About the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC


I’ve been looking to upgrade my Denafrips Pontus ll for a while now and I just watched a review of the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC on the Pursuit Perfect Sound YouTube channel and Terry seemed to like it and it’s AKM chips. I don’t need another preamp. I don’t need another streamer. I don’t need another headphone amplifier.  I just want a better ( to my ears ) DAC and this one looks interesting to me.

Does anyone here have any experience with the ND-1?
 

Thanks in advance.

curiousjim

Terry in a follow-up youtube is now recommending the DSD setting at the highest upsampling rate which he says is even better than what he was listening to for the main review.

Also, why no discussion yet of the Lundahl transformers?

Also, I like the two settings for output level. That was something that attracted me to Weiss, but it didn't outperform my Luxman.

@twoleftears 

I did hear Terry say that, but all four DAC’s I’ve had started to sound to bright for my tastes, so that might be a demerit. The reason I like R2R more than Sigma-Delta DAC’s is that they are not as exact on the high end, Kinda like vinyl vs 1982 digital.

As far as the Lundahl transformers, I can’t find much about them other then Matrix says they’re good, so what am  I supposed to think.  Just like the output switch.  I’ve never had one and I’m not sure why I would want one? Why did you like having it?

 

@curiousjim 

It’s been too long since I watched that video but he usually goes onto detail about the presentation.  I thought that aspect of the review could possibly be of some use. I do recall his description gave me the impression it would not likely please my ears but, needless to say, this isnt relevant for you. 

Listening would be, though!  ;o)

@curiousjim 

If I remember correctly, Terry said that switching in the transformers gave the ND-1 a "glorious" sound, which sounds to me as if in that configuration it's more R2R-like than most Sigma-Deltas.

The output level is a pet peeve: currently (no pun intended) I operate my preamp around 9:30, where 6:00 is zero.  Adjusting the output on the Weiss let me operate around noon and gave me more latitude in getting the volume just right. Unfortunately it wasn't as tonally full-bodied as the Luxman...