Uncle Hans always shoots it straight ...thats what I come here for. Big Uncle always does the testing and gives the critical eye to gear that most gloss over. Been watching you for over 7 years now and we can trust what you say to a clock
The fact that LAIV posted the negative review on their website shows they want to hear all feedback not just good ones. Makes me like the company even more. Everyone is entitled to an opinion doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong
Dear Hans, your reviews are on a different league. You also explain, like no one else does, all the details that are important to understand when analyzing a product like this. Thanks for your work, and again, another great review!
Having bought the Cyan 2 a few months back with the unit all burned in, I’m happy to hear that the Cyan 2 is ahead of the Laiv sound wise. No longer curious.
And you shouldn't be! When you have outgrown the Cyan 2, you will no longer be looking at a DAC under $5000. I am dead serious that anything you can compare the Cyan 2 to will no longer be in the mid tier.
I think it's a matter of preference or interactions with a given system. For me, the LAIV even without burning in was my clear preference. Given the LAIV has a return policy, I think it's worth auditioning the two in your system.
I compared it to my Lampizator GA dac going through an LTA system with Wilson speakers. Overall very close in quality. Just a matter of preference. The Lampi is wider and a bit smoother. Laiv narrows things up but is more focused and detailed. honestly, both are great. I kept the lamp with the speakers and am using the Laiv with my headphone setup. I'm surprised by this review, but we all hear differently :)
As always - Thank you for the very professional review. Remember everyone - Hans is an independent reviewer which is excellent. Thanks for the piano reference as I listen to classical piano music 99% of the time.
This DAC is overrated. They said the sound quality can compete head to head with the Terminator Plus and May KTE. I have listened to it and at best, it is 80% of the Ares 2. Other than the striking looking casing and display, there is nothing to shout about. Hans, you are the man!
Thank you Hans, you have never steered me wrong. Every product I have purchased, that you recommended, has performed exactly as you stated in your videos. Thank you for these videos, as I was wondering about this DAC. ;-)
I’ve been avoiding watching this video because I recently bought a Cyan 2 after listening to Han’s video. Thank you Hans for your no BS review of the Harmony.
I love your reviews and your honesty. Dam, this review made me question my purchase. So I took a deep breath and did some blinded AB testing vs my Hugo TT2 and Lampi. Ok, whew.... all are great, just different, really could live with any of them. I found the Laiv in the middle with the lampi being open and smooth and gorgeous, the TT2 impactful, detailed and very "wow". Laiv is right in the middle and equally good. I did this blinded... VERY easy to pick out the Lampi... the Chord and Laiv were a little more challenging but you catch on to their sound signatures with longer listening. NEway, keep up the good work with your channel, I've learned so much from you over the years.
I have both the Cyan 2 and the Harmony and prefer the Laiv. I think there is better separation and detail with the Laiv but will continue to listen to both. Laiv was over I2S using the clock of my DMP-A8. Cyan was over usb Becuase it’s not compatible over i2s. Thanks for the review.
@explet1ve the only problem is the mode 5 setting is not stored in the DAC after younpower it off. So we need to come back to mode 5 everytime we power on the dac. I sent this problem to Laiv and they are working on it. It should not a big deal to solve it. Enjoy your two great DAC. Personally, I prefer the LAIV over Wandla/Hypsos combo. Soundstage for the Laiv is wider and taller in my setup.
@@danieldion1662 That is great information, thanks! I've just been just leaving it on so I haven't come across that but probably would have missed it. You enjoy also!
Hello from Japan, Hans... So pleased that the fancy 'bling-like' case work, etc didn't dazzle you & make you, like most reviewer videos I've seen reviewing this DAC, go all weak @ the knees and sing the 'latest shiny *new thing*' praises to the high heavens.... Lachlan @ Passion for Sound was of a similar mind.... but as for the others I've seen - Deary, deary me... Grown men turned into 7yr.old's on Xmas Day, opening a 'mystery present* from Santa *himself*.... Perfect review. Thank-you, Hans - have a great week & enjoy th music, too.
@@alexYT87462 Cheers! I was so disappointed @ some of the 'gushing' hyperbole from a load of online reviewers. Shocking to watch & hear their waffle... I think, personally, that that guy Steve Huff took the prize ... Oh dear, what an embarrassment his review was... All the best from Japan!
@@Voidoid77 Reviewing the reviewers is an interesting hobby too. Evaluation of DACs around this price category isn't easy - without deep familiarity with all the connected components in the system almost impossible imo. About this DAC, I think that the overdose of marketing and bling should be a warning flag already - which Hans points out at the beginning of this video.
Interesting that so many people are happy about a negative review. The question should be why the others are positive and the one by Hans remains the exception.
Hans, this compared to the Cyan 2 DAC... both in their NOS mode... what would you say is the better of the two? Regarding soundquality... not buildquality. Since "came close to" can be a bit vague. Or did you mean.... Cyan 2 is the better of the two?
Thanks for the great review! Nice to see some honest comments and a non biased opinion on this DAC, which has been getting the usual “best DAC of the year” from sponsored reviews
Thanks Hans. I've come to really value the fact that you are never seduced by the novelty of newly launched products and/or get caught up in hype trains. But deliver a balanced, unvarnished assessment (based ofcourse on what you hear / your preferences). keep up the great and totally consitent work!
Wow…. Not what i expected… i suspect something was wrong with his unit bright is definitely not how mine sounds… its really smooth more so than my Holo may. I have the holo may and my taste prefer the Laiv…. I still love his reviews do agree about the feet lol
Great review as always. Hope Laiv doesn't try to sue you. Apparently it's a thing nowadays for companies to try to sue UA-cam reviewers that do not give glowing reviews of their products. And Hans, if you see this comment and have opportunity sometime, I'd love to see your review of a Weiss DAC 204. It punches right up there with their higher end $10k+ DACs.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel that's interesting - got the impression from your review that you the clock(ing) isn't great - if it turns out to be a somewhat faulty unit, that would be important news too.
Thanks for your review Hans! Basically, according to your opinion,. the LAiv does not sound better than the Holo Cyan 2 , Is that so? When a test of new Gustard x30?
I find some of the comments here quite disturbing! Hans is a reputable reviewer, but this is his opinion. He didn't particularly like this dac, but that doesn't make it a bad product. People who think "Hans doesn't like it...i won't consider it" are really missing the point. Formulate your own views....Hans is not God! I bought this dac recently, and i think it's very good. It's better than my Pontus 2 and holds its own with products in its price range. I agree it's been slightly over hyped, but i think Hans was overly negative IMHO, perhaps to make his own stand?
I agree completely: I give my opinion which is based on my experiences and gear. BTW I don’t find it a bad product! Sound quality wise it comes near the HoloAudio Cyan 2 and that is a good sounding DAC.
For the money, would you prefer a comparable Denafrips R2R DAC over the LAIV? Say the Denafrips Venus II 12th Anniversary Edition DAC vs. the LAIV Harmony both priced about $2,700??
Whow for real 😟, perhaps the synergie between the streamer and the dac is not there, I mean you tell it yourself the clock off your steamer is off a low quality, I already had my eyes on it and you are the only one that gives it a bad review with even a sneer about buying it for the looks, do you know who is one off the developers 😊 sorry I don’t take this review seriously, I always regarded your content very highly but I think you need to extend the review and put in some more time
Thanks Hans. I was very curious about this dac due to the very positive reviews (even at par with the May dac). Having the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE dac, I now will no longer consider the Laiv Harmony.
I’m pretty sure you did it, but has the Laiv had some time to burn in? Thank you for the honest opinion. After all the hype it’s as shocking as refreshing to learn that the cyan 2 is a contender, if not simply a better DAC. With sources like the mano or the sonore rendu, it’s surprising that sibilance is badly controlled!
Hans, Thank you for this clear review. I view them all en learn a lot from them. You mention that you are not a fan of using a computer as a streamer/bridge. Does this also apply for a MacBook Pro with Qobuz over Audirvana and the mains power supply disconnected and therefore using clean battery power? I use an external DAC from Rega. Thanks in advance for your answer.
Yes. In the past the MacMini's were always better than most Windows computers but still. BTW batteries usually are quite noisy and thus cause jitter at the DAC.
Got content and excellent presentation of your research. Regarding the DAC, it only does up to DSD256, which, at this price point, makes it a no-go decision.
Hans stated in a comment he let it play 24/7. 7 days. He always lets equipment play several days before listing. He is a very methodical and experienced hifi expert and listener.
So it’s not as good as the Cyan. Interesting. I do like that the ground can be floating though. I’m getting earth noise from my Eversolo, I wish that could be floating. The Eversolo is awesome except for that one issue in my system. My Audiovector Arette speakers expose this earth noise more than speakers with conventional drivers.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel I tried 2 other Eversolos and all 3 were the same. I have no earthing noise issue with any other component. It’s not too bad though so I can live with it.
Most reviewers think this is a very, very good DAC for the money; clearly competing with other more expensive high end DAC’s. A kind of new standard in this price range. I don’t understand why this review is so different. Are they all wrong?
@@michabuszynski7326 Correct, I think we can´t take the content to serious from ´reviewers´ who are using nothing but stupid ´clickbaits' for their channel growth followed by ´free stuff´ from the industry.
Just look at the interior of it. Compare the power supplies to Holo or Denafrips models its not even close, the actual R2R ladders etc. it looks nothing special and all this ridiculous hype is unrealistic. The reference to a Cyan 2 seems more to match the components inside. My point is that you actually get a quite good feel for the performance level of a component if you look how its built.
This DAC is from Singapore, not China. Admittedly, like almost everything these days, it's manufactured in China. But the company that designed and developed this DAC is Singaporean.
I really dont understand why this DAC is spec'd with a remote control as standard when the only really useful function of a DAC remote, i.e., volume control is not available. I considered this DAC, but it was an easy pass and very happy with my Holo Spring 3. Verry pretty, but very bling style over substance, I reckon. I do smile when all the shillers go on about the gorgeous remote, but never use it. One thing though Hans, was the DAC broken in? The Holo Audio supplier mentioned up to 250 hours break-in period for my Spring 3... Just a question for balance?
@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Of course? In this day and age, nothing should be assumed. Maybe useful to state this and what the manufacturers stated burn-in period is. Thank you for responding nonetheless.
Thanks for the review. As an satisfied owner of this dac a bit disappointing. I noticed that you mentioned that this DAC can convert up to DSD512, but the LAIV-website mentions up to DSD256 depending on the input.
Hans as always telling it like it is. I listened to the Laiv and to me it sounds similar to the Holo Spring dac. Both are good, but not exactly my taste. Not enough attack and speed.
"Sound quality does not live up to the hype". Hmm....this review contradicts many reputable others out there. Wondering if you tried setting the clock to the DAC instead of the source?
This just show us we have to listen ourself, and cant relay on a review. This is the first out of perhaps 10 that gives it a negative review, so either Hans has different ears than the rest or the rest are unhappy telling us if a product they review is not that good. And its not that easy to go out and listen to dacs before buying.
Hans with a middle-class of 700 Million their Audiophile community is the largest. Also consider a fast USB thumb directly connected can potentially solve the VINYL to NEEDLE time domain problem
You've really derailed the hype train, where some have suggested that it might be the best thing under 5K, its sobering to know its comparable to the Holo Audio Cyan 2.
I was suspicious from day one about this hype train, of course it will meet a certain acceptable level but the rest is mostly marketing...the website, the packaging, the release on the same day by almost every ´famous reviewer´ on the planet, the utterly cheap looking gold accents 🤢 The spikes are indeed not adding anything to the sound, only for show and again part of the packaging/marketing. Thanks for your take on this.
First negative review, either this fellow is correct and everyone else are wrong or............... Maybe the connected equipment is synecdochically not comparable.
Probably you should also try their stock footers+bass and re-listen again if it gives same or better/worse results. You used 3rd party footers and furthermore positioned them the opposite way the intention of Designer. I am totally opposite, wary of 3rd party equipment footers. As always equipment are designed with their original footers. Pls kindly do not be bias on footers and always have an open mind. Enjoy the music!
@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel I came from an RME adi dac(which was supposed to be my forever dac), and it has been retired within a week of my purchase of the Harmony. Subjectively speaking their was a vast improvement.
@larsv6144 the RME is no slouch, and for your information, I have listened to Dacs personally over 8k. As such, the Harmony comes close to those Dacs I have listened to...This wasn't just my opinion but also friend whose dac cost much more.
@@kofitheakan9328 nobody said the RME is a slouch. It’s just that you went up in price class like Hans wrote, and as such the Harmony sounds better than the RME.
Uncle Hans always shoots it straight ...thats what I come here for. Big Uncle always does the testing and gives the critical eye to gear that most gloss over. Been watching you for over 7 years now and we can trust what you say to a clock
🙏🏻
The fact that LAIV posted the negative review on their website shows they want to hear all feedback not just good ones. Makes me like the company even more.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong
I also respect Laiv posting my review.
Glad to see someone with a different opinion from the masses. 👍
Yes I was expecting a rave review, but not to be.
It's not a goal as such...
I had my eye on this one until I've watched your Cyan 2 review very carfeully. I decided to get the Holo a few months back and boy am I happy I did.
Enjoy the music!
Great review Hans. I think yours are the gold standard for audio reviews on UA-cam. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, will do!
Dear Hans, your reviews are on a different league. You also explain, like no one else does, all the details that are important to understand when analyzing a product like this. Thanks for your work, and again, another great review!
Glad you like them!
Having bought the Cyan 2 a few months back with the unit all burned in, I’m happy to hear that the Cyan 2 is ahead of the Laiv sound wise. No longer curious.
Cyan 2 is sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet. 👍
And you shouldn't be! When you have outgrown the Cyan 2, you will no longer be looking at a DAC under $5000. I am dead serious that anything you can compare the Cyan 2 to will no longer be in the mid tier.
👍🏼
I think it's a matter of preference or interactions with a given system. For me, the LAIV even without burning in was my clear preference. Given the LAIV has a return policy, I think it's worth auditioning the two in your system.
I compared it to my Lampizator GA dac going through an LTA system with Wilson speakers. Overall very close in quality. Just a matter of preference. The Lampi is wider and a bit smoother. Laiv narrows things up but is more focused and detailed. honestly, both are great. I kept the lamp with the speakers and am using the Laiv with my headphone setup.
I'm surprised by this review, but we all hear differently :)
Well, what can I say?
I like your no nonsense, no hype videos. So far, your findings always lined up with mine.
🙏🙏
As always - Thank you for the very professional review. Remember everyone - Hans is an independent reviewer which is excellent. Thanks for the piano reference as I listen to classical piano music 99% of the time.
My pleasure
This DAC is overrated. They said the sound quality can compete head to head with the Terminator Plus and May KTE. I have listened to it and at best, it is 80% of the Ares 2. Other than the striking looking casing and display, there is nothing to shout about. Hans, you are the man!
80% of the Aries 2? I might disagree.
That's not true at all.. it's more in line with the Cyan 2. I've switched from the Cyan 2 to this Dac and i can honestly say i regret that decision.
Thank you Hans, you have never steered me wrong. Every product I have purchased, that you recommended, has performed exactly as you stated in your videos. Thank you for these videos, as I was wondering about this DAC. ;-)
🙏🏻👍🏼
I’ve been avoiding watching this video because I recently bought a Cyan 2 after listening to Han’s video. Thank you Hans for your no BS review of the Harmony.
😄
Thanks Hans for your perspective. So glad to have your voice in the mix!
👍🏼
First objective review without hyping this thing up? I expected nothing less from Hans.
🙏🏻
No there is no objektivity.
I love your reviews and your honesty. Dam, this review made me question my purchase. So I took a deep breath and did some blinded AB testing vs my Hugo TT2 and Lampi.
Ok, whew.... all are great, just different, really could live with any of them. I found the Laiv in the middle with the lampi being open and smooth and gorgeous, the TT2 impactful, detailed and very "wow". Laiv is right in the middle and equally good. I did this blinded... VERY easy to pick out the Lampi... the Chord and Laiv were a little more challenging but you catch on to their sound signatures with longer listening. NEway, keep up the good work with your channel, I've learned so much from you over the years.
Thanks for sharing
I have both the Cyan 2 and the Harmony and prefer the Laiv. I think there is better separation and detail with the Laiv but will continue to listen to both. Laiv was over I2S using the clock of my DMP-A8. Cyan was over usb Becuase it’s not compatible over i2s. Thanks for the review.
Anytime
Pay attention to select mode 5 in the DAC when using i2s with the dmp a8 your soundstage will be messed up.
@@danieldion1662 yep, it flips left and right channels in auto mode so you need to use mode 5. I’ve left this same comment to others :)
@explet1ve the only problem is the mode 5 setting is not stored in the DAC after younpower it off. So we need to come back to mode 5 everytime we power on the dac. I sent this problem to Laiv and they are working on it. It should not a big deal to solve it. Enjoy your two great DAC. Personally, I prefer the LAIV over Wandla/Hypsos combo. Soundstage for the Laiv is wider and taller in my setup.
@@danieldion1662 That is great information, thanks! I've just been just leaving it on so I haven't come across that but probably would have missed it. You enjoy also!
Hello from Japan, Hans... So pleased that the fancy 'bling-like' case work, etc didn't dazzle you & make you, like most reviewer videos I've seen reviewing this DAC, go all weak @ the knees and sing the 'latest shiny *new thing*' praises to the high heavens.... Lachlan @ Passion for Sound was of a similar mind.... but as for the others I've seen - Deary, deary me... Grown men turned into 7yr.old's on Xmas Day, opening a 'mystery present* from Santa *himself*.... Perfect review. Thank-you, Hans - have a great week & enjoy th music, too.
🙏🏻
Yep i quite agree. Lachlan is one of the few others whose critical thinking/assessments I trust.
@@alexYT87462 Cheers! I was so disappointed @ some of the 'gushing' hyperbole from a load of online reviewers. Shocking to watch & hear their waffle... I think, personally, that that guy Steve Huff took the prize ... Oh dear, what an embarrassment his review was...
All the best from Japan!
@@Voidoid77 Reviewing the reviewers is an interesting hobby too. Evaluation of DACs around this price category isn't easy - without deep familiarity with all the connected components in the system almost impossible imo. About this DAC, I think that the overdose of marketing and bling should be a warning flag already - which Hans points out at the beginning of this video.
Interesting that so many people are happy about a negative review. The question should be why the others are positive and the one by Hans remains the exception.
Thank you Hans your reviews are very much appreciated.
Glad you like them!
Hans, this compared to the Cyan 2 DAC... both in their NOS mode... what would you say is the better of the two? Regarding soundquality... not buildquality. Since "came close to" can be a bit vague. Or did you mean.... Cyan 2 is the better of the two?
correct
Thanks for the great review! Nice to see some honest comments and a non biased opinion on this DAC, which has been getting the usual “best DAC of the year” from sponsored reviews
🙏
Hans forgot to drink the cool aid!! Thanks for calling it like you see it 😎
Any time!
Thx for your honest report.
You've heard the harmony dac?
🙏🏻
Thanks Hans. I've come to really value the fact that you are never seduced by the novelty of newly launched products and/or get caught up in hype trains. But deliver a balanced, unvarnished assessment (based ofcourse on what you hear / your preferences). keep up the great and totally consitent work!
🙏
+1 to the high quality of your reviews
This was most interesting and I am glad I watched it
Glad to hear it!
Wow…. Not what i expected… i suspect something was wrong with his unit bright is definitely not how mine sounds… its really smooth more so than my Holo may. I have the holo may and my taste prefer the Laiv…. I still love his reviews do agree about the feet lol
We’re investigating this
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel - would explain alot about the sound characteristics you described…. I was about to send you my unit for review lol
Thanks for your sober review on the Laiv Harmony. I would love to hear your opinion on the Gustard R26 if possible. Thanks sir
I have not reviewed it so I can’t say
seems like Hans is the only Non Sponsored unbiased audio gear reviewer on the internet.
Golden sound is independent too I’m pretty sure 👍
@@joshuabrain9751 he's been exposed pirating music and has ties to manufacturers on audiophilestyle and ex
Yep, everyone else seems to think this DAC is just awesome. Having watched those others first I was surprised by Hans take.
I nover comment the work of others.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel , I don’t think anyone suggested you do. We just all appreciate you impartial evaluation of the equipment.
Great review as always. Hope Laiv doesn't try to sue you. Apparently it's a thing nowadays for companies to try to sue UA-cam reviewers that do not give glowing reviews of their products. And Hans, if you see this comment and have opportunity sometime, I'd love to see your review of a Weiss DAC 204. It punches right up there with their higher end $10k+ DACs.
I am in a friendly professional dialogue with LAIV to see why there is a discrepancy between their findings and mine.
I will make a 2nd video if there is a reason for it
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel that's interesting - got the impression from your review that you the clock(ing) isn't great - if it turns out to be a somewhat faulty unit, that would be important news too.
Thanks for your review Hans! Basically, according to your opinion,. the LAiv does not sound better than the Holo Cyan 2 , Is that so? When a test of new Gustard x30?
I have no Gustard products planned for now
I find some of the comments here quite disturbing! Hans is a reputable reviewer, but this is his opinion. He didn't particularly like this dac, but that doesn't make it a bad product. People who think "Hans doesn't like it...i won't consider it" are really missing the point. Formulate your own views....Hans is not God! I bought this dac recently, and i think it's very good. It's better than my Pontus 2 and holds its own with products in its price range. I agree it's been slightly over hyped, but i think Hans was overly negative IMHO, perhaps to make his own stand?
I agree completely: I give my opinion which is based on my experiences and gear. BTW I don’t find it a bad product! Sound quality wise it comes near the HoloAudio Cyan 2 and that is a good sounding DAC.
I agree and you don't modify gear before testing it, you should not change the spikes
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel that’s the funny part, people have missed that you gave the cyan 2 a very good review. 🤭
Thanks, Hans. I’ve been waiting for your trusted review of this DAC. Your advice is always appreciated.
My pleasure!
For the money, would you prefer a comparable Denafrips R2R DAC over the LAIV? Say the Denafrips Venus II 12th Anniversary Edition DAC vs. the LAIV Harmony both priced about $2,700??
See my review: ua-cam.com/video/BB8jLtF0Gjg/v-deo.html
Whow for real 😟, perhaps the synergie between the streamer and the dac is not there, I mean you tell it yourself the clock off your steamer is off a low quality, I already had my eyes on it and you are the only one that gives it a bad review with even a sneer about buying it for the looks, do you know who is one off the developers 😊 sorry I don’t take this review seriously, I always regarded your content very highly but I think you need to extend the review and put in some more time
Thanks Hans. I was very curious about this dac due to the very positive reviews (even at par with the May dac). Having the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE dac, I now will no longer consider the Laiv Harmony.
👍🏼
i will be very interested when they release a streamer
We'll have to wait and see.
Hans, will you be reviewing the Gustard X30 DAC anytime soon?
I don’t have it planned
So, it´s almost as good as the cheaper entry dac from Holo.... Thanks for this info and the review! Take care.
Indeed!
Hans, really appreciate all this work.
🙏🏻
I’m pretty sure you did it, but has the Laiv had some time to burn in? Thank you for the honest opinion. After all the hype it’s as shocking as refreshing to learn that the cyan 2 is a contender, if not simply a better DAC. With sources like the mano or the sonore rendu, it’s surprising that sibilance is badly controlled!
Of course it was burned in. It played for about a week 24/7
Much respect, Sir!😊
Thank you kindly
Hans, Thank you for this clear review. I view them all en learn a lot from them. You mention that you are not a fan of using a computer as a streamer/bridge. Does this also apply for a MacBook Pro with Qobuz over Audirvana and the mains power supply disconnected and therefore using clean battery power? I use an external DAC from Rega. Thanks in advance for your answer.
Yes. In the past the MacMini's were always better than most Windows computers but still. BTW batteries usually are quite noisy and thus cause jitter at the DAC.
Thanks Hans ! You're the one and only !
Cheers
Julien
🙏
Thanks for the honest reviews Hans.
Always!
Critical reviews doesn't = honest anymore than a positive would = honest
Got content and excellent presentation of your research. Regarding the DAC, it only does up to DSD256, which, at this price point, makes it a no-go decision.
Really? And where do you get 512 kHz music?
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel there is NativeDSD with many labels
Hans, always like your reviews. How many hours did the LAIV have on it before you did your evaluation?
Hans stated in a comment he let it play 24/7. 7 days. He always lets equipment play several days before listing. He is a very methodical and experienced hifi expert and listener.
Over 200
Did you try the other inputs? Wonder if LAIV will add this review to their mailing lists.
I did try all but TOSlink
So it’s not as good as the Cyan. Interesting. I do like that the ground can be floating though. I’m getting earth noise from my Eversolo, I wish that could be floating. The Eversolo is awesome except for that one issue in my system. My Audiovector Arette speakers expose this earth noise more than speakers with conventional drivers.
You must have an earthing problem or a defective Eversolo.
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel I tried 2 other Eversolos and all 3 were the same. I have no earthing noise issue with any other component. It’s not too bad though so I can live with it.
Thank you for a very valuable video
You are welcome
Most reviewers think this is a very, very good DAC for the money; clearly competing with other more expensive high end DAC’s. A kind of new standard in this price range. I don’t understand why this review is so different. Are they all wrong?
I can't comment on other reviewers.
Yes, they are all advertising not reviewers
@@michabuszynski7326 Correct, I think we can´t take the content to serious from ´reviewers´ who are using nothing but stupid ´clickbaits' for their channel growth followed by ´free stuff´ from the industry.
Just look at the interior of it. Compare the power supplies to Holo or Denafrips models its not even close, the actual R2R ladders etc. it looks nothing special and all this ridiculous hype is unrealistic. The reference to a Cyan 2 seems more to match the components inside. My point is that you actually get a quite good feel for the performance level of a component if you look how its built.
@@michabuszynski7326 Not true!
Laiv is a brand from Singapore. Does Hans think Singapore is part of China? Or like most westerners, don't even know where that is?
It's made in China, they have an office in Singapore..
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel so Apple is an Indian company now then?
This DAC is from Singapore, not China. Admittedly, like almost everything these days, it's manufactured in China. But the company that designed and developed this DAC is Singaporean.
Ok
I really dont understand why this DAC is spec'd with a remote control as standard when the only really useful function of a DAC remote, i.e., volume control is not available.
I considered this DAC, but it was an easy pass and very happy with my Holo Spring 3.
Verry pretty, but very bling style over substance, I reckon. I do smile when all the shillers go on about the gorgeous remote, but never use it.
One thing though Hans, was the DAC broken in? The Holo Audio supplier mentioned up to 250 hours break-in period for my Spring 3...
Just a question for balance?
Of course it was broken in.
@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel
Of course?
In this day and age, nothing should be assumed. Maybe useful to state this and what the manufacturers stated burn-in period is.
Thank you for responding nonetheless.
Is it a truly balanced design?
Watch the video. It is fully balanced.
Nice stuff. Compared to Merason Frerot+POW?
See my review: ua-cam.com/video/SiK-MHF55W8/v-deo.html
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel I did...I have that combo at home :)
Good review Hans.
🙏🏻
This unit sounds better in the overs sampling mode
I beg to differ
Thanks for the review. As an satisfied owner of this dac a bit disappointing. I noticed that you mentioned that this DAC can convert up to DSD512, but the LAIV-website mentions up to DSD256 depending on the input.
You are right, the maximum is DSD256
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel I noticed that the display can show DSD512, so probably it can covert DSD512 after all.
I can confirm it does play DSD512
Ouch 😅No giant killer here 🫢
🥴
Thank you 😊
👍🏼
Hans as always telling it like it is. I listened to the Laiv and to me it sounds similar to the Holo Spring dac. Both are good, but not exactly my taste. Not enough attack and speed.
I agree to a large extend. The problem is that the Cyan 2 is a lot cheaper.
Thank you
Welcome!
"Sound quality does not live up to the hype". Hmm....this review contradicts many reputable others out there. Wondering if you tried setting the clock to the DAC instead of the source?
I’m wondering if you have watched the video?
@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel from beginning to end.
This just show us we have to listen ourself, and cant relay on a review. This is the first out of perhaps 10 that gives it a negative review, so either Hans has different ears than the rest or the rest are unhappy telling us if a product they review is not that good. And its not that easy to go out and listen to dacs before buying.
Always use your own ears if you can.
Thanks!
Welcome!
Hans with a middle-class of 700 Million their Audiophile community is the largest.
Also consider a fast USB thumb directly connected can potentially solve the VINYL to NEEDLE time domain problem
🤔
Personally, not blown awY by the sound of ladder dacs
That’s ok
You've really derailed the hype train, where some have suggested that it might be the best thing under 5K, its sobering to know its comparable to the Holo Audio Cyan 2.
🙏
I was suspicious from day one about this hype train, of course it will meet a certain acceptable level but the rest is mostly marketing...the website, the packaging, the release on the same day by almost every ´famous reviewer´ on the planet, the utterly cheap looking gold accents 🤢 The spikes are indeed not adding anything to the sound, only for show and again part of the packaging/marketing.
Thanks for your take on this.
I never comment on the work of others.
First negative review, either this fellow is correct and everyone else are wrong or............... Maybe the connected equipment is synecdochically not comparable.
We’re still trying to figure out
Probably you should also try their stock footers+bass and re-listen again if it gives same or better/worse results. You used 3rd party footers and furthermore positioned them the opposite way the intention of Designer. I am totally opposite, wary of 3rd party equipment footers. As always equipment are designed with their original footers. Pls kindly do not be bias on footers and always have an open mind. Enjoy the music!
I did, of course.
Looking at this company, customers review . Seems all of them might be paid? 29 reviews all 5 🌟 stars. Hmmmmm
Most people have no solid reference. If you come over from a € 200 DAC any DAC of over € 1000 will sound a lot better.
@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel I came from an RME adi dac(which was supposed to be my forever dac), and it has been retired within a week of my purchase of the Harmony. Subjectively speaking their was a vast improvement.
@@kofitheakan9328You just prove Hans’ point
@larsv6144 the RME is no slouch, and for your information, I have listened to Dacs personally over 8k. As such, the Harmony comes close to those Dacs I have listened to...This wasn't just my opinion but also friend whose dac cost much more.
@@kofitheakan9328 nobody said the RME is a slouch. It’s just that you went up in price class like Hans wrote, and as such the Harmony sounds better than the RME.