• Joni Mitchell “Blue” https://tidal.com/browse/album/68708399?u
• Baden Powell “Lambrancas” https://tidal.com/browse/album/75935343?u
• Little Feat 1977 “Waiting for Columbus” https://tidal.com/browse/album/238645888?u
• Carlo Maria Giulini, Chicago Symphony “Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition” https://tidal.com/browse/album/4625545?u
Please understand that all of my reviews are completely subjective. They are my opinion and not to be taken as criticism or as negative. I can only share my feelings and personal conclusions.
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Current audio equipment list:
Amplifiers:
• Cambridge AXR-100 Receiver: https://amzn.to/3MFZuVN
• Cambridge EVO150: https://amzn.to/3UTJowI
• Cambridge CXA81 MkII: https://amzn.to/4dIfnGq
• Douk Audio A100: https://amzn.to/4eiWFpk
DACs:
• Schiit Bi-Frost Multi-Bit DAC with Unison USB
• Geshelli Labs J2S Socketed AKM4499 DAC: https://geshelli.com/product/jnog2-socketed-j2s/
• Geshelli Labs DAYZEE DAC: https://geshelli.com/dayzee/
• S.M.S.L SU-1 AK4493S Hi-Res DAC: https://amzn.to/3XGp5UK
• FiiO K9 Desktop Headphone Amp/DAC – AKM Edition: https://amzn.to/3ZeGTYp
• HIFIMAN EF400 Desktop R2R DAC W/Balanced Headphone Amplifier: https://amzn.to/4giWWdD
• Douk Audio DAC-Q11: https://amzn.to/4gnjzxt
Speakers:
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3WberDp
• Elac Debut 2.0 F-62 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3Jy6eUc
• Elac Debut Reference 62 (DBR62) speakers: https://amzn.to/3VyQzcu
• Neil Blanchard Designs MLTL-6 Stand mount speaker: https://www.nbdesigns.work
Streamers:
• Cambridge MXN10: https://amzn.to/3XEWkb1
• WiiM Mini: https://amzn.to/3XqOf8s (desktop only)
Analog:
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: https://amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• Audio Technica AT540ML: https://amzn.to/4diAyzy
• Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Preamp: https://amzn.to/3XG1nbj
• Schiit Lokius EQ.: https://amzn.to/3Tn5oyP
Accessories:
• Android Tablet, 10.1 Inch Android 12 Tablet, 6GB RAM 64GB ROM: https://amzn.to/3KswX50
• iFi AC iPurifier: https://amzn.to/3UWb4ko
• All line level cables are from World’s Best Cable. I primarily use Mogami 2964 Wire and Amphenol ACPL connectors: https://amzn.to/3JWCDE9
• My main streaming source is a small format PC: https://amzn.to/3yhCoAI
• I also use a remote-controlled line level switcher https://amzn.to/4dxvyGp
My desktop gear:
• FiiO K11 R2R DAC/Headphone Amp: https://amzn.to/3YmlMTy
• Ayima A07 amp: https://amzn.to/3V969LQ
• FLEXISPOT E6 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk 48″x24″ Bamboo Top: https://amzn.to/3XIlO
• FLEXISPOT OC6 Big and Tall Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair, Heavy Duty High Back,Lumbar Support,Tilt Function,and 360°Swivel Wheels(Light Grey): https://amzn.to/3zFiGzX
Headphones:
• Sennheiser Mass-Drop HD6XX headphones: https://amzn.to/3wVNvz7
• Sony MDR-V6 Headphones: (current version) https://amzn.to/4aJMTdB
• FiiO FT1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/3B2gvqC
• HIFIMAN HE400SE Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones: https://amzn.to/4d9Lazn
Email: oldguyhifi@gmail.com
Tidal Playlists:
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 1: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/504b4da9-38d5-4f3b-83ea-6d3e73fb90bf
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 2: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/3cf20a05-c649-474d-aa32-72c710212b59
• Old Guy Hifi General Playlist: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/f89fb87a-f69f-4111-bb2d-ab319b159387
• The Fahrenheit Project by Ultimae Records (ambient electronic music): https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/69c8751a-750a-464c-9424-0fdd112fe56d
• Electronica for Audiophile: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/e2974257-b35d-4cf4-ba20-a028819da0be
• My Classical playlist: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8e588a95-7664-4f5a-97c1-70270655e40c
Spotify:
• Classical Weekend: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/648pMGies9cVEsUqEWEiNE?si=64a61b584d9b43c3
• 80’s Patio Mix: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4RUkB77grcjiBiQoUKRdXA?si=19bc0130b21b4d2d
Qobuz playlist:
• “Audiophile Electronica”: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/20718243
• “Vivaldi”: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/15233981
#DAC #heard #amazing
Originally posted by UCnXGgtaGLaY-xsKYgndyuAQ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bz1UrxPhj4
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!
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
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.
What sounds better Ed? Laiv or geshelli?
The Holo Audio R2R DACs (Cyan 2, Spring 3, May) all process DSD natively via proprietary hardware without having to first convert to PCM.
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.
https://musicabrasileira.org/baden-powell-lembrancas/
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.
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”.
First denafrips they went shady now this is the new hero
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.
Another gem of a review. Thanks for bringing this one to us!
Ed, how does it compare to the H590 internal dac?
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
Way overhyped I sent mine back. You need to listen to more dacs
Have you tried the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE, Denafrips Venus? Are you getting paid, disclosure?
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.
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.
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..
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
Would this pair well with a rega aethos and triangle magellan duettos sw2 speakers?
I am glad I pushed you to get this one in for review!
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!
Gotta love when people drag up from a company to pursue their vision! Great run down Ed. 😉
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.
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 . . . ????????)
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 ????
you totally deserve one !!!!!!!! nice review.