{"id":40260,"date":"2025-05-18T21:16:07","date_gmt":"2025-05-18T19:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=40260"},"modified":"2025-05-31T11:30:42","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T09:30:42","slug":"laiv-harmony-udac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/review\/digital-reviews\/spdif-dac-reviews\/laiv-harmony-udac\/","title":{"rendered":"LAiV Harmony uDAC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review sample provided by LAiV Audio<\/a>
\nRetail prices:
\nHarmony uDAC 994 USD + VAT (1190 Euro in EU)
\nHarmony RCX IR Remote Control – 194 USD (229 Euro in EU)<\/h4>\n

Singapore-based manufacturer LAiV is on a roll!<\/p>\n

When I reviewed the LAiV Harmony DAC<\/a> in September last year, the company announced many more products as part of the Harmony range, including the uDAC. The uDAC (Micro DAC) is based on key functionality of the Harmony DAC but in a much smaller enclosure. The uDAC is now available, alongside all other announced products, except for the NET2 streamer.<\/p>\n

Harmony Range<\/h3>\n

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The complete Harmony range consists of the Harmony DAC<\/a>, HP2A<\/a> Preamp\/Headphone Amp, LExt IN2<\/a> Input Extension Interface, LExt Phono Input Extension Interface (not reviewed), uDDC<\/a> D-D Reclocker, and GaNM Mono Power Amplifiers (just released). The final pending introduction is for the Net 2 Streamer, which is scheduled for Q3 2025.<\/p>\n

In this review, I will cover the uDAC.<\/p>\n

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uDAC Description<\/h3>\n

The Harmony \u00b5DAC is an ultra-compact, high-performance D-A Converter that fits the full LAiV Harmony R-2R Ladder Network Architecture and a discrete Class A output buffer in a beautifully sculpted seamless unibody enclosure milled from solid aluminum.<\/p>\n

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A remote control is not included, presumably, to reach a sub-1000-USD price tag. The beautiful and super-ergonomic RCX handset (the same as included with the Harmony DAC) can be purchased separately.<\/p>\n

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Optional milled-from-solid aluminum RCX Remote Control.<\/em><\/p>\n

Arguably, a cheap plastic remote handset could have been included, but from everything LAiV has been doing so far, I don’t think they want to include anything but premium quality accessories, and milled-from-solid remote controls are not cheap to produce. In their defense, it can be argued that a remote control is not really needed for a device without volume control.<\/p>\n

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Indeed, the uDAC is complete, especially for such a small device, but the rotary dial is only a function selector. The big selling point is that the uDAC offers a subset of the Harmony DAC’s functionality, using some of the same components, the most important one being the R2R D-A Conversion, at a third of the cost.<\/p>\n

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LAiV’s balanced discrete R-2R architecture uses carefully arranged individual resistors with a tolerance of 0.05%.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Balanced XLR outputs.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Galvanic isolation between digital and analog using OptoCouplers.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Advanced Accusilicon AS318-B Ultra-Low Phase Noise FEMTO Oscillator, and the ability to integrate seamlessly with I\u00b2S master clocks.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Discrete Class A Output Buffer provides\u00a0consistent linearity and low distortion, and<\/span><\/span> is designed to provide superior impedance matching, ensuring optimal signal transfer between the DAC and the connected amplifier or headphones. Maintaining a low output impedance minimizes signal degradation and allows longer cable runs without loss of fidelity. As with all Class A circuits, the buffer operates with continuous current draw<\/span><\/span>, resulting in a higher operating temperature than\u00a0more energy-efficient designs.<\/p>\n

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Discrete Class-A Output Buffer<\/em><\/p>\n

As with all LAiV devices, user comfort and seamless functionality are highly prioritized. An interesting feature of the uDAC is its dot-matrix display<\/span><\/span>, which provides\u00a0clear and detailed visual feedback that is easily readable with my aging eyes, even from a 6-meter distance<\/span><\/span>. Unlike basic segmented displays, the dot-matrix screen allows for dynamic text rendering (scrolling text), making it easy to monitor input selection, sample rates, and operational status at a glance.<\/p>\n

Next: Review Context, Listening, and Conclusion<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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Review Context<\/h3>\n

The uDAC was listened to in the main system<\/a>, which\u00a0consists of the CH Precision C1.2<\/a> DAC, CH Precision L1<\/a> preamplifier, CH Precision A1.5<\/a> power amp, and Magico S1 MkII speakers. Digital sources include the Antipodes K50<\/a> and Grimm MU1<\/a> music servers and the Aqua Diva M2<\/a> CD transport. All interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808<\/a>, balanced and unbalanced, and the speaker cables are Driade Flow Reference 808<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In addition to the usual Magico S1 loudspeakers, I also used the Apogee Centaur and Driade Premium Model 9<\/a>.<\/p>\n

All components, including the review components, are powered by the PS Audio P20<\/a> PowerPlant.<\/p>\n

The uDAC was connected to power and allowed more than a week to acclimatize before serious assessments began.<\/p>\n

Listening – Coax<\/h3>\n

The LAiV uDAC is super-small, so much so that it feels more like an interface, rather than a fully-fledged DAC. For my first impressions, I put it on top of the Aqua La Diva M2 CD transport that I used as the primary source. To protect the player’s sensitive open-structure coating (which absorbs solvents) I used a cork mat underneath. I’m pretty sure that the LAiV footers are not harmful, but I already permanently stained one of the Aqua components, so I felt it was better to be safe than sorry. By the way, normal anodized surfaces are not sensitive to the effect above, so you can safely stack multiple LAiV units atop one another. After being connected for a few hours, the unit gets quite warm, although not hot.<\/p>\n

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Gorgeous packing, as always!<\/em><\/p>\n

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The uDAC offers the choice between NOS and Oversampling. I have always preferred the former, and this occasion was no different, as I felt NOS provided the crispest and most direct delivery. Alternatively, the oversampling option could be worth trying if one desires a slightly smoother and friendlier sound.<\/p>\n

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Starting with the Driade Premium Model 9 monitors and the Aqua La Diva M2 CD transport connected with a Silent Angel Bastei coax cable, the uDAC surprised me with a remarkably robust bass and a very solid overall signature. With such small devices, one involuntarily expects a lean and relatively thin sound, especially when powered by a small wall-wart switched power supply. But when playing Fourplay’s extra bass-rich and super-smoothly-produced Silver, the sounds was even a bit too heavy, bordering on boomy. The sound balanced out fully after relocating the uDAC on top of the CH C1.2 DAC and leaving out the cork mat. Gone was the boominess, replaced with a robust yet upbeat and articulate bass, and a pure, concrete, and engagingly direct sound. Placement remains an important consideration, even with LAiV’s most affordable DAC.<\/p>\n

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Without having made a comparison to the uDAC’s larger stablemate, the Harmony DAC, I can tell that the refinement and fluidity are a notch or two lower with the affordable model. However, the neutrality, tonality, and linearity feel very similar. Also, there’s a self-evident and lifelike quality to the uDAC that makes it easy to accept it as good enough and not worry about any presumed differences compared to more costly products. A significant factor in this is its lack of electronic signature, leading to a very neutral and natural timbre. The uDAC consistently sounds so expressive, realistic, and involving that the mind wants to stop analyzing, despite knowing there is more to be gained by spending more.<\/p>\n

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Switching from the Driades to the Apogee Centaurs, the uDAC still sounded great. Even though I could now hear more clearly that the uDAC was indeed a little rough compared to my reference DACs, it nevertheless remained pure and musically hugely engaging. This is noteworthy, as the Centaurs are very unforgiving, much more so than the Driades or Magicos.<\/p>\n

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So, how does the uDAC differ, precisely? The uDAC exhibits similar articulation, tightness, control, expression, and transient behavior to the Harmony DAC. However, it lacks some refinement, resolution, fluidity, and spaciousness. While the uDAC is quite explicit and detailed, its sound is comparatively rougher and simpler. It does not introduce any added edge or hardness, but the finer details are not as well resolved. The reduced delicacy and fluidity are especially noticeable in the treble, which can come across as more blunt and staccato compared to the Harmony DAC’s smoother, more natural treble decay. Additionally, the Harmony DAC creates a large three-dimensional soundstage with lifelike depth imaging, whereas the uDAC presents a flatter and more compact sound. Despite these differences, there is still a significant overlap in performance, indicating that the two DACs are closely related.<\/p>\n

Power Supply Upgrade?<\/h3>\n

The uDAC’s Wall-Wart switching power supply is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, it is a cost-effective way to power an audio component and comply with international safety guidelines. On the other hand, most Wall-Warts are not of very high quality. However, this ambiguity can be turned around when you realize the Wall-Wart can be replaced with any other power supply with a 15V DC 2A specification. I’m willing to bet that the uDAC’s sound can be significantly improved with a more upscale power supply.<\/p>\n

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Listening – USB<\/h3>\n

When connected to the Antipodes Oladra server (in this case running MinimServer\/MPD) via USB, the uDAC delivers a sound that is even crisper, tauter, and more precise compared to its performance with a CD transport via coaxial connection. This is precisely what I expect from a high-quality USB input. However, due to the uDAC’s crisp and direct nature, in some systems and with less capable servers, the USB input might provide a more “technical” sound than the more fluid and organic delivery of the coaxial input. With the smooth-sounding Antipodes Oladra, however, the USB connection sounds remarkably rich and enjoyable. The server also features a coaxial digital output, which helps illustrate this comparison effectively. Although the latest USB implementation from the Oladra has improved significantly and comes close to the quality of the server\u2019s traditional digital outputs, there is still something to be said for the extra liquidity provided by its Reclocker section’s coaxial and AES\/EBU outputs. Incidentally, the Oladra\u2019s reclocker section also includes I2S, which is something the uDAC also supports!<\/p>\n

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Listening – I2S<\/h3>\n

After connecting the Oladra to the uDAC with a standard yet good-quality HDMI cable, the music played immediately, with no configuration necessary.<\/p>\n

Via I2S, the sound is engagingly confident and toe-tappingly upbeat. It is even cleaner than USB, while also being less mechanical and more delicate. This aligns with previous experiences, where I2S was consistently preferred, or at least of the same quality as Coaxial or AES\/EBU. However, in most cases, I2S takes all the positive aspects of Coaxial or AES\/EBU and combines them with the best qualities of USB, resulting in a performance that is both musically engaging and technically flawless.<\/p>\n

CD, Server, or both?<\/h3>\n

I have to hand it to the old optical format: none of the available servers sounded as fluid and delicate as the CD transport. However, the CD transport did not deliver the same tightness, articulation, and precision as the servers. This is a reality of technology; each has its strengths and weaknesses, regardless of the components used. Despite the format or connection method, the uDAC consistently delivers an impressively upbeat, communicative, and expressive sound.<\/p>\n

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More I2S<\/h3>\n

The I2S port also serves another purpose: it connects directly to the LAiV uDDC, a digital-to-digital converter with a re-clocker. You can read more about this in the upcoming dedicated uDDC review.<\/p>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

No matter the source, the uDAC surprised me from the start. While it may not have all the qualities of the Harmony DAC, it still delivers a gripping, toe-tapping, and expressive performance that is hugely engaging and communicative. This DAC is anything but dull or unexciting!<\/p>\n

With its crisp and direct sound, the uDAC stands out for its neutrality and timbral accuracy, regardless of the price range.<\/p>\n

Even if the uDAC does not lean as much into the high-end territory as the Harmony DAC does, it still provides excellent quality for the money. With that, the uDAC is a HFA Favorite in its price class.<\/p>\n

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External Links<\/h3>\n

Manufacturer: LAiV Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

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