Which DAC ?

[aversaurus]

I have two dac,s in mind the audiolab m+ DAC or the Leema elements DAC I can't really audition either.
I'm buying used and there round the same price.
What do you think?

 

[plastic penguin]

I have two dac,s in mind the audiolab m+ DAC or the Leema elements DAC I can't really audition either.
I'm buying used and there round the same price.
What do you think?

You know my thoughts...

Hint: Synergy, synergy....

 

[record_spot]

What do you need from a DAC? Functionality? Connectivity? Space considerations?

Draw up your shortlist of what you really need from a DAC, read good reviews on both (forget any fluff pieces, get ones that give you some informed detail), then decide. Beyond that, it's really your call.

 

[aversaurus]

The Leema gets mixed reviews and that's really what puts me off .but I have a Leema amplifier and it will go to the grave with me .I'm just not sure

 

[plastic penguin]

The Leema gets mixed reviews and that's really what puts me off .but I have a Leema amplifier and it will go to the grave with me .I'm just not sure

@record_spot is correct. Don't just go by reviews. Look at functionality, connectivity...

Most importantly, though, synergy. It can have all the magazine plaudits but if it doesn't energize with the rest of your kit, it's sobbing in your soup.

My current ClearAudio cart WHFI only gave it 3 stars, yet for my set-up it's one of the very best in its price range.

 

[Al ears]

The Leema gets mixed reviews and that's really what puts me off .but I have a Leema amplifier and it will go to the grave with me .I'm just not sure

If your getting it for a good price then try it.
If it isn't for you you will not loose much selling it on.

 

[record_spot]

The Leema gets mixed reviews and that's really what puts me off .but I have a Leema amplifier and it will go to the grave with me .I'm just not sure

Don't knock it - I think the sadly now recently defunct Hi Fi World gave it 5. It retailed for about £1100? The M-DAC+ about £800. Do you have a return option on them (even used) - some sellers will give you a 14 day return on used kit? You could buy both and send the one you like least back.

If it was my money, I'd go for the Audiolab, but that's based on what I'd want, not necessarily what you're after. Failing that, probably SMSL's latest.

 

[aversaurus]

My heart says the Leema for synergy but my head says audiolab for the reviews and how DAC,s are

 

[plastic penguin]

FWIW, I've owned a DacMagic, demoed Arcam rDac, Rega Dac and a Peachtree. Based just using to play CDs, the only difference was tonal. My hunch is I would have to spend well over a grand to detect a major difference. That brings it into Leema territory @£1200 or so. Add in the voicing that matches the amplifier....

 

[Deleted member 195594]

My heart says the Leema for synergy but my head says audiolab for the reviews and how DAC,s are

I had the Audiolab M-DAC + for a few weeks and returned it. I found it too artificial sounding - very "digital", synthetic, not natural at all. I played around with all the filters and other numerous settings but just didn't like it at all.

As always, this is just my opinion from using it in my system at the time, with my ears. I know it is generally a well received DAC, just not for me. Hope this helps

 

[plastic penguin]

I had the Audiolab M-DAC + for a few weeks and returned it. I found it too artificial sounding - very "digital", synthetic, not natural at all. I played around with all the filters and other numerous settings but just didn't like it at all.

As always, this is just my opinion from using it in my system at the time, with my ears. I know it is generally a well received DAC, just not for me. Hope this helps

I've not heard their Dac but that is pretty much how I described Audiolab amps - very mechanical.

 

[Deleted member 195594]

I've not heard their Dac but that is pretty much how I described Audiolab amps - very mechanical.

That's a good way of describing it

 

[Friesiansam]

I've not heard their Dac but that is pretty much how I described Audiolab amps - very mechanical.

I would pretty much agree with that. Switching from an Audiolab M-DAC (not +) to my Pathos headamp, didn't just bring a good dose of extra quality, it brought my Elegias to life.

 

[plastic penguin]

I would pretty much agree with that. Switching from an Audiolab M-DAC (not +) to my Pathos headamp, didn't just bring a good dose of extra quality, it brought my Elegias alive.

Presumably the Pathos is more expensive than the Audiolab. If so that tends to chime with my theory that a Dac above 1k is worthwhile for a good system, such as the OPs.

 

[aversaurus]

I had sort of made my mind up and was going to go for the audiolab.but I think I'll go with the Leema the only thing is getting one in my budget

 

[plastic penguin]

I had sort of made my mind up and was going to go for the audiolab.but I think I'll go with the Leema the only thing is getting one in my budget

But you said in your opening post "round the same price".

 

[aversaurus]

There is one round the same price but it comes with a bit of a story and I would have to wait till the second week in November to get it .

 

[plastic penguin]

There is one round the same price but it comes with a bit of a story and I would have to wait till the second week in November to get it .

There's this one at a great price. Full working order and estimated delivery 3rd-5th Oct. Price is £599 or make an offer option.

 

[aversaurus]

That's the one he's not got it it's in America and it's getting sent back to the UK but he's on holiday until the second week in November

 

[plastic penguin]

That's the one he's not got it it's in America and it's getting sent back to the UK but he's on holiday until the second week in November

Even though he says he's had it from new and he's based in London. And he's offering free delivery.

Have you physically emailed or spoken to the seller?

 

[aversaurus]

This is what he said.i sent it to Audio Science Review, after it was agreed it would get reviewed and measured, so I shipped it to Washington!
Then the guy who runs ASR, got upset with some of my posts and refused to review it.
When you made your offer, I asked him to send it back, he has agreed and I gave him my return address, so it is going to be returned.

 

[Deleted member 195594]

This is what he said.i sent it to Audio Science Review, after it was agreed it would get reviewed and measured, so I shipped it to Washington!
Then the guy who runs ASR, got upset with some of my posts and refused to review it.
When you made your offer, I asked him to send it back, he has agreed and I gave him my return address, so it is going to be returned.

You couldn't make it up 🤣. Why on earth would you go to that extent. I think I'm missing something

 

[plastic penguin]

You couldn't make it up 🤣. Why on earth would you go to that extent. I think I'm missing something

Agreed. It sounds strange at best. I would have asked why?

 

[Deleted member 195594]

Agreed. It sounds strange at best. I would have asked why?

So, the seller either shipped the DAC to ASR after putting it up for auction, or, put it up for auction after he had shipped it to ASR..... either way that's bizarre; to auction something that he knew wouldn't be in his possession as he was shipping it to the US, or, shipped to the US after he had already put the DAC up for auction. Either way its kind of weird

I don't like to think bad of people, but this chap sounds absolutely bonkers

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

he has agreed

That's big of him...