Harmony DAC
PREORDER - includes free worldwide shipping.
A high-fidelity Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that merges cutting-edge technology with an elegant, user-centric design philosophy. The Harmony DAC aims to deliver an exceptional audio experience while seamlessly integrating into modern living spaces.
Color
Quantity
Expected to ship at the end of June for Black, early of June for Silver..
Highlights
Precision Perfected: Exquisite Quality Redefined: Utilize high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship to ensure durability and longevity.
Revolutionizing Audio: Inspired by Industrial Ingenuity: Designed with a modular approach inspired by industrial efficiency and adaptability, offering users unmatched flexibility, easy upgrades, and simple maintenance.
Sonic Integrity: Unleash the Power of Uncompromised Sound: Experience unmatched audio quality with our advanced Balanced discrete R-2R architecture and premium components, delivering exceptional value.
Seamless Simplicity: Elevating Your Experience: Design an intuitive interface that offers effortless control and enhances the user experience.
Reviews
I received my Harmony DAC a couple of nights ago. I have listened to a couple of hours of music on it and I am delighted.
To start, even the packaging is awesome. As I opened each section of the package it became better. Lots of attention to little details.
The remote is a piece of art, sturdy, elegant, comfortable and easy to use.
The DAC feels solid, and it is heavy. The template for setting the shoes/cups for the spikes is a welcomed addition that honestly should be included on all other pieces of equipment. I also see built-in shoes for other future LAiV units.
The aesthetics of the Harmony are great. It is a statement piece, and the finish does not show fingerprint marks (if it did, LAiV included a cleaning cloth!). The controls are intuitive and easy to use.
Initial listening impressions:
For context I must first describe my equipment and where the Harmony DAC comes in.
My sources are a turntable, streamer (mostly for Qobuz), and SACD transport for DSD over i2s, 3 CD transports and an SACD/CD transport.
For DACs I use a Theta Gen V Pro, a Topping D90SE and the onboard DACs of my (modded) Sony ES and Oppo players and the onboard DAC of the streamer. Plus, now the LAiV which is plugged to the DSD transport (i2s), the streamer (digital coax) and the CD transport via optical.
Outputs are fed to an Allnic line stage connected to Threshold SA12e amps for bass, Manley Snappers for mid/highs on my Infinity IRS Beta speakers.
I plugged the Harmony DAC to my SACD transport via i2s and to my streamer on coax digital. Set it to NOS and went through some of my “test tracks”.
Initially I wonder if it was a “placebo effect” but I hear clearer lows and mids with a great soundstage. Also, not as much sibilance on some vocals as I get with my other DACS.
Now during the second long listening session, my initial impressions are confirmed as I found myself reducing the bass gain on the Infinity’s Servo Controller. The bass is fast and deep.
One thing I noticed is that I did not find the music fatiguing as it has happened with my other DAC when streaming.
I then changed to Over Sampling mode (CD and stream) and tried the same tracks. I have to listen to it some more, but some passages seem more musical.
It has become my main DAC. Very pleased with the sound!
I started this hobby about the time COVID hit us. My first big purchase was Focal speakers and since then building my system to what I feel subjectively would be optimal. I purchased a RME adi-2 dac and loved it so much I decided it was my endgame dac. I since then purchased a Galion TSA75 power amp and a Eversolo Master Edition streamer modified. I thought this was hifi heaven, until I recently listen to a set-up at a Hifi establishment near me. Figured I would have to hit the Lotto to attain that sound I heard.
Recently saw a review of this dac by Steve Huff and other YouTube reviewers. I decided to take the chance at this dac, based on description of the sound and giant killer hype.
I was faced with a dilemma after my purchase. Two thousand plus dollars left me with a hole in pocket, and my RME was my previous pream. I decided to purchase a $50 Amazon passive pream from Nobusound, as a placeholder. Now I'm not one to use audiophile lingo, but boy oh boy! First I immediately said goodbye 👋 to my faithful RME and realized I was listening to a semblance of that sound I heard from systems I previewed at the Hifi store I visited. I'm so happy with my purchase ☺️ and I'm now saving for LAIV'S upcoming preamp. Can't imagine how my system will sound with a real preamp. I'm living LAIV...
I had a Denafrips Ares-2 with the latest firmware and that frankly is a pretty sweet DAC but I was missing some clarity and detail and a bit of body and "oompf". I considered upgrading to a more expensive Denafrips DAC or a Holo May or Holo KTE3. And then I heard the Laiv and I was sold immediately. The Laiv DAC delivers most if not all of that high-end sound with impressive connectivity and features for a significant lower price and in an attractive small form factor package. I am really impressed with the build quality and the sound of the Laiv, and it's the first time I choose to use Over Sampling on a DAC, as it the first DAC I have tried where OS actually sounds better than NOS. To be honest, I had to get used to the styling of the Laiv with the gold buttons and angular shaped corner, but up-close and in-person it has really grown on me. In the picture you can see my stack with a Shanling ET3 CD transport connected via coax, Eversolo DMP-A8 used as a streamer connected via I2S, Laiv DAC, connected via XLR to Vincent SA-32 hybrid-tube preamplifier, connected via XLR to Galion TS A75 power amplifier. What you don't see is my Apple MacBook connected via USB. All these components deliver great sound and this combination works very well with a variety of home-built (e.g. with LiiSong PT-10 full range driver) and commercially available speakers (e.g. KEF R3). I can't wait for Laiv to release more products!!!