Different R2R DACs


Several months ago, I bought a used Hono Spring Level 2 DAC to see how R2R would compare against my Mytek Brooklyn DAC+. I like the Brooklyn+ a lot, but, given the other components in my system, I'm thinking about building in a bit more warmth (without losing significant detail). I'm not looking for sweetness or holography. Unfortunately, I was thoroughly unimpressed by the way the Holo Spring Level 2 smeared the music. I returned it within two weeks. Perhaps the unit I bought was defective (though I bought it from a highly reputable seller of used equipment), but it started me wondering how much of the hype surrounding the newer generation of R2R DACs was just that, hype. However, I keep seeing so many glowing reviews of reasonably priced R2R DACS from Denafrips, Aqua, Lampizator and others. So I'm wondering whether I should give them another try. Unfortunately, where I live the only real (suboptimal) option is to audition by purchasing one DAC at a time. Before I start down that road again, I thought I would ask the collective brain of Audiogon about how much of a difference I might expect, as against the Holo Spring level 2, from a new Denafrips Pontus II or used Terminator II, a used Aqua La Voce or Lampizator, or some other R2R DAC under $5K. I don't require require resolutions greater than 24/192 (beyond which I discern no difference). I do like the option of MQA decoding, but it's not a deal breaker. 

The rest of my system (source components aside), at present, include a Parasound JC2 BP preamp, a pair of VTV Purifi mono amps, and Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers.

audio-satisficer

Consider reinforcing the bottom octaves with a sub instead of trying out DACs. The Harbeths seem to have a very linear on-axis response in the midrange and treble, but it starts to roll off fairly early - 100 Hz according to this link. That might balance out the sound and get you the warmth you seek.

I will only buy a fpga based dac that also includes Ethernet and i2s inputs. I don't us usb for a number of reasons.

There are dozens and dozens of R2R DACs available with significant  varying performance levels ( Poor to sublime)  amongst them. It is not clear to me how a specific encounter with a single R2R DAC can establish such a broad brush conclusion.

 

What about the very important analogue output stage, I/V conversion and power supply quality that very likely are more influential on the sound quality of a given DAC. There seems to be substantial extrapolation occurring here. This applies to delta sigma designs as well, vast differences within this group.

Charles

Responding to Yage: Thanks for the suggestion. I've got a pair of subs in the system. I wouldn't say the sound of my system is edgy. I'm just looking for a tad more smoothness. It's a matter of a a few percentiles. Perhaps I should just abide by my moniker and be satisfied that I'm so close to what I want to hear.