Aqua Formula xHD DAC
State of the art NOS R2R ladder DAC with DSD compatibility
Review sample supplied by Aqua
Retail prices in the Netherlands (incl 21% VAT):
Formula xHD: 13.670 euro
Upgrade from Formula to Formula xHD: 1085 euro ex shipping to the factory in Italy
Regular readers know that I still have a preference for multi-bit DACs, especially when they’re built in an R2R ladder, discrete resistor-for-resistor fashion. The EC Design Mosaic was my first encounter with a NOS, filterless DAC using discrete resistors, and it shocked me to find that it did several things better than my then reference Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC.
It was mainly due to my then Apogee Diva speakers’ behavior that I could not stick with the Mosaic DAC and settled on a Wadia 521 instead. The 521 can be seen as the classic Wadia team’s last real DAC, and although not built with single resistors and certainly not NOS or filterless, unlike the brand’s current Delta/Sigma DACs, the 521 is a true multi-bit DAC. All Wadias have very natural timbre but older models can sound a little “wooden”. The 521, however, is the smoothest Wadia I’ve heard. I still don’t know exactly why, but Wadias always sound bold and powerful and the 521 is no exception. Naturally, this also ties in with the output stages, and that is where I found the Mosaic to be lacking: in spite of its better low-level resolution and purer sound showcased so clearly by the Divas, its direct-coupled DAC output simply did not sound powerful enough to really bring these speakers to life.
When Cristian Anelli of Aqua contacted me for reviewing the new Formula xHD DAC, I entertained the thought of moving to dynamic speakers and entirely coincidentally I came across a pristine pair of Wilson Watt/Puppy 8 at the same time that several other speakers, as well as several amplifiers, were over for review, and it was at this time that the Formula xHD DAC was delivered. This made it possible to listen to the DAC in very many different system configurations.
Before I dive into the listening aspect, though, first let me explain some more about the Formula xHD DAC.
Formula
With the Formula xHD DAC, Aqua presents an FPGA-based Pure R2R ladder DAC with no oversampling and no digital filter, but including not one but two very potent output stages, one for the single-ended outputs and one for the balanced outputs. The output stages are built onto 4 separate circuit boards using only discrete components, so transistors, not op-amps, and the balanced outputs are transformer-coupled. This promises not only superb refinement and soundstage layering but also a powerful output.
Optologic is what Aqua calls their DAC system, which uses multi-bit technology as used in their La Voce DAC but with a discrete R2R resistor ladder instead of a Burr-Brown PCM1704 DAC. Further, the Formula DAC has a sign-magnitude converter structure, which requires not two but four 24 bit resistors banks, each one made of very low tolerance discrete resistors. Furthermore, there is Galvanic and Magnetic isolation between the FPGA and the four branches of the R2R ladder converter. According to the manufacturer, “This creates complete isolation of all digital circuitry – including the clock – from the analog section for a pure clean ground plane”. And “It also plays the main role in the differential management of the R2R ladders, achieving perfect symmetry between the counter-phase halves”. The official documentation then concludes: “The result is the highest tonal contrast and naturalness never heard before from digital sources”. Big words, but as would soon turn out during listening, fully justified.
Formula xHD
The Formula DAC has been out for a few years but was recently updated to Formula xHD status. Compared to the Formula DAC it now includes new optimized firmware for the main FPGA and a new hybrid architecture USB board with fully-floating (isolated) USB decoding and clock generation by FPGA with proprietary code. Finally, the upgrade also added full DSD compatibility.
Below are some of the most important features:
- Proprietary hybrid 2-stage XMOS xCore XE216 + FPGA
- Fully-floating (isolated) USB decoding and clock generation by FPGA with proprietary code
- Sample rate in “Bit Perfect” up to 768 kHz PCM and quad-rate DSD (DSD256)
- Latest version of customized XMOS X Core Driver on Windows OS (W7, W10)
- Native X Core Audio on Mac OS (Bit Perfect)
- USB Audio 2.0 operation on Linux (Bit Perfect)
And while I’m in spec-mode anyway, let’s include some more manufacturer-supplied technical info: “The Formula DAC uses no digital filter or any other compensation, relying instead on maniacal attention to each subcircuit. The analog and digital power supplies are executed purely discrete by extensive use of BJT, Mosfet, Jfet and ultra-fast diodes. Passive parts were selected not just for the best sonic result but also for their top quality, longevity, and reliability. With the exception of six superior quality electrolytics, all other caps are Tantalum, solid-polymer OS-CON and double-metalized MJP. The signal path itself is direct-coupled and free of all capacitors. The two output stages (one single-ended, one transformer-coupled balanced) use discrete BJT and JFET with metal-film resistors. All the electronics parts show an ultra-low RF noise”.
Lots of buzz words for sure, and all this indeed reads like very thorough attention to detail and a very carefully built product. But in the end, all the technology in the world means nothing if it does not distill into great sound. Fortunately, after having heard the Formula xHD DAC, I can testify that this DAC is truly magnificent!
Connectivity
As you would expect, the Formula xHD DAC is compatible with virtually all sources. Naturally, the DAC offers all the usual inputs such as SPDIF on RCA (cinch), SPDIF on BNC and AES/EBU as well as USB, but also has a proprietary AQlink input which provides an I2S connection for their own CD transport as well as music servers which use the same standard. Additionally, there is a Modular input which can be opted for during purchase or later, should the connection needs change in the future. The available options for the Modular Input are AES/EBU, RCA, AT&T ST Glass and Optical TOSlink. This modular input is a great feature, which only shows the top of the iceberg in terms of the utterly modular concept that the xHD DAC is.
Inside everything is divided into separate boards which can be swapped if and when the need arises. The change from Formula DAC to Formula xHD has been the perfect example of the advantage of this concept, allowing the DAC to be upgraded by only swapping the USB board. How’s that for future proofing?
The outputs are available in balanced (transformer-coupled) XLR and (direct coupled) cinch. There is an IR sensor but no supplied remote control. For this, Aqua has an optionally available system remote control, capable of operating the CD transport as well as the DAC.
Above and below: this is the optionally available B-21 remote control. The buttons are well laid out and it operates intuitively. It looks heavier than it is but is very sturdy nevertheless.
While this sure is a very nice remote control, it would have been even better if a standard remote control was included while having this luxury version as an option.
USB compatibility
The Formula xHD DAC works with Linux, Mac OS and Windows computers. Windows users need to install the driver first before connecting the USB cable, OSX 10.6.4 and later, as well as Linux 1.0.25 and later have native support for audio devices compliant with USB Class 2.0 built-in, enabling true plug and play.
On Mac, it is important to always manually select the correct sample frequency in the Audio Devices control panel (Applications–>Utilities–>Audio Midi Setup), otherwise, the computer is resampling. To get around this there are applications that automatically have the computer follow the source sampling frequency such as Amarra and Pure Music.
For Windows, the manual suggests using a player that supports ASIO such as Foobar and jRiver Media Center. From personal experience, I agree that these are some of the best applications for Windows. Both are bit-accurate but still sound different. How, you ask? I have no idea, but different they are. Foobar sounds the cleanest and most accurate and jRiver is smoother but for my ears more musical. For either player, I’d suggest trying ASIO as well as WASAPI. It’s always good to just experiment to find which method sounds best to you.
System Context
Recently I sold the Apogee Divas, but still present are the re-refurbished Duetta Signatures and the original Centaurs. In place of the Divas I recently purchased a set of Wilson Watt/Puppy 8, which are now my main speakers. Simultaneously over for review are also the Wilson Sabrina, Gustavson LS-One and Vivid Audio Giya G3 s2. Pending the purchase of a new reference Music Server, default front end at this time is a regular Windows PC streaming via Roon RAAT to the AudioAanZee Reference Flow with Euphony drive and then with an AudioQuest Diamond USB cable to the DAC. Personal reference DAC is the Bricasti M1 and preamp the Jeff Rowland Corus + PSU. The Bricasti, just like 97% of all current DACs out there, is a Delta/Sigma design, but in spite of this, it does sound very refined.
As I am still considering my options in terms of amplification for the Wilsons, I currently have no default power amplifier, but I do have a bunch of amplifiers at hand that are also over for review: Bryston 3B Cubed, 4B Cubed and 14B Cubed, NuPrime ST-10 and PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium. Interlinks used are Cardas Hexlink Golden 5C (T T L) and Clear, both XLR. Cinch comparisons will follow later.
Above: using the Formula xHD with its own feet, albeit ultimately still supported on the Artesania rack’s feet, makes for the smoothest sound. Below: using Finite Elemente Cerapucs works well by adding extra presence, but given the DACs lively nature, this is not really needed.
Formula setup
As the Artesania racks use their own feet and so bypass any component’s own feet, the Formula xHD DAC was first set up on top of a shelf so that I could use it with its own soft neoprene-like feet. When positioned this way, if you grab the DAC with two hands on the top, you can wiggle it in all directions and the feet are so compliant that it even judders a little after having moved it. I figured if Aqua go the length to use special feet, I should also listen to them. Knowing that soft coupling usually makes for somewhat damped bass and sometimes a lack of attack, I expected a soft and mushy sound, but there’s none of that here!
The Formula xHD DAC always sounds fast, articulate and agile. Nevertheless, I noticed a small change when bypassing its feet by placing it directly on the Artesania rack’s feet, adding a little drive and body to the bass while making the sound more “concrete”. The choice is up to personal preference, and there are plenty options for direct-coupling the DAC if so desired. The point is that you can, but don’t have to.
Listening
After having the Formula xHD installed and switched on for almost 2 weeks while I carried out other review work, my immediate impression upon first listening to the Formula xHD DAC using the Gustavson LS-One speakers is “WOW”, this is a seriously great DAC!
There’s magnificent resolution and focus, incredible treble air, a benchmark-setting decay of subtle reverbs, super-fluid and free-flowing, super-neutral midrange and articulate and fast, yet perfectly proportioned bass. There is no smear, no added creaminess and importantly, timbre is spot on natural and lifelike. What’s more to desire? Well, after only 2 listening sessions I’m already inclined to say: “nothing”! I could end the review right here, but that would not make for very interesting reading, so let’s dive in a little deeper to see how it behaves with different inputs and different speakers.
So far I’ve only been using SPDIF via the HiFace EVO for easy and simultaneous comparison with the M1 DAC while avoiding having to swap the USB cable. I’ve already encountered one occasion where a USB input got damaged following a swapping session and even if I still cannot imagine that I actually caused that because I always ground myself when swapping cables, ever since I am just extra careful.
SPDIF and USB
After Asynchronous USB was declared the best music transfer method not too long ago, there is now a growing camp advocating SPDIF and AES/EBU over USB. I still find that it is just very circumstantial between these formats and different tastes and particular system matching will dictate preference. Personally, I still feel that USB is the most accurate, and often (not always!) also best sounding.
Given that the USB board is where most of the changes have been implemented between Formula and Formula xHD, it is not surprising to find that the DAC sounds most articulate, sonorous and powerful when driven directly by the Reference Flow server when connected directly via USB. Dynamics are more instant and powerful and timbre becomes even more neutral, with the last nth of smear now totally removed. The USB sound is a little drier and some may prefer the smoother and more rounded off sound using the SPDIF input and may even find it more “musical”, but there is no doubt in my mind that the USB sound is technically most accurate. As I currently like my music tight and articulate I retained the USB input for the rest of the listening.
Other speakers
Some audio components sound incredibly articulate and “detailed” at first, but soon this extra detail is unveiled as being unwanted sharpness, much like turning up the sharpness control for video or images creates a seemingly sharper image that is actually obtaining a nasty edge. As listening with both the Wilsons and the Vivids quickly confirmed, the Formula xHD DAC has no artificial sharpness whatsoever, just utter transparency and articulate refinement.
The warm-sounding Wilson Sabrina portrayed more inner detail and better transient attack while retaining their smooth character and the cleaner sounding Watt/Puppies managed to reveal even more intricate musical detail provided by the Formula xHD but without ever tipping over into an analytical delivery. No other DAC sounds like a Wadia The Aqua does not sound like a Wadia, no DAC does, it really doesn’t have a sound at all, but it still has a powerful and energetic delivery. The Apogee Duettas also worked very well with the Formula xHD DAC, delivering all the recording’s resolution while sounding every bit as sonorous as they should.
The Formula xHD also just has no character that I can discern. It is neither warm nor cool, not too speedy and not slow, not analytical, absolutely not colored, yet it can be as smooth and rich as the recording dictates. As I already said, this DAC simply leaves nothing to desire. Except perhaps for an included remote control. And ideally also a Roon-capable network input.
Bricasti M1
The Bricasti DAC sounds very different but it really is an excellent DAC as well. I’d say that between the M1 and the Formula xHD it is very much a matter of preference and perhaps even of convenience. The M1 is a Delta/Sigma design which is a pity as I generally prefer multi-bit designs because they sound timbrally more correct and more articulate and lifelike to me, especially with PCM sources. Like the Formula xHD, the Bricasti handles DSD as well, but because I don’t actively collect and play DSD, this is not important to me. This is also the reason that I will not report on the Formula’s DSD sound, other than to confirm that it works just fine. The M1 has a very wide range of filters to choose from which makes it possible to tailor it to a particular preference. It also has a very nice remote control which operates all of its functionality while reporting the status of all its parameters very clearly on its large display. As a reviewer, I really appreciate such conveniences.
What I like most about the Bricasti M1 though is that it is more refined and airier than the Wadia 521, with an organic, smooth and lyrical midrange and almost Wadia-like, powerful bass. Especially the latter was a big thing for me when I used full-range planar speakers such as Magnepans and Apogees. Even though full range Apogees have truly incredible low bass, it is the dynamic behavior in the midbass that was always demanding of the most powerful sounding sources, hence my sticking with Wadia, and later the Bricasti. After having lived with the Bricasti for about six months I have completely gotten used to its sound and did not miss the Wadia anymore, or the discrete R2R DACs for that matter.
Comparing to the Formula xHD, however, I must admit that the Bricasti has a bit of smear and indeed has a sound. It is subtly smoothened throughout the entire frequency band and comes across a little filtered, which, of course, technically it is. This is not a bad thing in itself as it also seems to help shape its lush and rich midrange, which is also surely very seductive and can make lesser recordings sound better than they are.
Although at times I have been tempted by the extra refinement and unbeatable purity of NOS, filterless DACs such as the Mosaic, Metrum and some other designs, ultimately I always came back to the Wadia and later the Bricasti, mainly because they simply had more conviction, more drive, more dynamic power. Although the current crop of speakers in this room no longer demands it, I still like a digital source to sound powerful. The great thing about the Formula xHD DAC is that it offers unprecedented purity and all the advantages of the aforementioned R2R designs and adds to this all the dynamic power and drive that I could ask for, while totally avoiding imposing any character onto the sound.
Above: Cardas Hexlink Golden 5C, Below: Cardas Clear. The Formula xHD works splendidly with both cables.
Interlinks
As my main XLR cables I use Transparent Ultra XL, Cardas Clear and the old favorite Hexlink Golden 5C, in the T T L‘d version. Normally the main difference between the Hexlink and the Clear is that the latter has higher resolution, but in this case, with the Formula xHD DAC, I’m not so sure about this anymore. With either of these two cables, the DAC sounds utterly hi-res, playing 16/44 files mind you. The Clear does manage better layering front to back and is smoother, which could combine better in some systems. Likewise, the Transparent has an extra fluid sound that can help tame a bright component while retaining a large chunk of the Cardas cables’ natural sound. With the Formula xHD, however, I have the feeling of not wanting to introduce any kind of equalization as it is just perfect the way it is.
Cinch outputs
As a final test, I also assessed its cinch outputs. Not having the same type cinch cables as XLR cables makes it hard to say final things about their relative sound, but knowing all my cables very well I think I can at the very least hint at any potential differences. And so I thought that the cinch outputs sounded tighter while the XLR outputs sounded slightly creamier. To make sure of this I used the excellent Cardas cinch-XLR adapters and connected the very same XLR cable alternately to the Formula xHD’s XLR and cinch outputs. This way the same preamp input was also used and after adjusting the volume level with 6dB I can confirm that the Formula xHD’s cinch and XLR outputs indeed sound different. The cinch outputs have the most solid sound, with slightly more sonorous bass and slightly more prominent upper bass / lower midrange. The XLR outputs, by contrast, sound a little smoother overall and slightly creamier in the midrange. Is this the transformer-coupling effect? Quite possibly. Personally and within the context of my system, I quite like the slightly smoother XLR sound. The Wilsons are plenty lively and articulate themselves and with its balanced outputs, the Formula xHD already sounds more articulate and dynamic than the M1. Ultimately, the beauty of this is that one can simply choose whichever solution sounds best.
Conclusion
For me it was clear after hearing less than a minute of music: the Aqua Formula xHD is the new HFA reference DAC! The Formula xHD offers magnificent resolution and focus, incredible treble air, a benchmark-setting decay of subtle reverbs, a super-fluid and free-flowing, super-neutral midrange and articulate and fast yet perfectly proportioned bass, with spot-on natural and lifelike timbre. Adding very solid engineering, beautiful aesthetics, full modularity, DSD compatibility, and an optional IR remote control, what’s more to desire? Unless one is looking for a DAC that imposes a certain character onto the sound, I can say with 100% conviction: “Absolutely Nothing”!
Distributor for the NL/Belgium: hexagonaudio.eu/nl
Manufacturer’s website: aquahifi.com
Read Also
Aqua La Scala MkII DAC
Aqua Formula xHD v2 Output Board upgrade
Hi Christiaan, I’m about to change my Bryston BDA-2 with a new dac.
My dilemma is right between Bricasti M1 SE and Aqua Formula xHD.
Who better than You can give me the right advice, having heard them in comparison?
I know they are both excellent dac, but I would like to know, having to keep only one, which is your choice.
If you prefer answer to me in private, I left my e-mail.
Many thanks
Roby
Hi Roby, these two DACs could not be more different, meaning that this is very much a personal matter. What I would choose personally ties in with my preferences and the rest of my system and can change depending for example on which preamp and speakers I use.
Basically: if you want to relax in a luxurious smoothness and a more forgiving sound: go with the Bricasti. If you want superb articulation and the highest resolution and transparency as well as tonal accuracy: go for the Aqua. Technically, and importantly for me as a reviewer, the Aqua is more revealing and so it is better at outlining differences upstream and so is better for assessing Music Servers. It is not only a good reviewer’s tool though, I also find that I prefer it for its more honest sound most of the time, even if it can lay bare deficiencies in the source material. In addition to its more revealing character, it is also more “alive” which lately I find one of the most important aspects of sound. But again: this is very personal. My reasons and taste need not match yours.
Tank You Christiaan,
My system:
Bryston BDP-2 / BCD-1
Convergent SL1 Ultimate MKII
Bryston BDP-26
Bryston 7B sst2 mono
Convergent JL2
PMC BB5i Passive (A loudspeakers)
Rogers LS 5/9 – LS 3/5a (B, C loudspeakers)
Which one do you see best in this system?
Thank You again
Sorry, Roberto, this is impossible for me to specify. Even with a list of your equipment, I cannot tell you what you will like. Room integration and taste still come into play and more importantly you have not indicated what it is about your current system, or the BDA-2 in particular, that you like or dislike, or which direction you want to take it. This leaves me with no clues to go on.
Please understand that especially in this price range there is no such thing as a product that is “absolutely better” than any other, on all aspects, in all occasions and to all people. Both the Bricasti and the Aqua are great but cater to different tastes. I think I have explained very clearly how these two DACs sound. It is now up to you to judge which of the two you would like to add to your system.
Ok Christiaan,
I thank You again for the advice, and to answer I can tell you that I am satisfied with the sound of my system, and that the room has no problems, mine is just an attempt to grow the overall quality, replacing my already well played dac with a model of absolute level. My confusion arises from reading about the choice between the Delta-Sigma and R-2R conversions, and the fear that Delta-Sigma is an outdated technology in which it is not worth investing for a high-priced DAC.
” Listening ” audio devices through articles is complicated 🙂
Sorry my poor English.
Hi Roberto, No worries about your English, I understand you just fine:-)
Yes, indeed the decision between Delta/Sigma and Multibit is an important one. However, very many high-end brands are using these chips now. Multi-bit has become really rare. That said, I still find that Multibit has more energy to it, resulting in a more direct and lively sound. The Aqua is more like the Wadia 521 in that regard (the last “real”, multibit Wadia), but more like the Bricasti in terms of refinement and resolution, and therefore, if you want to retain your overall balance, probably the better successor to your Bryston than the Bricasti would be. I think this may be the answer you were looking for?
Many Thanks Christiaan, I will think a little more and then I will make the choice. I’m sure I will not be disappointed by the dac that I will buy ….because I will not listen to the other one … 🙂
Haha, quite right:-)
Hi Christiane, thinking about DACs I rarely found reviews on Bryston BCD3 and Hegel Mohican: both dedicated DACs designed only and for CD 16/44.1KH. Vantages,Disavantages ….May be you can bring in a little “light” about.Thanks.Andrés-Spain,
I’ve not heard the Mohican so I cannot comment on how it would compare to the BCD-3. I do know the BCD-3 and I like it a lot. What hifi’s comment “Bass lacks a bit of bite and scale” does not make sense to me at all. This player has bass that is solid, fast and dynamic, almost Wadia-like… Please, do place comments under a related article, in this case for example the BCD-3 review would have made a lot more sense than the Aqua DAC.
I don´t focus on comparing BCD3/Mohican ,but on comparing a few DACs designed specifically for CD format and the rest which follow the current mainstream.
Thanks, Andrés
I am wondering if you have in mind to review the La Scala MK II Optologic version. From your reviews of the Ayon hybrids I would think that the sound of its tube/MOSFET design might be up your alley even more than it’s non-tube Formula XD version.
Also, I think it’s unfortunate that Aqua doesn’t include a preamp section with their dacs. I note that with the Ayon Stealth you found the combo better than the dac alone with a separate preamp, and from a practical point of view it cuts out those of us who want to drive an amplifier (or active speakers) directly – and need a remote to do it! Given that a separate preamp will alter the dac’s sound, I wonder if their decision is really driven by sound purity or cost issues.
I will be reviewing La Voce soon but for the La Scala, I have no plans just yet. I’ll see if I can fit that one in as well. Indeed I also find it would have been so much more convenient if the Aqua DACs had volume control, even if only passive, although that method has its own disadvantages. I can only speculate as to why they don’t include preamp sections but I assume that it is not about cost and rather because they just want to focus on digital and indeed the purity of the signal.
Thanks for the reply. It would seem worth asking Aqua about the preamp/remote issue, since without one they have no control over what’s used to complement dacs – tubes or straight digital. And they do put out a hybrid dac, so pure digital wouldn’t seem to be the reason. I thought it might have to do with the commonly deleterious effects of a volume control, but that’s just passing the buck.
Hi Gene, I asked Cristian Anelli of Aqua why they do not include volume controls. He replied: “We do not love the digital decoding (of digital volume control) and we believe in the match of top-class level preamplifiers with pure analog volume control.”
Hi Gene, as it turns out, I can review the La Scala DAC next month.
Great. Look forward to it.
Thanks, Christiaan. Not surprised. Some users of the Directstream dac have also noticed this too, which has been solved around by dimming the LED screen to black, either by setting or remote.
I noticed in one of the dac reviews that you went back to the Ayon Stealth for comparison, as if you’ve been keeping it around for its satisfying sound. What I’ve been curious about are the sound differences you hear between it as dac/preamp and the CH Precision dac/controller and the Aqua ones (the latter’s ladder dac you compared in the Stealth review, but it didn’t read like the comparison was to the Ayon dac/preamp combo, just the dac). I ask because the CH and upper Aqua are out of my price range (esp. in the States), but hearing your descriptions gives an idea of what one might expect. Thanks,
Hi Gene, indeed, I keep the Stealth around because I really like it. I currently use it as an analog preamp when playing records in the main system. The Ayon’s outputs in that case are patched directly to the CH A1.5 amp. It also comes in handy whenever I need an analog preamp for review purposes, for instance when comparing DACs that do not have volume controls. While the Stealth sounds bold and powerful and it possesses that midrange magic that really only tubes seem to be capable of, it is not the most transparent sounding preamp. That’s why I don’t want to use it permanently in the main system, not for digital use, anyway. Maybe I haven’t found the perfect preamp yet but, so far, I find the C1 DAC to sound best directly to the A1.5 power amp, so without a preamp inbetween. I have not compared the Stealth as a DAC+Pre to the CH C1 directly because, so far, the latter has always come out winning and I don’t feel that there would be much value in doing so anyway since the two products are in such different price classes. Nevertheless, it might be an interesting experiment! When I have some time I will do so and add this to the Stealth review.
Thanks.. I asked because In my set up, with a modified Oppo 203 as source, I’ve skipped the preamp and feed active ATC SCM19A floorstanders and JL Audio e-110 subs directly from a dac, currently the DirectSteam. It’s very nice sounding, but it does teeter on the edge of sounding digital, depending on the recording.
I can see your point but if you like the sound of the DS you might need to re-adjust to the sound of the Ayon Stealth as it has a very different character. Maybe adding a preamp could be a simpler solution? (I almost wrote Soulution… slip of the keyboard). Please don’t hold your breath for my test to appear as I have several other reviews in the pipeline that need to be completed first.
No hurry. My goal has been to keep things as simple as possible, hence the appeal of a dac with (remote) volume control or a dac/preamp combo, but alas I’m running up against what developers have in mind (the Oppo 203’s mod eliminated the analog section, even if its volume control provided satisfactory SQ). Hence why my thoughts about a Stealth or Stratos instead of the added cost and hassle of a finding a “right” preamp and cables. But I am open to suggestions in the latter’s spirit that would mesh well with the Directstream.
Thanks for the La Scala review, which sounds intriguing, although it would still require a good preamp. Thanks,
Hi Gene, I compared the Stealth to the C1, both as DAC/preamp. All the details are added to the Ayon review.