Millennia Media imersiv D1

Twittering says

You may also be interested to learn that the Imersiv DAC worked wonderfully with the RCA input-only Barn resident Leben CS600x using the same XLR-RCA adapters and cables. I know I was pleased as punch. Imersiv are careful to point out that the behavior of the D-1 DAC’s RCA outputs will be amp/integrated amp dependent and in some cases using them may result in audible noise which is when their UTB device comes in handy.

Do not use the RCA. That is a waste of the DAC. It does not work with my gear. I spoke to John La Grou about that, and short story, it is a feature not a bug.

BTW - My buddy Danny McKinney from Requisite Audio is sending the unit I burned in with 200+ hours for demo. It must have 400+ hours now. It definitely needs burn-in. I had 2 brand new units and know the process.

BTW2 - the D-1 sounds nothing like the Benchmark DACs, which I owned every iteration. The DAC3B for example is a little hot on top and sounds like most decent DACs. For me the D-1 is at a much higher level. I am comparing this to things like PlayBack Designs MPD-8, Allnic D-15000 Signature OTL/OCL, Meitner MA3i.

But there you have it. In terms of other options I’d recommend anywhere near the Imersiv’s $12k asking price, there aren’t any.

The Meitner MA3i is not as revealing as the D-1 but I love that DAC too. The D-1 is my fav but that MA3i is one I can easily recommend at $11.5.

 if your favorite dac is a tubed AC, the odds of you liking the imersiv are near zero. I’ve not heard it but someone who’s ears I trust did. That’s why I said audition it. 

My friend Danny who also builds tube gear loves the D-1.

@yyzsantabarbara as you know I have the Meitner MA3i and really like its smooth and detailed delivery. There’s got to be balance for me. Personal preference and system synergy is key.

@audphile1 -

"if your favorite dac is a tubed AC, the odds of you liking the imersiv are near zero."

That is exactly my concern.  Even considering the groundbreaking S/N and all the over-the-top accolades I have read from owners/reviewers of the Imersiv D-1 DAC, I am wondering whether its clean and detailed sonic signature is too different from the naturally organic and rich tonal characteristics of the Helene and other R2R DACs I have enjoyed, or even the Merason DAC1 MkII that I also currently use in my main system.

In his Twittering Machines review, Michael Lavorgna indicated that the Imersiv D-1 displays  immediacy and excitement, and presents music "up close, personal and unadorned."  He found it to improve on his reference totaldac d1 unity but he then compared it to two other DACs known for clarity and detail, the Grimm MU2 and Weiss Helios DAC.  However, he did also write "the Imersiv DAC doesn’t give up the rich, warm, and lovely naturalness that I so enjoy with the totaldac."

Based on what I have heard and read so far, and on my previous experience owning the Mola Mola Tambaqui (another DAC known for clarity and detail), I suspect the Imersiv D-1 may not be a slam-dunk for me and so, as you say, I need to hear it for myself.  

@mitch2 

If you ever get around to auditioning it please post your thoughts.