Just about to pull the trigger on Pontus 15th ...

@sls883  Is it the R30? I believe the prototype has been demoed at some shows. If it's what I think it is, this would be the R2R version of the X30, replicating its features—such as the OCXO clock, relay-based R2R volume control, built-in linear power supply (LPS), and other great features usually only found in high-end products from brands like Denafrips' Terminator. If that’s the case, that’s fantastic—it might even help or promote the X30's price a bit for those looking to jump in. I've never seen such consistently high marks (95 and above out of 100) across all sonic performance categories, including noise floor, resolution, dynamics, frequency response, and soundstage. It was even rated 'Outstanding' by Tarun.

@mattw73  I’ll continue marching on and patiently wait for the potential transformation of the µDAC. It’s received a lot of positive buzz from trustworthy reviewers, and I hope their assessments prove to be reliable.  I’m even willing to invest in a linear power supply or a better DDC for it, to see where it leads me.

@lanx0003 yeah, it is the R30.

I'm very happy with the X30.  I like it a lot more than the R26 that I had.  I'm sure the new R30 is also notably better than the R26. 

@sls883 @mattw73 

So far, I’ve accumulated 60 hours of listening and 40 hours of power-on time (operating at 104°F), in addition to the 100 hours of factory burn-in. Similar to my previous experience with the Gustard R26, I conducted a group, non-blind listening test comparing the CA MXN10’s internal DAC, the Topping D90 III Discrete, and the Harmony µDAC. All units were connected directly to my Cambridge Audio integrated amplifier, the Azur 851A.

The MXN10, highly praised by Stereophile and rated Class A, was used here as a benchmark. While the MXN10 is capable of audiophile-grade sound, its soundstage is rather flat.

For some music tracks, I switched among the devices every 30 seconds to leverage human short-term (active) memory. For genres like classical music, I listened to entire pieces and took notes throughout. The results were quite straightforward:

1. Between the µDAC and the MXN10, I heard more similarities than differences. There wasn’t much layering in the soundscape.

2. The D90 III Discrete consistently preserved soundstage layering—when present in the recording.

3. Other traits aligned with what I previously described.

It’s important to note that my inability to hear soundstage layering from the µDAC doesn’t mean other reviewers are wrong. Perhaps the µDAC is capable, just not in my setup. The D90 Discrete, on the other hand, renders layering convincingly, making me the happiest audiophile in the world - while also making me wonder, “What the heck, why can’t the µDAC do this?” I had the same expectations—and the same disappointment - with the R26 before.

It is time to let go of another piece of gear and move on.  I’m not sure if a flat fee of $125 spent on this adventure was worthwhile, but at least I had fun.

@lanx0003 Interesting findings.  If you had fun with the testing, it was worth it.  You could spend that much going out to dinner.

It's all about system synergy and personal preference. Hang in there until you find the right fit for you. 

@lanx0003 that's a bummer that the Udac didn't get you were you wanted to be. $125 maybe isn't completely worth the results you gathered but at least now you know. And I do agree with your point that maybe the Laiv will have better results in another system set up. 

I am very familiar with the MXN10. I bought one when they 1st came out & used it steady for a few months. My opinion was that it's internal DAC for the money was enjoyable. It gave me an enjoyable warmish tone but I also understand the flat-ish soundstage you speak of..with the internal dac. 

Playing around this weekend using my sabre & 15th the differences aren't as grand with the 15th & certain components. I wouldn't classify any of them as garbage components..just different from one another. Everything has an affect or makes a difference with the end results..as we already know.