I had the ISO-DAC in my system for a few days. Firstly, I did have a couple of operational issues around the power supply and the unit being grounded properly. John was incredibly helpful and resolving the issues I had.
The small issues aside I have to say this is one of the best DAC’s I have had in my system. Compared to my Schiit Gungnir Multibit (GUMBY) the bass is improved and the soundstage a little wider. Music has a solidity and power to it that the GUMBY cannot match – the Schiit DAC sounds slightly softer by comparison.
The presentation sounds a little cleaner with more space around instruments – as others have said backgrounds are much blacker.
The only area that the GUMBY betters the ISO-DAC – and this is probably down to personal taste – is that the midrange is slightly fuller.
Overall this is a superb DAC that can, to my ears, easily compete with DAC costing twice as much and maybe more.
I am very interested to hear how the next iteration sounds.
John, can you put me on the list please?