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Borderpatrol Dac SE

I've been seeing this DAC mentioned a lot everywhere lately, hearing that it performs way above its price class, etc.

I took the leap and bought one.  Mind you I've only broken it in for 48 hours but I'm at this point I'm not sure it will ever open up.

So far it has really soft and closed in treble with no air or decay.  Mids are okay, bass is a little soft without great definition or extension.  Imaging is ok but feels a little confused.

To be honest it's getting smoked by my current Fostex HP-A8.  The Fostex is the design antithesis of what's gaining traction:  a delta sigma AKM chip.

Owners:  does this thing ever open up, or has the Sopra unmasked another pretender?  If this is "analog" sound, I think I'll pass the next time I hear that descriptor.

System:  

roon
Sotm Sms-200
Perla Audio Sig 50
Focal Sopra 2
emcdade
jond's avatar
jond
5,665 posts
 
Give it more time for sure 48 hours isn’t very long and leave it on at all times. It’s certainly possible you don’t like the sound but it likely just needs more break in. I’ve heard, and liked, the DAC but in a show setting not at home. Which input are you using? Is it possible to try the other input to see if it sounds any differently? Just to try and ascertain if its functioning properly. Also try reaching out to Gary Dews and tell him what your hearing he may have some ideas. Good luck and hang in there!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
Jond is right. And 48 hours is not nearly enough run-in time for a component. Let us know how it sounds after 100 or 150 hours.
emcdade OP
95 posts
 
I'll report back in a few days.  It's going to have to undergo one heck of a transformation.
czarivey
5,691 posts
 
i suggest waiting for new model Boarder Patrol DacA.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
I've heard it in a friend's system and assuming yours is working as it should, its one of the best sounding DACs I've heard. It does have a more rounded sound compared to my Schiit Modi Multibit but everything about our systems is different so that doesn't mean much. I also don't recall him complaining about the sound when new but I heard it after he had it for at least 6 months and he leaves his system on all the time mainly because he works from home. I'll ask him.
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