Farewell May DAC? Hello Sonnet Pasithea...

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  • Опубліковано 18 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 117

  • @jos5067
    @jos5067 Рік тому +26

    With that build quality, it’s certainly a no go for me!! And the May is certainly better looking 👀 too.

    • @justasimplefox
      @justasimplefox Рік тому +3

      For me the absence of a silver version is a no go for the May and I even don't mention the copper details 😅 , it's all relative 😇

    • @jos5067
      @jos5067 Рік тому +1

      @@justasimplefoxindeed, but I like it, especially the built quality.

    • @justasimplefox
      @justasimplefox Рік тому

      @@jos5067 me to, really shame they don't offer a silver version..I would buy it right away 👍🏻

    • @jos5067
      @jos5067 Рік тому +1

      @@justasimplefox they only want to maximise there profits, so less colours and no build quality. I would advise to wait for the new generation of Chord Electronic’s DAC’s.

    • @glenschneider5978
      @glenschneider5978 Рік тому +2

      So I was a bit scared about the build quality UNTIL I got one. I upgraded from a Rockna Wavelight, which I really liked, and honestly I was scared both about whether it would sound better and about the build quality, based on the video. Well, the build quality sure doesn’t compare, but it’s nothing that’s problematic or even remarkable to me, except by comparison. However, I am amazed at the sound quality; how it combines the level of detail with a sense of musicality and beautiful tone. Thank you Ron for your review and insight.

  • @asplmn
    @asplmn Рік тому +11

    My DAC merry-go-round ended with the Schiit Yggdrasil. The fact that it’s upgradable is a huge perk, too.

    • @cabeallen1277
      @cabeallen1277 Рік тому +2

      Mine ended with the Denafrips Ares II. They have provided me with at least two firmware updates, free of charge, to bring my two year old unit to the latest 12th anniversary edition capabilities. Very happy. So happy in fact, I upgraded my integrated setup to a separates situation led by the Denafrips Hades preamp and two Schiit Aegir amps (run as monoblocks). I am in love with the sound. And the Hades is built like a proverbial tank.

    • @goodsound4756
      @goodsound4756 Рік тому +4

      LOL, mine started with the a Denafrips Ares, now I ended up with MSB.

    • @NawMan357
      @NawMan357 Рік тому +4

      I ended up with the MSB Select II

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 Рік тому

      Audio Music DAC/1 for me.

    • @Peace_Guard
      @Peace_Guard 11 місяців тому

      @@NawMan357 Heard good things. But I'm afraid whatever you do for living to afford Select II sir, I don't.

  • @philmu1983
    @philmu1983 Місяць тому

    Thank you for your great review on the SUBTLE differences between both DAC makes, definitely aid audiophiles pursing that last bit of analogue refinement and smoothness to make a better decision. Thumbs UP!

  • @hermanvisser4034
    @hermanvisser4034 9 місяців тому +2

    I am the happy owner of a Sonnet Pasithea, paired with a pair of Neumann KH310 studio monitors. It is very important to drive the DAC with an accurately clocked source, in my case a Cocktail Audio X50D streamer via IIS. The Pasithea opens up beautifully, making the Neumanns sound twice their size. A 13" SVS sub fills in the botton end

  • @MrPkimura
    @MrPkimura Рік тому +1

    Great job in uncovering and describing the differences in those DACs - not an easy task.

  • @deanfisher1656
    @deanfisher1656 7 місяців тому

    Really well done…..quality of product build, look, and feel are important I think to higher end owners. I own the May Dac and love it. You nailed its signature, and in my system, it’s wonderful. Keep em coming. Thanks ……love your casual presentations loaded with content. Best

  • @tarquineous
    @tarquineous 3 місяці тому

    I'll wait till they improve the build quality. I appreciate your insightful review. This is the kind of review that really helps to make a final decision.

  • @vaneast411
    @vaneast411 10 місяців тому +1

    nice to see the Pasithea get a little attention - it doesn't draw much energy - it doesn't take up much space - and sounds very good

  • @breathofawareness7903
    @breathofawareness7903 Рік тому +6

    The Sonnet Pasithea is my favourite DAC....

    • @ericelmore2742
      @ericelmore2742 Рік тому

      Have you heard one? I’m interested as well.

  • @SAURAV2k3
    @SAURAV2k3 Рік тому +4

    I sold my May DAC for Pasithea last year. I2S connection takes Pasithea a notch above

    • @ericelmore2742
      @ericelmore2742 Рік тому

      @SAURAV2k3 before the May and pasithea which Dac did you own? I’m new to the audio world and are using the built in Dac inside my dmp-a6 .. I want to know if there will be a big difference stepping up to the pasithea. I don’t have a I 2S on my streamer.

    • @gmdodd1
      @gmdodd1 11 місяців тому +1

      May has 2 x I2S connections so not sure why that's your conclusion?

    • @marc.c9456
      @marc.c9456 9 місяців тому

      By wich mean and material do you link pasithea with i2s please?

  • @bgroovin1343
    @bgroovin1343 Рік тому +5

    Could you add the audio sample info to the description section?

  • @colanitower
    @colanitower Рік тому +2

    4:46 That does sound cheap when putting it back on the table

  • @snomofilms
    @snomofilms Рік тому +4

    Sounds like my May DAC continues to be what I want in presentation compared to something like this. Would love to hear your opinion on the (very expensive) Playback Designs MPD8

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 Рік тому +1

      I have an amazing DAC few seem to have heard of let alone heard or tested - Audio Music DAC/1. Very bland name but the sound is killer.

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 Рік тому +2

      OCD hifi guy raves about that one.

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 11 місяців тому

      So does Aussie Audiophile but he’s got a thing against Audio Music. Google for truth about the brand.

    • @tarquineous
      @tarquineous 3 місяці тому

      @@Coneman3 That one is $13K to $14K. No thanks. Where does the extra 10K go ? Right into someone's bank account.

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 3 місяці тому

      @@snomofilms The AM DAC/1 is a 2-box high level r2r with silver hand wound transformers and internal silver wiring and weighs about 40kg, so its price is very reasonable. I was lucky to get mine for half rrp. Chinese rolls Royce design.

  • @yphoenix9077
    @yphoenix9077 Рік тому

    Welcome back! It's good to see a familiar face.

  • @CobraChamp
    @CobraChamp 8 місяців тому

    Thanks Ron for another great video!

  • @joseluishernandezseptien
    @joseluishernandezseptien Рік тому +1

    Great video! Would love to hear your thoughts on the Ferrum Wandla

  • @infn
    @infn Рік тому +3

    I find that delta sigma DACs have a distinct 'flatness' to their sound vs the palpably organic sound of R2R ladder DACs. And betwen R2R DACs, it really is a difference of resolution of fine detail, clarity and transparency.

    • @dontcare563
      @dontcare563 Рік тому

      I find them ALL too bright sounding!

    • @dingskydongsky
      @dingskydongsky Рік тому +1

      @@dontcare563 all of them ?

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 11 місяців тому

      I think you are right, although I don’t think it’s the fault of the DAC. More the original recording and simply the nature of digital sound. I think at this level, the music and recording are key. But I think sweetest music usually comes from a good vinyl setup.

    • @infn
      @infn 11 місяців тому

      @@Coneman3 On the contrary, it's what I've heard on the same recording, A/B'ing between delta sigma and R2R ladder DACs. As for sweet music coming from good vinyl setups, in my experience, this can be matched by an appropriate DAC + digital source setup. For it to be comparable, take the price of the TT, cart + phono stage and roughly match it to the price of the DAC + streamer.

  • @catdeddy8427
    @catdeddy8427 Рік тому

    I agree with you, Ron, on the key DAC differences. My ladder DAC is distinctly cleaner than my other units. Surprisingly my Yamaha CD player’s internal is noticeably better than all but one of my externals.

  • @royhuijsmans6117
    @royhuijsmans6117 Місяць тому

    Great down to earth, but thorough, reviews Ron👌Well... It's just the difference when things are made in China, where it is possible to devellop and produce at way much lower costs as in Holland where the Sonnet Pasathea has been made. Or US...That's why MC Intosh, Krell and other great hifi is priced as it is. It's just coming down to choises, a good sounding device, in a not spectacular housing, for 5000dollars/euros, or same sound quality with a machined bling bling casing and knobs for 8000or more, well, i find 5000 allready a lot of money, I know it's worth it, it's got very high quality parts in it, and alot of hours develloping it. And it is a very small company, that can't buy bulk like the big boys do. And i'm in for sound quality, as long as the housing is doing it's job to contribute to better sound i'm ok with it . I like the rugged build on the may , but i'm not so fond of the copper bling on it. do I care when it sounds gorgeous? it wont be deal breaker for me. But for example; the chord audio stuff, i find it extremely tacky, over the top ugly, but sound is often fantastic. that in itself wouldn't even be a problem. BUT would I want to pay few thousand bucks for such expansive and ugly housing? certainly not!

  • @nealwildberger6138
    @nealwildberger6138 Рік тому +1

    Hello Ron, In the smooth delivery section I see GR new speakers the LGK 2.4, will we see a review on your channel of Danny's new speakers?

  • @daniwalmsley611
    @daniwalmsley611 9 місяців тому

    4:43 I think there is a place for saving on flashy bits for incredible soynd for the money. Examples would be something like the JDS Atom or kits like those from CSS Audio, Gr Research, AkitikA etc.
    Thats fine, but you have to blow the competition away for them to make sense, if I wanted to spend $5K on audio gear thats made from thin steel and has a loose rca jack I'd buy some rare vintage thing. The main problem is diminishing returns, you can't blow away something like may even if you spent $100k it's never going to blow it away so the business model doesn't work with high end audio gear

  • @mjmonjure
    @mjmonjure 8 місяців тому

    I think I am hearing 2 sections of the review which are duplicated, “unexpected switch” 11:26 and 15:21?

  • @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461
    @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 Рік тому +2

    🙋‍♂️ RON ,A GREAT TIME TO BE AN AUDIOPHILE 🤗💚💚💚

    • @yantrussart6584
      @yantrussart6584 Рік тому +1

      Yeah, we got the message à while ago, thanks...

  • @cochinada01
    @cochinada01 2 місяці тому

    I own a Cyan 2 DAC, much due to your review of it but of others as well and, from what you've shown, I would never buy that Pasithea due to the construction quality, or lack of thereof alone. My DAC seems to be on a different league altogether in this regard, sounds amazing and it costs a fraction!

  • @jon4715
    @jon4715 6 місяців тому

    Let’s hear the Tubadour V, please. That would be a wild comparison, imo.

  • @chrisboylan4599
    @chrisboylan4599 Рік тому +2

    Obviously to me, I wouldn't consider this above the choice of the May. Build nixed it, never ever would I like seeing it in my system and it would cost more...not to mention I think resolution and dynamics to outweigh warmth all day!

  • @ryanschipp8513
    @ryanschipp8513 Рік тому +3

    I was thinking what you were thinking in the first part of this review...5k+ 7.7 lb Dac. No way Jose for me.

  • @BruceCross
    @BruceCross Рік тому +2

    It's nice to see the Chinese DAC get some competition from the Netherlands.

    • @yantrussart6584
      @yantrussart6584 Рік тому +3

      Yeah, and the european craftmanship gets its ass delivered to it...

  • @ErikDeLeo-o3d
    @ErikDeLeo-o3d Рік тому +1

    Maybe I'm in the minority, but I'd find it hard to spend over $5,000 on a piece of audio equipment that hasn't had a ounce of thought put into it re: aesthetics/design.
    Perhaps the Sonnet sounds amazing, but it looks like a sub-$1,000 piece of equipment. There are so many DAC's in the $5000 to $7000 range that have been well designed on the inside AND the outside, that I'd say Sonnet really needs to up their game in the design department.
    Aragon got renowned designer/stylist Robbii Wessen to design their equipment back in the 80's, and it still shows today. Those Aragon amps and preamps have a timeless quality to them that (IMO) more audio companies should copy/emulate.

  • @JD-mm4ub
    @JD-mm4ub Рік тому

    Maybe I’ll wait a year. Hopefully the build quality will improve!

  • @amaya897
    @amaya897 Рік тому

    What tracks are used for the demo?

  • @edipugurzehebi
    @edipugurzehebi Рік тому +3

    Great review but after all you've said, I don't think it's enough to change the May KTE. Especially after seeing the Pasithe with such poor production and design. In my opinion, the price tag of Pasithe should have been around $3K. I believe, May KTE is still the best DAC for its price on the market as of November 2023.

    • @fizywig
      @fizywig Рік тому

      How does the May compare with DCS Bartok or The Dave DACs?

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 11 місяців тому

      I suspect the May is killer in its price range.

    • @romanfedorowycz4090
      @romanfedorowycz4090 7 місяців тому

      Rather get the spring 3 over a pasithe

  • @Soundapple
    @Soundapple Рік тому +1

    Sounds amazing. Really clean and FAST, perfect transients, no stored energy in decays. Sweet. I wonder how the LGK 2.4s compare at moderate SPL to the NX-Oticas? I was planning to build NX-oticas, but many years on the speaker merry go round (yup…) tells me the coherence of the LGKs just might be the ticket? Thanks! Great review, as always 👍😊

  • @urbantone
    @urbantone 8 місяців тому

    Have you ever listened NewOntech Dac 08 or 07se

  • @yuguantan
    @yuguantan Рік тому

    Sincerely suggested use Su-6 I2s To Pasithea, then the precision of mid-low end will again appear and make it more better. Usb model of Pasithea itself is somehow limited it's sound quality.

    • @marc.c9456
      @marc.c9456 9 місяців тому +1

      Do you know how to cabling all pin of Su6 to compatibility to rj45 pasithea please.? What I heard is metrum and sonnet i2s rj45 input have special characteristics make it difficult to link by other than sonnet and metrum streamer. Thanks by advance.

    • @yuguantan
      @yuguantan 9 місяців тому

      @@marc.c9456 With Singxer Su6, you could use any CAT6 cable directly, don't need to shift or change any thing.

  • @baronofgreymatter14
    @baronofgreymatter14 Рік тому

    Hey Ron! Great video...I have the Yamaha AS2200 and Cornwall IV speakers...these 2 DACs are on my short list....since youve heard the Yamaha and Klipsch...what do you think?

    • @tarquineous
      @tarquineous 4 місяці тому

      A DAC with very low listening fatigue is essential IMO. The May DAC is definitely one. I have not heard the Pasethia. Maybe ask Art Audio.

  • @cbmore28
    @cbmore28 Рік тому

    I may have missed it but how does this handle DSD files?

  • @4thewinir344
    @4thewinir344 Рік тому

    What happened to the Tyr review? I have been holding out waiting for your thoughts…

  • @scslite5206
    @scslite5206 Рік тому +2

    Watching this sounds like you can replace your review of the Pasithea with the Spring 3 KTE except the build quality. 😂

  • @markphilpot8734
    @markphilpot8734 Рік тому

    It isn’t just looks for components. The guts matter as that is what makes or breaks it. R2R has been proven as the champion for realism. Each must still compare and give their choice a chance. Buying a DAC in this price point is a bit problematic. Spending 5K on any piece is going to cause a problem as which will win. Using a comparison file or CD to evaluate the two and you are familiar and every nuance on this list that is designed to trip the one up that doesn’t set the example. There is always a way to trip up gear that may be flawed or is not for you. It is your choice so you need to be sure in it and be happy with it. Who want’s to be miserable with any component. It’s up to us to make our gear adapt to our preferences. This makes and keeps us in our happy place.

  • @rysiodionio843
    @rysiodionio843 Рік тому

    If Sonnet use better integral cablin, fuse and material on pcb signal path this will be the best dac. To make the best of it could be good to upgrade few things. No a lot of people will risk guarantee. May KTE done a lot this kind of things. Sonnet Pasithea KTE edition is that we need :)

  • @Coneman3
    @Coneman3 Рік тому

    Chip DACs were only made originally due to cost, not performance. But great DACs are now made which are chip and r2r DACs.

  • @williampalmer4427
    @williampalmer4427 Рік тому

    There appears to be an absorption &/or deflection baffle behind each LGK 2.4 . . . Why? (This would seem to defeat or at least alter the sound from each LGK's rear-firing driver . . . or not?) BTW: What subwoofers are those? Thanks, Bill P.S. Excellent Review!

  • @sylaw16
    @sylaw16 Рік тому +1

    Ron why don't you review a audio note dac

    • @Coneman3
      @Coneman3 11 місяців тому

      Overpriced and overrated.

  • @junior-OG
    @junior-OG Рік тому

    do you use a ddc between your streamer and dac ?

  • @Coneman3
    @Coneman3 Рік тому

    Living Stereo recordings are superb.

  • @barbarapearce7323
    @barbarapearce7323 Рік тому +2

    I feel like if you have to spend weeks listening to even hear a single difference, it’s not worth it

  • @thinkIndependent2024
    @thinkIndependent2024 Рік тому

    Ok I wasn't sure but it sounds like U get it, Someone with a good Ear, I keep that in mind whenwant to spend Big $$$$ I currently just switch between NOS, Up sample, and Tube PreAmp added to the DAC or R2R etc..... Along with TOSlink/ Coax all rhing jave trade-offs in Audiophile world....

  • @joecartwright9221
    @joecartwright9221 Рік тому

    What chip does it use???

  • @joscallinet6260
    @joscallinet6260 Рік тому +3

    Is the Sonnet Pasithea an R-2-R or Sigma-Delta DAC? (I lean toward it's being Sigma-Delta, judging by its size and weight.) From watching your video, I have to say that the Holo Audio MAY KTE (Kitsune Tuned Edition) DAC is FAR better built than the Pasithea. For one thing, there is no way that the Pasithea's built-in power supply can compare with the Holo Audio MAY's massive separate power supply unit. There is likewise no excuse for the Sonnet's poor quality-control over seeing to it that all components are properly and securely mounted to the chassis (if ONE output jack is loose to the point of rattling, what ELSE might also be loose or improperly assembled inside the unit?). I'm glad you mentioned the quality control issue to the manufacturer.
    All in all, Ron, you've published a great review - you really know how to describe in detail what it is that you're hearing. These two DACs are a close call pricewise, because the Pasithea at 5 grand costs just about as much as the Holo Audio MAY KTE. Is the Sonnet Pasithea a Chinese- or Korean-built DAC?

    • @radkokosoTT
      @radkokosoTT Рік тому +5

      Pasithea is non oversampling R2R dac. Sonnet audio makes their own R2R “chips” (not a chip per se as delta sigma chip) based on unique know how brought from Metrum Acoustics (same owner and the same designer). All Sonnet products are made in the Netherlands. It is hard to compare “small” unit to others, because Sonnet uses different approach to R2R, their design uses extremely short signal paths and at extremely low voltage, hence there is just very small linear PSU inside.

  • @lights80088
    @lights80088 Рік тому +1

    Great review Ron as always. For 5k, it has to be mechanically perfect for me. Anything else makes me suspect of long lasting quality. This is due to my past experince.

  • @briancampbell7712
    @briancampbell7712 8 місяців тому

    Nice review...
    for that kind of money you can get an italian made Aqua La Scala...better hifi❓I'd like to see a shoot out of the two...

  • @kvrhifi
    @kvrhifi Рік тому

    16:50
    dac loving Audiophiles 😂😂

  • @willmac5642
    @willmac5642 Рік тому +1

    Id buy a Sonnet hands down if they looked better. Just that display turns me off

  • @MrLapley
    @MrLapley Рік тому

    My search ended with SW1X R2R tube dac

  • @robertobrandoli4462
    @robertobrandoli4462 Рік тому +2

    Interesting, BUT.... in my experience this small difference can become from Power Cable and digital cabling and streamer. The build quality of Sonnet DAC is "imbarrazzing" and also missing the native DSD, for me the Holo May + new DDC Holo Red have more value and can reach the Sound Quality of the Sonnet Pasithea.

  • @petermartin9494
    @petermartin9494 Рік тому +2

    Loose RCA connectors? No thanks.

  • @garganega
    @garganega Рік тому

    These engineers simply do not visualize user requirements. One optical connector and one digital coax is insufficient in a modern system at any price.

  • @SpaceEncounter
    @SpaceEncounter 7 місяців тому

    Again, the key word is „subtle“ and how much you are willing to spend for something that most people will never notice 😂

  • @ebner1000
    @ebner1000 8 місяців тому +1

    I am done with this video I heard enough at 4.27 minutes.

  • @crazyprayingmantis5596
    @crazyprayingmantis5596 Рік тому

    Until i have 10k speakers ill stick with my Smsl su1

  • @thomaslarsen9867
    @thomaslarsen9867 Рік тому

    What is i2s via ethernet? Oh i se rj45.

  • @LIL-MAN_theOG
    @LIL-MAN_theOG 11 місяців тому

    I dont get how you have a review and dont turn the unit on NOT ONCE? Makes no damn sense...prolly because for $5k , they put a parts bin lcd display on it (THAT YOU SEE ON THOUSANDS OF AMPS), which is a HUGE FAIL

  • @looyoo0-u6i
    @looyoo0-u6i Рік тому

    tyr review?

  • @Zoomerland
    @Zoomerland 5 місяців тому

    I'm shutting off this video after the build quality issue.

  • @johnsonadekunle7675
    @johnsonadekunle7675 Рік тому

    Where is the beard?

  • @phillipmorris9847
    @phillipmorris9847 Рік тому

    IDK i think its a 2k at best

  • @colindoyle9876
    @colindoyle9876 8 місяців тому

    Try some AC/DC :) :)

  • @WoodstockG54
    @WoodstockG54 6 місяців тому

    I wouldn’t even review it, if that’s how it came. Loose connections, come on. Send it back. Saying that, I won’t watch the review. I do like your channel though.

  • @HungryEatNow
    @HungryEatNow Рік тому

    大洞😂

  • @vincentvdvelde
    @vincentvdvelde Рік тому

    And then there was the Cen.grand DSDAC 1.0 Deluxe smashing both May and Pasithea from the table… mark my words

    • @ericelmore2742
      @ericelmore2742 Рік тому +1

      I would like to see a review on this Dac. I’m going to a audio show in a few weeks and have a list of gear I’m hoping to hear. I’ll have to put this on my list

  • @lanx0003
    @lanx0003 3 місяці тому

    construction quality is soooo poooor. pass.

  • @Del_987
    @Del_987 10 місяців тому

    Lots of words for something that could easily be imagined with zero measurements. Incredible the lengths people go to justify juggling $5k electronics

    • @Newrecordday2013
      @Newrecordday2013  10 місяців тому +2

      Sorry, your comment got a little lengthy and I stopped reading at “Lots”.

  • @artyfhartie2269
    @artyfhartie2269 Рік тому +1

    All these electronics do is add more electronics in the signal path and embellish the sound electronically. It's not what the artist intended. Digital audio does not follow the concept of less is more and straight wire with gain like in a simple analog system.