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Asia is kicking Ass and Taking Names

Ancient 'phile here. Owned a lot of kit over the decades. but for the last ~8 years a dac/pre; Audio Alchemy  DDP-1, which died about 4 months ago. Thinking it might cost too much to repair, I contacted AA but got no response, which was a blessing in disguise. Being retired living on SS ans a small monthly insurance stipend, even used hi-end kit is out of h question. I had been watching YTVs (made by several non-hi-end reviewers) about various Asian companies making quality audio, but as a Amazon not only do they carry most of the brands I was curious about, but free returns AND 6 no interest payments: first I bought a SMSL PL200T top loading transport, and partly because it decodes MQA (I know not many many of  them available, but still)... Amazing for $500. Next I bought a Topping D90iii Dac/Pre; a one bit, discrete, fully balanced @ $999 (MSRP of AA  when new was $2600), and as good as. Reading more, several reviewers urged getting a preamp. I bought the Topping D90 @$900) . IMHO, all outstanding value for < a quality used transport, dac or pre. High end prices are dinosaurs. HTH

tweak1
deanwam8
3 posts
 

I’ll join in here. I have an Accuphase E-5000 Integrated and was thinking of buying the Accuphase DAC 60 and a good Streamer for music. But first, I paired it with my Eversolo DMP A-8 just for the heck of it and wow! The Eversolo punches way WAY above its price point. The synergy between the AKM DACs in the Eversolo and the Accuphase are just awesome....not to mention the Eversolo app and streaming ecosystem is just loaded with options...including multiple filters that are fun to play with. I can’t recommend Eversolo enough! 

Now if someone can recommend a great SACD player that doesn’t cost a mint, I would appreciate it. I've been looking for a good deal on a preowned Esoteric, Accuphase or Luxman but even these often command deep pockets. I am currently using an Oppo UDP-203 via RCA out to the Accuphase. It sounds fantastic but at some point would love a dedicated piece to use that has balanced outs. In summary, I have to admit that there really is more and more great pieces coming out of China and Korea etc that offers fantastic bang for the buck. 

ortodox
112 posts
 

Asian Playback design is for shure Cen Grand

facten
3,116 posts
 

I've had a Line Magnetic 518IA integrated amp for several years , top notch build and sound , especially with better tubes

willywonka's avatar
willywonka
469 posts
 

@tweak1 Audio Alchemy brings back MANY memories for me. They were my first external DAC 30+ years ago. I believe I had some type of DDC with them also. The Chinese DAC's are definitely a good value. I own the Holo Audio May KTE DAC but I've had it for 4 years now and getting the itch to upgrade.

ledoux1238
418 posts
 

Accuphase, Esoteric, Luxman, Kondo, koetsu, Micro Seiki……..etc are Japanese brands. Japan is in Asia…..just saying. And I like Japan, the band, better. 

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