Lite Audio DAC-ah M1 (modded)
zombie boy 2000
Posts: 6,641
I received this little bugger with the Burr Brown OPA27AM Op Amp upgrade about a week ago and so far my impressions have been rather favorable. I would have to give a slight nod to the Theta ProPrime IIa DAC which served as its predecessor due to its utterly amazing retrieval of detail, but not enough to justify the price difference (in my situation).
Put me squarely in the camp of those who believe a solid DAC can make more than a subtle difference in one's rig. My high's have smoothed out. Music seems a bit more liquid. Channel separation made an unexpected improvement. Overall, my listening experiences have become a bit more immersive.
Of course the usual caveats apply. Harsher recordings have become harsher. The signal has been boosted however slightly, which is something that I am always trying to avoid due to the Monarchy's high sensitivity and the Dared's 20db of gain. FWIW, I've read that the non-modded version of this DAC offers more of a signal boost.
All in all, I'm somewhat enamored with the non-oversampling design -- though I can still see and hear the benefits of an oversampling DAC. Different flavors for different occasions.
At the $225 pricepoint, the Lite Audio should be considered a bargain. I do believe it will remain in my system for a bit:D
http://www.pacificvalve.us/LTDACAHM.html
Put me squarely in the camp of those who believe a solid DAC can make more than a subtle difference in one's rig. My high's have smoothed out. Music seems a bit more liquid. Channel separation made an unexpected improvement. Overall, my listening experiences have become a bit more immersive.
Of course the usual caveats apply. Harsher recordings have become harsher. The signal has been boosted however slightly, which is something that I am always trying to avoid due to the Monarchy's high sensitivity and the Dared's 20db of gain. FWIW, I've read that the non-modded version of this DAC offers more of a signal boost.
All in all, I'm somewhat enamored with the non-oversampling design -- though I can still see and hear the benefits of an oversampling DAC. Different flavors for different occasions.
At the $225 pricepoint, the Lite Audio should be considered a bargain. I do believe it will remain in my system for a bit:D
http://www.pacificvalve.us/LTDACAHM.html
I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
Post edited by zombie boy 2000 on
Comments
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Interesting. I've been looking for a decent DAC for a little while now, but didn't want to spend big bucks on it.
Sounds like I might take a listen.
How does it compare to the Theta ProPrime?Lovin that music year after year.
Main 2 Channel System
Polk SDA-1B,
Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
Rotel RB-980BX,
OPPO DV-970HD,
Lite Audio DAC AH,
IXOS XHA305 Interconnects
Computer Rig
Polk SDA CRS+,
Creek Audio 5350 SE,
Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
HRT Music Streamer II -
Refefer wrote:How does it compare to the Theta ProPrime?
The Theta sounded a tad sweeter on the top end. It also was a stellar performer when it came to retrieval of detail...
You would think that either one of these attributes would come at the cost of the other, but not so...
Again, it wasn't a major downgrade. I would just choose the Theta if held at gunpoint.I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
What did they modify, other than the opamp and opamp socket? I was just trying to find a list of exactly what was done. A few guys in my audio group have these, and have done sonicaps, but nothing with the opamp.
Cheers,
RussCheck your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service. -
You named it Russ... it's my understanding that's the only changes made.I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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So, sounds like you like the modded DAC-ah from Pacific Valve. I'd be interested in your specific impressions. I am also considering that same DAC, but have been playing with an Entech Number Cruncher the last couple months.
Seems like NOS DACs like the DAC-ah are a love or hate thing. Most of what I've read about the DAC-ah is positive, and most folks feel it is a real bargain. Others have completely trashed its sound and say that the old chips in it are junk. I'm thinking I will just have to hear for myself with Pacific Valve's 30 day return policy.
So far, my limited experience with an outboard DAC (have only used the Entech) has been interesting and enlightening. Seems like the Entech "technically" does some things better than my CDP's DAC - more high end detail, more forceful bass, better instrument separation/spaciousness. However, the Entech sounds exaggerated, not as natural, and makes my system too bright on some recordings (kind of like it imparts the infamous smiley face EQ).
One thing I have learned is that DACs can sound significantly different and that system synergy and personal preferences are the trump cards.5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
Kitchen: Sonos Play5. -
In comparing the two DAC's, I found there to be advantages to both makes. Again, I prefered the marked increase in detail retrieval that the Theta provided. But the Lite Audio (modded) has a "musicality" about it that could conceivably leg out the Theta in an extended listening session.
Though the changes were not subtle, they were certainly moreso than with corresponding changes in other components. Therefore, you'll have to forgive my relative lack of eloquence in desribing its strengths:o Let us just say it that managed to simultaneously provide more detail while offering a smoother presentation on the top end. We all know that both of these characteristics don't always run this race hand in hand.I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
Yeah, sometimes these differences are difficult to put in words, and I default to a more subjective/emotional response of whether music sounds more "right" or less "right".
Would you say the both outboard DACs are an improvement over your CDP's internal DAC?5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
Kitchen: Sonos Play5. -
Most certainly... though I am sure to disconnect it on HDCD recordings of which the Rotel's internal DAC is capable of decoding (the others are not).
IMO this presentation trumps that of the outboard DAC's in almost every way.
Excellent assessment on the subjectivity inherent with such an upgrade. I can't tell you how many times I've made a supposed move up the ladder only to feel that something simply didn't sound "right". Better is not always "better", if that makes sense....I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
These little Entechs are good candidates for mods,such as a better outboard power supply and better Opamp in the LPF and output stage.adam2434 wrote:but have been playing with an Entech Number Cruncher the last couple months.Testing
Testing
Testing -
Now that it has had a couple more days of burn in, how would you say the sound has improved or worsened?
My trigger finger is itching to fire on one but I'm gonna err on the side of caution. No unexpected explosions or anything?Lovin that music year after year.
Main 2 Channel System
Polk SDA-1B,
Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
Rotel RB-980BX,
OPPO DV-970HD,
Lite Audio DAC AH,
IXOS XHA305 Interconnects
Computer Rig
Polk SDA CRS+,
Creek Audio 5350 SE,
Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
HRT Music Streamer II -
Nope.. the unit has yet to explode or ooze or get sassy with me or embezzle funds (other than mine..).
Like most have said, don't expect the earth to move with the addition of a DAC. I found mine to introduce improvements, though I thought them more noticable with the Theta. I believe Pacific Valve has a 30-day money back guarantee, if you're all nervous on your wedding night.I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
I'm also very close to pulling the trigger for this DAC. In fact, I called Pacific Valve today, but kept getting voice mail.
One thing I keep reading is that bad recordings sound really bad with this DAC. Some folks have attributed this to jitter. I don't really understand the basis of this though. Unless I'm mistaken, jitter comes from playback equipment, not the recording. So I don't see how a bad recording would be related to jitter, unless "bad" refers to a CD pressing that's flawed and prone to jitter. Maybe some CDs (the actual discs) are better than others?
I would think that if bad recordings sound bad, it's just that the DAC is revealing of flaws in the recording.
Have you found any CDs to sound bad with the DAC-ah?
I just need to get off the fence and try one.5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
