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Are all R2R dacs slow and soft?

I've tried a few.
Border Patrol, Sonnet, MHDT, Mojo, and a few others I can't recall. 
They all seem to have a slow, soft rolled off sound that lacked detail. The Mojo being the exception, but was still on the softer side. 

I'm now interested hearing the LTA Aero and the May Audio Spring. 
If anyone is familiar with these 2, is it more of the same, or do either one of these stand out from the rest of the crowd?

The reason I'm looking around is I have a PS Audio DirectStream MK2 with the Airlens, and it's very nice and super detailed, but on some recordings, it can be pretty unforgiving and bright. I'm looking to take the edge of without the sound turning soft and mushy, and lacking detail. 

traudio
dseltz
228 posts
 

 

@traudio I have the PS Audio Direct stream MK I and had it upgraded to 

  • PS Audio / APS Audio Transformers Direct Stream MK 1 Limited Edition Signature Series Plus DAC

at APS Audio Transformers. What a beautiful DAC. Very musical and very detailed. I am not missing any detail in my system. And NOT clinical or bright. Jeff at APS is a super guy and a great guy to deal with.  I have the MK I, I suspect they can do the upgrade on the MK II, but you;ld contact APS to find out. They will also be honest in the assessment of improvements. 

I do have an all tube flea watt system which I suppose might contribute to there being no brightness in my system.

Happy listening

Happy New Years to ALL

David

joshua43214
66 posts
 

I have the Holo May KTE.
It is neither slow nor soft.

 

 

zlone
1,355 posts
 

Whether it is the problem or not, definitely put something between that long Ethernet run and your streamer per @audphile1. There are a lot of solutions, do some research and choose what fits your system and budget. I can almost guarantee you will be surprised at the difference.

 

traudio OP
184 posts
 

@zlone 

I have ordered the items that audphile1 suggested. 

traudio OP
184 posts
 

I have the PS Audio Direct Stream MK2 and literally just got the LTA Aero today.  So far, wouldn’t describe the LTA as slow or soft.  The PS Audio DAC is softer, more laid back, at least in my system. 

@mm1tt77  That's surprising. I would have never expected to hear anyone say that. 
Please keep us informed about the differences. Thanks

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