flutteringwow
She called me baby, like an old romantic
Well that proper transformer has to go somewhere...I don't believe the Luxman uses a toroidal psu?
I thought you were looking for the best sounding dac in your particular price bracket? The weight distribution of any particular unit will have no direct effect on how good it sounds.
I was talking about the build quality, nothing to do with the sound, as I already mentioned, the SQ is very good.
Mac
Not sure to be honest, but I've never picked up a piece of kit before and found it lighter on one side or the other.
I think I notice these things more perhaps because I don't have the visual distraction of the kit, as others do who can see.
No massive biggy anyway, I was just trying to describe how it felt to me.
Mac
flutteringwow
She called me baby, like an old romantic
I understand.
I had a look at a Luxman, and it looks like they used a switching PSU, if they replaced it with a Toroidal it would be heavier on one side I would imagine.
Luxman
Aqua La Voce S3
Aqua La Scala ii
flutteringwow
She called me baby, like an old romantic
I did ponder if it was or not looking at the photo, but if you say it does, then it does. I'd hope so at the price of it!
Maybe the weight difference is that both Aquas have two transformers?
I’ve got a Metrum Pavane L3 - I think it’s great. Haven’t heard anything in a similar league so can’t make any comparisons, but I’d highly recommend you try and have a listen.
I always buy stuff second hand, so the cost risk if you don't like stuff is low. Certainly the Pavane's not going anywhere for the next few years!
Cheers. Bill
I always buy stuff second hand, so the cost risk if you don't like stuff is low. Certainly the Pavane's not going anywhere for the next few years!
Cheers. Bill
beammeup
pfm Member
The SPS DAC 3 is rather special - but put a good linear psu on it (even though it uses batteries) and it sounds significantly better still!
One of my favourite DACs that would sit in the humble category is the ancient Arcam BB1 (TDA1541) - I like the tone and dynamics - but there are caveats by being fussy preferring sorbothane feet and a very good transport to sing - otherwise it sounds rather ordinary.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Pavane, I might ask the dealer if they can send one down at the same time as the La Scala.
Mac
Dave H.
Revolutionary relativist
That’s what I shall probably do in the end. I have a Sbooster BOTW in mind - any alternative suggestions?
beammeup
pfm Member
No not really - that sounds perfect! You might be surprised just how much the sound improves which is odd since it uses batteries - but I have experienced it for myself.
Don't cheap out on the power supply by finding a low cost Chinese alternative- and the Sbooster fits that bill. Just ensure you can return it if it doesn't work out (you won't though). The combination of the two should perform well above the sum of the parts.
Dave H.
Revolutionary relativist
Thanks, and apologies to the OP for the slight digression.