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Thank you for the review. I want to say my recent experience with both dacs. We had the chance to listen to both dac in a audiophile room with the same system. We were 6 audiophiles, we did a blind test with several tracks. All of us heard the difference and agreed Holo May Dac is in a different league. It out performed in every aspect. It would be beneficial to listen yourself on a real system before deciding.
Thank you for listing the music that is playing during your demos. I wish all RUclips audio equipment reviewers would tell us what we're hearing during their videos. I guessed DAC B was the Laiv, based on what other reviewers have said about its sound. DAC A sound like it had a bit more treble emphasis, whereas the Laiv sounded mellower and richer.
I usually prefer open and dynamic to dense, so I first preferred A, but then I started to notice the beautiful harmonics that was inside that density and started to prefer DAC B at the end I loved both.
Great review, thank you. I’m done ( for now ) I just picked up the new Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC ..and I’m damn impressed ( coming from an entry level Topping ) ..😊 I think A is a bit more smoother…not a dramatic difference tho🫡
I have the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE. I thought the MAY was B, because it sounded more "real" and "organic" to me, a little less edgy..... what a surprise. However, since there is no dealer or 30 day return policy yet for EU customers, it is a no go.
Thanks for creating videos with such an effort towards great quality, content. And for all the show videos. As much that can be heard - Option A , YT has a bit a expanse. Might have chosen A or may be ..both :)
I have the Holo May and love it. I could barely tell the difference listening through my headphones. Probably the closest comparison I’ve heard in your videos. I agree the May is a bit wider sounding. Considering the cost difference it’s a compliment that the Laiv is so close to the May.
There were a few samples at the beginning that I preferred DAC A, but most of the samples I preferred DAC B. Would love to see some samples of LAiV vs. some lower price point DACs as it is more likely than not, most people viewing this video are looking to upgrade, I certainly am. My example is currently Denafrips Pontus II 12th. Was getting ready to purchase the Holo, but now I'm not sure and more leaning toward the LAiV Harmony. Thank you for the wonderful samples and honest review!
Thanks for sharing. I try to get the Denafrips DACs here for test I ave Ares 12th but it's at a customer place. Fortunately LAIV said that if I wish they can borrow me the DAC for some time so I'll have a chance to compare it against more DACs that will come here ;)
My assessment prior to your thoughts. I could detect a small difference between the 2. Dac A seemed to be a little more etched out, more distinction between sounds and layers of sounds and the sounds a little more refined and sharper. Dac B overall have less layer separation, a little softer edges but at least for one of the tracks had a more forward or natural vocals layer than I noticed in A.
First impressions listening with IE600 “That’s How You Know You’re In Love” - Slightly preferred DAC A for its added upper air and texture which complemented the guitar better imo but then as beat kicked in DAC B brought a bit more punch with its thicker more full-bodied sound, kind of a toss-up for this song “Love You For It All” - I definitely felt the vocals more on DAC B, preferred B on this song for sure Overall, judging from this comparison alone, I’m thinking the LAIV DAC is the one to get at half the price of the May and subjectively preferable on some tracks. But it is a bit rolled off compared to the May. May is a little more reference. I prefer a thicker sound personally and there's more fullness with the LAIV. Edit: By the way, those songs sounded better to me on this sound demo than the actual recordings on youtube lol. Both of these dacs are definitely doing incredible work. Kudos to Virtual HiFi for including sound demos. I think we should all demand that from DAC reviews moving forward.
I thought DAC A was the LAIV and preferred it because there was a little more detail and I could hear there was better control of the bass notes even though DAC B had more bass. I guess it will depend on how bright your speakers are. These 2 DACS seem to be a case of system matching rather than one being better than the other as they both sound great which as others have said is a true testament to the LAIV. I would like to hear both these DACS sound comparison against the Mola Mola, T&A and Weiss 204. Again I don't think there will be much between them all but with the speakers you are using along with the Fosi amps I guess your system is bright and detailed to start with. Although you did mention a wide a holographic DAC can be too much(overkill) of a good thing if your system (especially speakers) already have that type of presentation. Having all the detail with organic realism is going to be most important IMO after this is the sound going beyond your speakers and walls is a must.
I will say it again, awesome speakers and system and recording mic's. As for dacs they both sound very good and very much alike, without being there in the room, at a pinch I think b was more analog
I'm all about large soundstage with airy details. In this comparison I'm dac A (Holo May KTE) all day. Thanks for the excellent work on the sound demos.
thank you for your time and effort to make this video. this is probably the first time that i have a very hard time to tell the difference between the two DACs. but since they are very close is sound quality ?. i'd pick the LAiV . who wouldn't especially it's half the price of a HOLO.
In the 6Moons review he mentions that using the Laiv with an autoformer preamp instead of built in volume gives it the air its missing in comparison to certain othet DACs (Sonnet Pacisthea) in his case. I can hear the extra air in the May in this comparison.
Good job! I prefer dac A, it was more dynamic and realistic. Dac B was smoother, classic R2R sound at this price point, but I wouldn't pay over 2.000 for it. Your work is excellent by the way, the recordings are great. I would say your system sounds quite bright though, and thats with the absorbers on the wall. Maybe the speakers have more energy in the treble.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. Yes harmony is smoother and the system is getting richer soon, it's on the quite neutral side I'd say and it all depends on the music played.
I preferred DAC A, for sure. I'm using the Susvara to listen. DAC B made me wince sometimes, like it was more fatiguing with the upper mids. DAC B's mids was just pushed more forward, while DAC A is more laid back, not as forceful, and easier to listen to.
@@VirtualHiFi Still, it seems to me that when the price is significantly higher and the quality is almost the same, an absolute majority will choose the price. Seems reasonable to me.😊 I'm talking about normal people, you know, not the ones, who in the morning when they open one eye, their bank account has increased by a million dollars😀
Great review! You mentioned it supports your HQ Player DSD512 yet on their website they state maximum DSD256 via I2S or USB. Are you sure it took DSD512 which would have been displayed on the screen? Thanks in advance for the clarification and keep up the good work!
Holo vocal is more focused, Laiv vocal blends in more to the surrounding... but i find Laiv a bit more holographic in overall presentation on my headphone... so for instrumental, i thin Laiv will be better.. extremely impressed how Laiv can hold up to Holo May with so little difference.
Thanks for the sound clips. I detected at least some differences over YT. The main thing that struck me was that the LAiV seemed to possess more pronounced bass and was a little more "intimate" and somewhat fuller sounding. By contrast, the Holo May seemed a touch brighter and more analytical. Not sure which I would prefer in a live demo. I've already spent as much on an R2R DAC (Gustard R26) as I'm prepared to and both these are more expensive. In any case I have no way of judging how they'd compare with my own DAC. I'd be fascinated to hear a comparison on your channel, but then I suppose there's any number of comparisons that could be made and it all depends on what DACs interest you most.
LAiV has more soundstage depth, Holo May has more bass dynamics. Btw a good test for your T+A is the Teac UD-701N (dual mono, four toroidal transformers, proprietary Dac chips).
Sounds great! If it only came with a similar quality built in preamp, I could consider upgrading my trusty Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5, whose only issue to my ears is it is pre I2S
Oooh, so nice to see this video, I was reading about the Laiv just a few hours ago on 6moons. Heard Darko podcast too. Ok, so I'm going to write this right after listening and before your conclusion. First of all, it was very hard to tell them apart and the main difference I heard behaved quite the opposite between headphones and speakers. Used two sets of headphones and my midcentric Wharfedale Lintons (Advance Paris A12 + Denafrips Ares II). Here's the notes that I took while listening: Both headphones Track 1: Dac B - vocals more forward? More air and texture but lose definition a bit because of that air? But almost impossible to tell them apart with eyes closed and without the cue A or B. Track 2: B again maybe more air in the mids but less definition? Maybe more low-low end and that's what giving me perception of more space/wider range. Probably the most dificult track to tell them apart. Track3: B slightly more expansive on the midrange? Track 4: Flatter mids on A? - less air, less expansive. B better low end Track 5: Lead guitar more expansive on B, has its own bubble of air Track 6: A crisper double bass, better layering. More punchy on the lower end. Voices more ethereal? on B, more spacial. Track 7: A crisper on the low end. More cohesive sound and separation. Track 8: crisper because of less air. Speakers: Midrange did something very different. Moved forward and created depth for the instruments. A is flatter and more conventional. Weird effect when changing from A to B, feels almost like there was a difference in air pressure, I hear them differently. Read something about them going for 3 or 4th order distortions instead of the conventional 2nd, maybe that? This spacial thing is something that is more different between the 2 than anything else I heard on headphones. Pretty impressive stuff but now I'm going to hear what you have to say about soundstage. What I took so far from this video is that your speakers are amazing!!! :))
DAC A sounded wider and deeper with more bass punch. I guessed correctly it was the Holo. The Laiv sounded more laid back and not as dynamic. I enjoyed both. The Holo also has more upper mids.
The Harmony is competing with the Denafrips Terminator II which is basically $4K more than the Harmony. These DACS are a step up. I had the BF 2/64 and sold it after I tried a Geshelli JNOG2 SOCKETED (AK4499 DAC chip) with Sparkos Op Amps.
I could barely hear a difference between the two listening through my ZMF Caldera headphones. I found the difference most obvious in the first track with the vocals. DAC A sounded slightly airier, dynamic, and more expansive. DAC B sounded a bit muted and bloated at times.
Aw man.... Just bought the Holo Audio Cyan 2 for $1400 shipped. Although my budget could not stretch that much to $2700 (almost 2x) I think the next product for Laiv would be to get a more budget unit to compete with the dacs in the $1000-$1500 price point. Maybe even up too $1800 if it's a clear tier above.
Dac A is cleaner clearer with better control of bass. Dac B hints of a boom in the lower frequencies. B is close to A but not quite there yet. Definitely prefer A.
for me i would take the cheaper of the 2 its that close, but what i want know is what else is different ive heard all of your amazing sound clips but something changed and its not the dac ?
Again thank you very much for the informative video, what a surprising outcome. Like you I liked Laiv DAC, I really thought DAC B was the Holo May. Likewise I also listened to the new Fosi Mono video and what an amp for the price, wanted to purchase Fosi straight away and used your link. Only to be disappointed, because the 200 units on offer has been sold out. Same for the Laiv DAC, only pre order is available now for Laiv DAC. But for Fosi there is no pre order option available, what shame, I suppose you win some and lose some. Thanks for video again, keep it coming.
Sorry to hear that. It's a very good Amp, but for sure there will be another chance to get them. I am going to do an Opamp wars so I'll definitely have few conclusions and maybe you'll know which opamps to get once the Monos are available ;)
I totally agree with you The Hollow May I heard a little bit more depth and decay in the instruments and the echo is a little bit deeper but boy that LAIV DAC is very close I had to listen very intently to hear the difference, Czesc.
from alot of this channel comparations this one to me kinda obvious for some reason, i picked up right away, dac a has blacker back ground, vocal is more natural, dac b has some kind of unatural decay but luster mid, ss are more pronounce in dac b, yes its mid centric.
Thank you for the comparison, now we need to find an affordable DAC like the Fosi ZA3 amplifier, one that is at the level of those you have compared, one with a ridiculous price that ridicules the high prices, I don't know if any of the Topping, Schiit, professional audio interface?
Agreed! But sadly I believe SB need to develop new groundbreaking DAC chip since unfortunately with DACs I have not yet heard a 200$ DAC that would blow my mind ;)
It sounds good, but the price is much higher than the Denafrips Pontus II 12th. Does it sound much better than the Pontus? Maybe and maybe not. You can't easily carry the Pontus with just one hand. This is definitely price hyped, most companies do anyway. It may follow the Gustard R2R, struggle to resell.
The Laiv Harmony Dac B to my ear would be my DAC of choice based on sound quality between these two DAC's. I listerned through my Stax Headphones/earspeakers and the drums sounded faster and more tonealy natural overal. The sound from the Laiv Harmony was more enjoyable or to my taste in sound sensability.
To me, LaiV sounded a bit duller and rolled off compared to May. Conversely, if one prefers that LaiV sound, May will sound brighter/edgier/sparklier/clearer.
After a quick listening, I thought A was more airier with a little more meat on the bone while B had a touch more punch but a little bit thinner sound . It was close but I slightly preferred the presentation of the A dac.
I hope I'll do some more comparisons. I'd say the vocals are very similar but the T+A has more soundstage and Pump. But it's scary close I believe. But I wont be selling the T+A because of the LAiV. A firend of mine will drop with his Holo Spring Soon so there is going to be some more fun soon :)
Sounds good! A bit of my frustration lies in the fact that a lot of these higher and DACs have a pre-amplifier and/or streamer built-in. I have a good preamp and a good streamer and don’t want an all-in-one solution, but I want a really good DAC. I will continue watching your awesome videos with great interest. Thanks for doing them!
I'm surprised, LAIV is the winner for me, i thought tat B was Holo, more organic, smooth, a real pleasure to listen it. Do you change something with your source ? Because it's not as usual. Well, i prefered the LAIV, but i will stay with Holo, i don't like the bling bling material and the laiv Harmony is more an Headphones DAC for me and sometimes sobriety hides quality, like the MAY (it's my opinion and it's not objective). Thank you for this video.
thank you for the feedback, I agree, if you have May be happy and enjoy your great DAC, but those who are looking for new one on even lower price - Laiv is a great option. yes I changed the source. now I am using HQ player and up sample to 512 DSD, but this test was done without any upsampling just as most would use. but I'll am going to go for both DSD and PCM tests for all my future tests ;)
Bling bling is over the top...the gold accents make it look cheap. Design and screen are great but they should offer the choice to change the gold accents 🙏
The designer Weng says it should show a message on the display using DSD 512 saying "NO signal / Unsupported Sampling". So I assume from that no sound also. Seems odd you not only got it working in DSD 512 but also the display showed DSD 512.
I have PS audio airlens streamer with I2S digital out. I want to know if the I2S is compatible with Harmony DAC. I know Harmony DAC has PIN options configurable, but not sure the PS audio PIN configuration is available.
If the Harmony allow for Pin Confuguration you should be able to find a match for your PS Audio. But to be on the safe side you can ask PS Audio about that :)
Now when I finished to listen a whole video I am surprised as I know May pretty well and would never said is like DS. So if LAiV is more organic that is shocking really!
Yes, but that all will depend on the preferences. The 512DSD with some advanced filters is a great mix between dynamics and richness. It kind of reduce the digital glare without getting sluggish ;)
Bardzo fajne jest to maleństwo,wygląd to dzieło sztuki przemysłowej. Do tej ceny na ich stronie trzeba chyba doliczyć cło i podatki...może jest już jakiś dystrybutor w EU?
I have question. A couple of weeks ago you compared the Holo May Level 3 KTE to the T+A DAC 200 and you definitely preferred the T+A 200. But now you are not comparing the LAIV HARMONY to the T+A. You are comparing it to the Holo. Does this mean that afterall you ended up liking the Holo better than the T+A?
Hi Peter, no it's just it's R2R DAC so first I wanted to compare it to the May. Also I just sold the May and I thought it's going to be a good way to say good-bye ;)
Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE
More on LAiV DAC - laiv.audio
For stunning revolutionary 3-way speakers visit - qualioaudio.com
Need to get the NEW FOSI V3 Mono - fosiaudio-inc.kckb.me/6177f4ef (affiliate link)
Need to get the Fosi ZA3 or V3 Amp - fosiaudioshop.com/virtualhifi (affiliate link)
Thank you for the review. I want to say my recent experience with both dacs. We had the chance to listen to both dac in a audiophile room with the same system. We were 6 audiophiles, we did a blind test with several tracks. All of us heard the difference and agreed Holo May Dac is in a different league. It out performed in every aspect.
It would be beneficial to listen yourself on a real system before deciding.
Thank you for listing the music that is playing during your demos. I wish all RUclips audio equipment reviewers would tell us what we're hearing during their videos. I guessed DAC B was the Laiv, based on what other reviewers have said about its sound. DAC A sound like it had a bit more treble emphasis, whereas the Laiv sounded mellower and richer.
Thank you for your comment and feedback. It is exactly as you described it ;)
I usually prefer open and dynamic to dense, so I first preferred A, but then I started to notice the beautiful harmonics that was inside that density and started to prefer DAC B at the end I loved both.
Thanks for your comment. Indeed both has their upsides and that all will be system dependent ;)
Great review, thank you.
I’m done ( for now ) I just picked up the new Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC ..and I’m damn impressed ( coming from an entry level Topping ) ..😊
I think A is a bit more smoother…not a dramatic difference tho🫡
Wait until you try gustard r26!
I have the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE. I thought the MAY was B, because it sounded more "real" and "organic" to me, a little less edgy..... what a surprise. However, since there is no dealer or 30 day return policy yet for EU customers, it is a no go.
Thanks for creating videos with such an effort towards great quality, content. And for all the show videos.
As much that can be heard - Option A , YT has a bit a expanse. Might have chosen A or may be ..both :)
I have the Holo May and love it. I could barely tell the difference listening through my headphones. Probably the closest comparison I’ve heard in your videos. I agree the May is a bit wider sounding. Considering the cost difference it’s a compliment that the Laiv is so close to the May.
DAC B is smoother and softer. But after a while it makes you sleepy. DAC A has more details and energy.
Thanks for sharing :)
That was my observations as well
Thanks for the test! In my opinion, the sound of LAIV Audio is similar to that of Holo Audio Cyan 2.
I test my holo audio spring 3 level KTE vs LAIV At dealer Shop .. I prefer holo audio
There were a few samples at the beginning that I preferred DAC A, but most of the samples I preferred DAC B. Would love to see some samples of LAiV vs. some lower price point DACs as it is more likely than not, most people viewing this video are looking to upgrade, I certainly am. My example is currently Denafrips Pontus II 12th. Was getting ready to purchase the Holo, but now I'm not sure and more leaning toward the LAiV Harmony. Thank you for the wonderful samples and honest review!
Thanks for sharing. I try to get the Denafrips DACs here for test I ave Ares 12th but it's at a customer place. Fortunately LAIV said that if I wish they can borrow me the DAC for some time so I'll have a chance to compare it against more DACs that will come here ;)
Dac A was slightly better. both dacs sound great. personally i would choose the laiv harmony because of it's compact footprint.
My assessment prior to your thoughts. I could detect a small difference between the 2. Dac A seemed to be a little more etched out, more distinction between sounds and layers of sounds and the sounds a little more refined and sharper. Dac B overall have less layer separation, a little softer edges but at least for one of the tracks had a more forward or natural vocals layer than I noticed in A.
First impressions listening with IE600
“That’s How You Know You’re In Love” - Slightly preferred DAC A for its added upper air and texture which complemented the guitar better imo but then as beat kicked in DAC B brought a bit more punch with its thicker more full-bodied sound, kind of a toss-up for this song
“Love You For It All” - I definitely felt the vocals more on DAC B, preferred B on this song for sure
Overall, judging from this comparison alone, I’m thinking the LAIV DAC is the one to get at half the price of the May and subjectively preferable on some tracks. But it is a bit rolled off compared to the May. May is a little more reference. I prefer a thicker sound personally and there's more fullness with the LAIV.
Edit: By the way, those songs sounded better to me on this sound demo than the actual recordings on youtube lol. Both of these dacs are definitely doing incredible work. Kudos to Virtual HiFi for including sound demos. I think we should all demand that from DAC reviews moving forward.
Thanks for sharing your feedback ;) I totally agree with you with everything and thank you for a compliment about "Remastering the tracks" :)
I thought DAC A was the LAIV and preferred it because there was a little more detail and I could hear there was better control of the bass notes even though DAC B had more bass. I guess it will depend on how bright your speakers are. These 2 DACS seem to be a case of system matching rather than one being better than the other as they both sound great which as others have said is a true testament to the LAIV. I would like to hear both these DACS sound comparison against the Mola Mola, T&A and Weiss 204. Again I don't think there will be much between them all but with the speakers you are using along with the Fosi amps I guess your system is bright and detailed to start with. Although you did mention a wide a holographic DAC can be too much(overkill) of a good thing if your system (especially speakers) already have that type of presentation. Having all the detail with organic realism is going to be most important IMO after this is the sound going beyond your speakers and walls is a must.
I will say it again, awesome speakers and system and recording mic's. As for dacs they both sound very good and very much alike, without being there in the room, at a pinch I think b was more analog
I *REALLY* liked the LAiV here. I just liked listening to it.
Extremely close
I'm all about large soundstage with airy details. In this comparison I'm dac A (Holo May KTE) all day. Thanks for the excellent work on the sound demos.
thank you for your time and effort to make this video.
this is probably the first time that i have a very hard time to tell the difference between the two DACs.
but since they are very close is sound quality ?. i'd pick the LAiV . who wouldn't especially it's half the price of a HOLO.
Thanks for review. 6moon mentions LAIV does not support DSD natively and converts DSD to PCM internally.
In the 6Moons review he mentions that using the Laiv with an autoformer preamp instead of built in volume gives it the air its missing in comparison to certain othet DACs (Sonnet Pacisthea) in his case. I can hear the extra air in the May in this comparison.
Good job!
I prefer dac A, it was more dynamic and realistic. Dac B was smoother, classic R2R sound at this price point, but I wouldn't pay over 2.000 for it.
Your work is excellent by the way, the recordings are great. I would say your system sounds quite bright though, and thats with the absorbers on the wall. Maybe the speakers have more energy in the treble.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. Yes harmony is smoother and the system is getting richer soon, it's on the quite neutral side I'd say and it all depends on the music played.
You can not just a dac in absolute terms through a youtube video and say how much you would pay for it.
@@petermartin9494 if you have heard four other dacs of the same technology at the same price point at your system, yes, you can
I preferred DAC A, for sure. I'm using the Susvara to listen. DAC B made me wince sometimes, like it was more fatiguing with the upper mids. DAC B's mids was just pushed more forward, while DAC A is more laid back, not as forceful, and easier to listen to.
For me,
The only question that needs to be asked is, whether the difference in price justifies the minimal difference between the devices.
That is the questions with different answer for all of us ;)
@@VirtualHiFi Still, it seems to me that when the price is significantly higher and the quality is almost the same, an absolute majority will choose the price. Seems reasonable to me.😊 I'm talking about normal people, you know, not the ones, who in the morning when they open one eye, their bank account has increased by a million dollars😀
Great review! You mentioned it supports your HQ Player DSD512 yet on their website they state maximum DSD256 via I2S or USB. Are you sure it took DSD512 which would have been displayed on the screen? Thanks in advance for the clarification and keep up the good work!
Holo vocal is more focused, Laiv vocal blends in more to the surrounding... but i find Laiv a bit more holographic in overall presentation on my headphone... so for instrumental, i thin Laiv will be better.. extremely impressed how Laiv can hold up to Holo May with so little difference.
Thanks for the sound clips. I detected at least some differences over YT. The main thing that struck me was that the LAiV seemed to possess more pronounced bass and was a little more "intimate" and somewhat fuller sounding. By contrast, the Holo May seemed a touch brighter and more analytical. Not sure which I would prefer in a live demo.
I've already spent as much on an R2R DAC (Gustard R26) as I'm prepared to and both these are more expensive. In any case I have no way of judging how they'd compare with my own DAC. I'd be fascinated to hear a comparison on your channel, but then I suppose there's any number of comparisons that could be made and it all depends on what DACs interest you most.
Thanks for your vote and feedback. I definitely will be very happy to test the Gustard if I have a chance :) I'll be happy to do it for sure. :)
@@VirtualHiFi Thanks. 🙂
I completely agree with your assessment. Enjoyed it better. Smooth and less analytical. I did perceive depth that you didn't mention.
wich has better depth in your opinion my friend?
LAiV has more soundstage depth, Holo May has more bass dynamics. Btw a good test for your T+A is the Teac UD-701N (dual mono, four toroidal transformers, proprietary Dac chips).
Thanks for the Hint. Will test if I'll get access to this TEAC :)
both sounded extremely close on my system, e.g. I would buy the less expensive of the two bc it was so close
Sounds great! If it only came with a similar quality built in preamp, I could consider upgrading my trusty Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5, whose only issue to my ears is it is pre I2S
I had the LA IV for a short period of time didn’t come close to the Pontus too, but it wasn’t broken and maybe
Thanks for sharing your feedback
So did you return your Laiv ?
I'm torn between the Laiv and a Merason DAC1.
At this time I own a Merason Frerot + Pow1 and a Holo Audio Cyan 2.
Oooh, so nice to see this video, I was reading about the Laiv just a few hours ago on 6moons. Heard Darko podcast too.
Ok, so I'm going to write this right after listening and before your conclusion. First of all, it was very hard to tell them apart and the main difference I heard behaved quite the opposite between headphones and speakers. Used two sets of headphones and my midcentric Wharfedale Lintons (Advance Paris A12 + Denafrips Ares II). Here's the notes that I took while listening:
Both headphones
Track 1: Dac B - vocals more forward? More air and texture but lose definition a bit because of that air? But almost impossible to tell them apart with eyes closed and without the cue A or B.
Track 2: B again maybe more air in the mids but less definition? Maybe more low-low end and that's what giving me perception of more space/wider range. Probably the most dificult track to tell them apart.
Track3: B slightly more expansive on the midrange?
Track 4: Flatter mids on A? - less air, less expansive. B better low end
Track 5: Lead guitar more expansive on B, has its own bubble of air
Track 6: A crisper double bass, better layering. More punchy on the lower end. Voices more ethereal? on B, more spacial.
Track 7: A crisper on the low end. More cohesive sound and separation.
Track 8: crisper because of less air.
Speakers:
Midrange did something very different. Moved forward and created depth for the instruments. A is flatter and more conventional. Weird effect when changing from A to B, feels almost like there was a difference in air pressure, I hear them differently. Read something about them going for 3 or 4th order distortions instead of the conventional 2nd, maybe that? This spacial thing is something that is more different between the 2 than anything else I heard on headphones.
Pretty impressive stuff but now I'm going to hear what you have to say about soundstage. What I took so far from this video is that your speakers are amazing!!! :))
When trying to distinguish between them using my stereo setup which consists of pretty high end equipment, I heard no difference
That's a good thing for us as May is almost double the price!😊
Great news people that wanted the a May but couldn't afford it can have a simpler form factor and cheaper price!
DAC A sounded wider and deeper with more bass punch. I guessed correctly it was the Holo. The Laiv sounded more laid back and not as dynamic. I enjoyed both. The Holo also has more upper mids.
I heard the same
I would love to see a cheaper R2R dacs like the Schiit Bifrost 2/64 in your comparisons.
Will try to arrange that ;)
The Harmony is competing with the Denafrips Terminator II which is basically $4K more than the Harmony. These DACS are a step up.
I had the BF 2/64 and sold it after I tried a Geshelli JNOG2 SOCKETED (AK4499 DAC chip) with Sparkos Op Amps.
OG Bifrost 2 comparisons would be my preference ;) Not a fan of the 2/64.
@@Reeeepicheep I agree. Of the two... I'd take the OG BF2 over the BF2/64
Very good review!
That small metal edge in the mids, I always connected with Qualio, dissapeared with the Laiv !
I could barely hear a difference between the two listening through my ZMF Caldera headphones. I found the difference most obvious in the first track with the vocals. DAC A sounded slightly airier, dynamic, and more expansive. DAC B sounded a bit muted and bloated at times.
Aw man.... Just bought the Holo Audio Cyan 2 for $1400 shipped. Although my budget could not stretch that much to $2700 (almost 2x) I think the next product for Laiv would be to get a more budget unit to compete with the dacs in the $1000-$1500 price point. Maybe even up too $1800 if it's a clear tier above.
How do you like the Cyan 2 and what all have you compared it to? Thanks
@@michaelcampbell9459 have not received it yet but I have the Denafrips Ares II, Chord Mojo 2, Topping D70s currently.
I know someone who has May and Laiv and he prefers the Laiv.
It doesnt make sense to use DSD on a R2R DAC. I dont understand why you dont just upsample to 768khz PCM to PCM to R2R NOS...
Dac A is cleaner clearer with better control of bass. Dac B hints of a boom in the lower frequencies. B is close to A but not quite there yet. Definitely prefer A.
Thank you for sharing your feedback ;)
for me i would take the cheaper of the 2 its that close, but what i want know is what else is different ive heard all of your amazing sound clips but something changed and its not the dac ?
Hi, Laiv Harmony or Denafreips Pontus 2 12th anniversary or Iris DDC with Pontus 2 12th anniversary? Thanks in advance.
I would also like to know please.
Of course Laiv.
Again thank you very much for the informative video, what a surprising outcome. Like you I liked Laiv DAC, I really thought DAC B was the Holo May. Likewise I also listened to the new Fosi Mono video and what an amp for the price, wanted to purchase Fosi straight away and used your link. Only to be disappointed, because the 200 units on offer has been sold out. Same for the Laiv DAC, only pre order is available now for Laiv DAC. But for Fosi there is no pre order option available, what shame, I suppose you win some and lose some. Thanks for video again, keep it coming.
Sorry to hear that. It's a very good Amp, but for sure there will be another chance to get them. I am going to do an Opamp wars so I'll definitely have few conclusions and maybe you'll know which opamps to get once the Monos are available ;)
I liked A better, tighter bass, more air, more natural ..the LAIV is close though, great value!
I preferred the Laiv, thank you.
This with enlium amp23r would be a perfect tiny setup with some super sensitive speakers. Probably diy open baffles ❤️
Cool idea! You should definitely go for DIY Open Baffle speakers :)
I totally agree with you The Hollow May I heard a little bit more depth and decay in the instruments and the echo is a little bit deeper but boy that LAIV DAC is very close I had to listen very intently to hear the difference, Czesc.
Thanks for sharing ;)
I felt there was more roundedness and decay with DaC B personally…
from alot of this channel comparations this one to me kinda obvious for some reason, i picked up right away, dac a has blacker back ground, vocal is more natural, dac b has some kind of unatural decay but luster mid, ss are more pronounce in dac b, yes its mid centric.
Prefer B for spaceness and distortion-guitar sound
Thank you for the comparison, now we need to find an affordable DAC like the Fosi ZA3 amplifier, one that is at the level of those you have compared, one with a ridiculous price that ridicules the high prices, I don't know if any of the Topping, Schiit, professional audio interface?
Agreed!
But sadly I believe SB need to develop new groundbreaking DAC chip since unfortunately with DACs I have not yet heard a 200$ DAC that would blow my mind ;)
I prefer the Weiss dac over either of these.
I also prefer a lack of visual appeal in my hifi rack
It sounds good, but the price is much higher than the Denafrips Pontus II 12th. Does it sound much better than the Pontus? Maybe and maybe not. You can't easily carry the Pontus with just one hand. This is definitely price hyped, most companies do anyway. It may follow the Gustard R2R, struggle to resell.
Also interested, this or Pontus ii?
The Laiv Harmony Dac B to my ear would be my DAC of choice based on sound quality between these two DAC's. I listerned through my Stax Headphones/earspeakers and the drums sounded faster and more tonealy natural overal. The sound from the Laiv Harmony was more enjoyable or to my taste in sound sensability.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. Harmony is a very nice DAC for sure ;)
Are the demo in PCM or DSD via hqplayer? Does the laiv do native DSD like the holo?
Why is everyone comparing this to the May when it's closer in price to the Spring 3?
The two DACs are so close, that the much higher price of the May seems ridiculous!
Thanks for sharing your feedback. I'd say they do different things differently :)
Laiv more speed fast attacks tremble sharper fast bass. May more soundstage analogue reverb fatter natural bass.
To me, LaiV sounded a bit duller and rolled off compared to May. Conversely, if one prefers that LaiV sound, May will sound brighter/edgier/sparklier/clearer.
That's your transducers
thanks bro , great rewiew like usual !!!
After a quick listening, I thought A was more airier with a little more meat on the bone while B had a touch more punch but a little bit thinner sound .
It was close but I slightly preferred the presentation of the A dac.
Thank you for your vote :)
I've just ordered Schiit Mjolnir 3, Class A amplifier and I'm wondering if it would pair nicely with the harmony dac? Using Hifiman HE6 v2 atm
i love the review....but that t-shirt....dang
I laiv it 😊
I am using R2R from Gustard R26 with HQPlayer anf NOS at the Gustard. DSD output at dsd512 is less good. 768khz PCM has very nice sound.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. Are you doing upsampling on your PC / Upsampler or in the DAC ?
How does this compare to the TEAC UD 701-N?
i think is A,the differences are small
Thanks 👌🏻 did you tested difference between RCA and XLR output in quality? 😊
I liked dac A a little better but i thought they were close. LAiV did a good job with this dac.
Thanks for your vote ;)
Hi, great job… I just wanted your opinion if you compare Laiv Harmony vs Weiss 204 you had before the Holo’s ? Thanks.
Thanks :) Sure I can do such video ;)
Looking forward to that 🙏
I hear Holo more soundstage and more airy holographic.
But the Laiv tear down a bit high crisp and organic sound more analog sound
hanks for sharing your feedback :)
You're awsome
I guess it is better to compare it Holo Spring 3, similar price range.
Have you tried wandla? wandla vs may would be interesting
Hello
Did you compare the Laiv to the T+A 200 ?
Would love to hear that comparison
Would you be able to compare this dac with Ferrum Wandla?
I would to see that also, especially the GoldenSound version. I believe they're starting to ship now.
How do you think it compares to the T & A DAC 200? I think I remember you liking the T & A over the Holo May.
I hope I'll do some more comparisons. I'd say the vocals are very similar but the T+A has more soundstage and Pump. But it's scary close I believe. But I wont be selling the T+A because of the LAiV. A firend of mine will drop with his Holo Spring Soon so there is going to be some more fun soon :)
Sounds good! A bit of my frustration lies in the fact that a lot of these higher and DACs have a pre-amplifier and/or streamer built-in. I have a good preamp and a good streamer and don’t want an all-in-one solution, but I want a really good DAC. I will continue watching your awesome videos with great interest. Thanks for doing them!
LAiV vs T+A 200 DAC comparison maybe?
DAC A is more live, DAC B is more studio both are great
B has better timing and better rythmic cohesion.
Thanks for sharing ;)
I'm surprised, LAIV is the winner for me, i thought tat B was Holo, more organic, smooth, a real pleasure to listen it. Do you change something with your source ? Because it's not as usual. Well, i prefered the LAIV, but i will stay with Holo, i don't like the bling bling material and the laiv Harmony is more an Headphones DAC for me and sometimes sobriety hides quality, like the MAY (it's my opinion and it's not objective). Thank you for this video.
thank you for the feedback,
I agree, if you have May be happy and enjoy your great DAC, but those who are looking for new one on even lower price - Laiv is a great option.
yes I changed the source. now I am using HQ player and up sample to 512 DSD, but this test was done without any upsampling just as most would use. but I'll am going to go for both DSD and PCM tests for all my future tests ;)
Bling bling is over the top...the gold accents make it look cheap. Design and screen are great but they should offer the choice to change the gold accents 🙏
@@justasimplefoxGet the silver one
hi again , which might be the best streamer to go with qualio iq , live dac , fosi v3 monos ...?
The designer Weng says it should show a message on the display using DSD 512 saying "NO signal / Unsupported Sampling". So I assume from that no sound also. Seems odd you not only got it working in DSD 512 but also the display showed DSD 512.
I talke to Liav and they alread upgraded to DSD 512 :)
I have PS audio airlens streamer with I2S digital out. I want to know if the I2S is compatible with Harmony DAC. I know Harmony DAC has PIN options configurable, but not sure the PS audio PIN configuration is available.
If the Harmony allow for Pin Confuguration you should be able to find a match for your PS Audio. But to be on the safe side you can ask PS Audio about that :)
Great review how does it compare to the Weiss 204?
I'll check and Record for you ;)
Może uda Ci się zrobić test Dac-a od Fess audio ?
Postaram się :)
DAC A sounds like Delta Sigma DAC in this comparison, DAC B organic, natural
Now when I finished to listen a whole video I am surprised as I know May pretty well and would never said is like DS. So if LAiV is more organic that is shocking really!
Can you please compare laiv harmony to ferrum wandla? Since ferrum is a Polish brand it should be easily accessible to you for review.
I'll try, to arrange the Wandla ;)
Is the sound by playing upsampled DSD form HQPlayer better than upsampled PCM?
Yes, but that all will depend on the preferences. The 512DSD with some advanced filters is a great mix between dynamics and richness. It kind of reduce the digital glare without getting sluggish ;)
Mids sound more natural in DAC A
Definitely the Laiv.
Left microfon it closer that rait one
Bardzo fajne jest to maleństwo,wygląd to dzieło sztuki przemysłowej.
Do tej ceny na ich stronie trzeba chyba doliczyć cło i podatki...może jest już jakiś dystrybutor w EU?
Audiophonics in France 😉
@@dansisternas9158
Uuuułaaaa no tanio nie jest
HI , whic is the name/model of the loudspeakers?
Hi, Those are Qualio IQ speakers - www.qualioaudio.com
Holo Audio is better, no options ))
I have question. A couple of weeks ago you compared the Holo May Level 3 KTE to the T+A DAC 200 and you definitely preferred the T+A 200.
But now you are not comparing the LAIV HARMONY to the T+A. You are comparing it to the Holo.
Does this mean that afterall you ended up liking the Holo better than the T+A?
Hi Peter, no it's just it's R2R DAC so first I wanted to compare it to the May. Also I just sold the May and I thought it's going to be a good way to say good-bye ;)
@@VirtualHiFi Oh. Ok
So which do you like better, the T+A or the LAiV?
Is it better than T+A dac200?
I would't say so. I like the T+A DAC 200 more but IMO T+A is also very undervalued ;)
Are you still making that op-amp war video?
Yup, I gather opamps now and will record the video after Munich Audio Show (around mid May)
I see all the RUclips sales reps got the latest DAC.
It's a great DAC and I'm not affiliated with the company. They did a great job with the DAC so hence the good opinions :)