After hearing out the new rev 7 board of Soekris DAM1021 for a week or so, here are my impressions:
Chain:
Allo Digione (USB transport out) --> Soekris 1021 (DAC USB in) --> Lyrita DHT (Pre) --> AKSA 55 (Pwr) --> KEF R300 + REL T9/i
The overall sound is pleasing and easy on the ears.
Now that I have hearing aids to correct my hearing loss, it is so much more important that the music experience be non-fatiguing.
The highs are there nicely resolved (on what my rig can do), vocals are presented well and bass is enough.
The complete presentation is never in your face.
Sometimes I did not feel the need to turn on the sub (sub does make a difference, but that's another discussion).
Comparing between the revs, I would say the noticeable improvement is in the bass area. It is better to my ears, full and fairly accurate.
R-2R DACs have been called out for loose bass. Did not feel this in my listening.
In one word, if I could describe the sound, it is
"fluid" as compared to the Parasound DAC (PCM1798 based) and Schiit Modi 2 Uber (AKM based).
Parasound's implementation is actually quite good as compared to Modi 2 Uber. I found Modi 2 a bit "dark" and "clinical".
These are the only two DACs I can compare against as they are at home and I have listened to them extensively.
Also did quick back-to-back A/B listening to understand the nuances.
It does well with Spotify/Amazon streaming too.
@prem characterized R-2R DACs as sympathetic; true he has a very valid point.
A big shout out to
@Prodigy for lending this unit.
And more importantly
building my unit with the required digital inputs.
Waiting to hear out the Coax-BNC route that would fit with Allo very well in my rig.
Stay tuned, will update when my unit comes over and starts singing.
Cheers,
Raghu
