Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Praised for ultra-transparent sound, accurately converting digital signals into music with no digital signature, resulting in a natural and authentic sound
- Built with extensive noise-suppressing technology to boost clarity and performance
- Provides a very detailed sound without sounding etched or overly detailed
- Delivers a sound geared for well-developed tone, round edges, softness, moisture, hefty bass, density, and a pitch-black background
Product Considerations
- Uses a generic Apple remote, which is functional, but not custom-designed
- Sounds a little on the dark side of neutral
- The analog output only comes with RCA connection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Has a naturally weightier, rounder disposition, while the Lampizator Pacific is quicker, more open, and energetic
Takeaway: The Aavik D-180 is a DAC that focuses on delivering a transparent and natural sound by minimizing noise and accurately converting digital signals. This DAC can hold its ground against competitors if you like the Aavik sound.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Aavik C-580:
- Positioning: A compact control amplifier offering refined signal management on a more accessible budget.
- Description: Features a straightforward implementation of active Tesla coil technology and basic dither circuitry, ensuring low noise and precise control suitable for modest listening environments. In comparison to the C-880, offers fewer advanced noise reduction features while still delivering solid performance for users with limited functionality needs.
Aavik C-880:
- Positioning: A high-end control amplifier engineered for signal fidelity and advanced noise suppression.
- Description: Incorporates a significantly higher count of active Tesla coils and enhanced analog dither technology for further noise reduction and dynamic musical detail. Compared to the C-580, offers increased performance and control capabilities.
Aavik U-588:
- Positioning: A modern all-in-one unity amplifier that combines streaming, DAC, line stage, and power amplification in a single enclosure.
- Description: Uses the latest Pascal class D (UMAC) technology with lower output impedance and reduced noise, adding digital streaming and connectivity features for versatile use in compact setups. Compared to the traditional 880 series products, offers added functionality and ease of integration.
Aavik P-880:
- Positioning: A standalone power amplifier designed to deliver high current and efficient pure Class A performance.
- Description: Uses a resonant mode power supply and local capacitor banks to achieve lower noise and improved feeding of speakers, which suits environments requiring high peak power and dynamic control. In contrast to the integrated I-880, the P-880 splits the amplification process, offering greater flexibility in system configuration.
Aavik I-880:
- Positioning: The flagship integrated amplifier combining power, control, and cutting-edge noise reduction technologies in one unit.
- Description: Features an extensive suite of innovations including a switchless optical input board, active Tesla coil systems, and a solid copper enclosure that ensure exceptionally low noise and outstanding musical detail, ideal for high-end, room-filling setups. Compared to its segmented counterparts, it delivers the most comprehensive performance and functionality.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Aavik D-180
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Manufacturer's notes
The D-180 DAC is handling the enormous amount of information contained in the digital source to a natural, warm yet detailed soundstage.
Manufacturer Specs
- Digital Inputs: 2x BNC S/P-DIF (32-192 k-samples, 24 bit), 2x TOSLINK Optical (32-192 k-samples, 24 bit), 1x USB (32-192 k-samples, 24 bit, DSD 64 – DSD 128)
- Distortion: <0.005% THD at 1 kHz at 0dB
- Output Level: 4.5Vrms at 0dB
- Output Impedance: 100 ohms
- Power Consumption: <0.5W (Standby), <50W (Idle)
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 400 x 384 x 102 mm (15 3/4 x 15 1/8 x 4 1/64 inch)
- Weight: 5.4 kg (11 lbs)
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Average Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used Products
11
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Brand Popularity
115
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
26
Founded
2015
Our take on the brand
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Brand Page
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Aavik
What if you spend a bit more?
Aavik D-280
12000
12000
/
1
Reviews
Aavik
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers an 'analog signature' with a super low noise floor, intact dynamics, and accurate instrumental and vocal timbres
- Maintains musical interest, preventing listening fatigue
- Handles loud dynamics faultlessly, due to its voluminous built-in headroom
- True to the original recording; no fiddling about, no prettifying
Product Considerations
- Limitations against the very best in vinyl production showed during A/B testing
- The Aavik site is fairly vague about the proprietary design
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Aavik D-180: D-280 is better
- Vs Aavik D-580: D-280 is not as good
Takeaway: The Aavik D-280 DAC converts digital signals to analogue in dreamy sound for years to come, making it an exceptional choice. It is a sweet spot product from Aavik worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Visit our
Aavik D-280
page
Product Page
Lina (DAC)
15740
15740
/
14
Reviews
dCS
dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Startling clarity
- An extraordinarily clear view of the 'reality' of the recording
- Subtlety is exposed, which made listening a fuller, more complex experience
- Sound quality is unmatched in terms of technology, design, build and finish
- A very fluid, massive and somewhat dynamic soundstage
Product Considerations
- The dCS Mosaic app is starting to feel clunky
- Basic display
- Some holes when it comes to features
- Audiophile sound is mostly faint clouds hovering between boxes
- It is wished the streamer had Wi-Fi compatibility, but dCS sees this as compromising on sound quality
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Terminator Plus—it replaced the Denafrips Terminator Plus
- Vs Chord Dave DAC—the Chord Dave gets very close in sound to the Lina, but the Dave leans a bit leaner and sharper where the dCS Lina is fuller, thicker, smoother with more density
- Vs Weiss 501—the dCS is a smooth sounding DAC indeed, but it is not one of those that sound overly smooth, the Weiss 501 sounds closest to an in-studio experience, where we get the master tape kind of sound
- Vs HiFi ROSE 150b—the ROSE feels and looks to be built to a similar level (at least the outside), and is gorgeous as well, it's not nearly as refined or together in the DAC department when comparing it to upper echelon products
- Vs dCS Bartok Apex—compared to the Bartók Apex, the Lina's sound (without the Master Clock) had a slightly different textural quality, not coarser or finer grained but as though performers were viewed under a different quality of light, the Lina's light felt slightly more brilliant than remembered with the Apex and maybe 3o cooler
Takeaway: The Lina DAC is a small but very technologically advanced DAC and delivers music with a bonafide life-force behind it. This DAC brings a larger soundstage and bigger sound to the room and is well worth the cost if you have a system that can stand toe to toe with it.
Video review
Our take on the brand
dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
Visit our
Lina (DAC)
page
Product Page
MU2
18891
18891
/
12
Reviews
Grimm Audio
Grimm Audio is a hifi brand that designs streaming DACs with their own custom-built digital-to-analog converter hardware, including a unique 1.5-bit architecture with an 11th-order noise shaper. Their flagship MU2 is a Roon-centric machine that serves as a complete audio system hub, featuring their own DMA controller for FPGA-to-CPU communication and proprietary Pure Nyquist filters for digital signal processing.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The MU2 is an all-in-one device combining a Roon core/endpoint, DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier
- Major DAC provides exceptional digital music reproduction, described as 'the best... by an obvious and distinct margin' and more 'lifelike'
- Offers a very quiet background and deep, wide, layered soundstage with stunning holographic reality
- The analog preamplifier section is high quality, described as Class A throughout, with ultra-low harmonic distortion
- Excels in revealing copious amounts of detail throughout the frequency range and making a deep emotional connection
Product Considerations
- Roon is required to operate the MU2 (although Grimm is reportedly working on another option)
- There is no wireless connectivity, requiring an Ethernet connection
- Some reviewers found the MU2 to be 'polite' or 'calm', which may not suit all preferences
- Parts are allegedly not worth the price
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs AURALiC ARIES G1.1 + Totaldac d1-triunity/Mola Mola Tambaqui—MU2 provides more fully fleshed out sound
- vs Grimm MU1—the MU2's integral implementation and direct internal connection give it an advantage, sounding more expansive and expressive
- vs Aqua Formula xHD DAC—the MU2 is calmer and more composed, while the Aqua is upfront and explicit
Takeaway: The Grimm MU2 is a versatile, all-in-one music player that delivers exceptional sound quality for digital music, and it simplifies your system by combining a streamer, DAC, and preamp. It is designed to bring you closer to your music with its impressive detail and engaging sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Grimm Audio is a hifi brand that designs streaming DACs with their own custom-built digital-to-analog converter hardware, including a unique 1.5-bit architecture with an 11th-order noise shaper. Their flagship MU2 is a Roon-centric machine that serves as a complete audio system hub, featuring their own DMA controller for FPGA-to-CPU communication and proprietary Pure Nyquist filters for digital signal processing.
Visit our
MU2
page
Product Page
NSS 333
10999
10999
/
6
Reviews
Naim
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers an engaging and emotionally charged performance with rhythmic drive and articulate rendering of dynamic shifts
- Excellent build quality
- Streaming platform is stable and capable of dealing with all file types with ease
- Offers state-of-the-art sound quality with everything from online streaming services and Internet radio all the way through to hi-res music stored on your home network
- The output stage is Naim's preferred balanced impedance type, but they prefer the DIN route for normal cable lengths
Product Considerations
- No USB (Type B) input
- The manuals are a little scant on detail
- The signal level out of the balanced XLR sockets (2.1V) is the same as the single-ended connections, rather than double, as it usually is
- Some found the new white logo lighting (instead of the traditional green) to be a negative
- There is not enough space under the sharp cooling fins for fingers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NSC 222: The NSS 333 justifies its price premium with even better sound quality
- Vs Naim ND 555/555 PS DR: The Naim NSS 333 delivers a significant chunk of the ND555/555 PS DR's performance at a fraction of the price
- Vs Moon 681: The NSS 333 delivers admirable precision and stability in the way it places instruments and sounds, though the Moon 681 produces more in terms of soundstage width
- Vs Naim NDX: The NSS 333 offers significantly more air and space in the recording, a greater sense of detail, and a notably natural and unforced delivery
- Vs NDX2: The new player sounds better and closes the gap with the flagship ND555 player, at least when the high-end machine is used in its basic single power supply configuration
Takeaway: The Naim NSS 333 is a musically satisfying music streamer with excellent build quality and the ability to convey emotion. It combines detailed, richer sound with a slick and user-friendly experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Visit our
NSS 333
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
DAC 200
7620
/
Released
2021
T+A
The DAC 200 is the latest member of an extended family of High-End converters and pre-amplifiers. Every aspect of its design symbolises our uncompromising commitment to science and music. The ability to reproduce DSD 1024 files and its complete galvanic separation are just two highlights which underline the potential of the DAC 200 in impressive style. The DAC 200 is designed to convert a large number of digital formats into natural-sounding analogue signals, and to pass them on via the integral headphone or analogue outputs.
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality is achieved with precise and accurate reproduction, enhanced clarity and depth
- Versatile input options include S/PDIF, TOSLink, AES/EBU, BNC, USB, and optional HDMI, offering compatibility with various digital devices
- Excellent build quality is exhibited in its solid, retro-German appearance with high-quality materials
- Separate PCM and DSD processing use path separation technology with independent converters optimized for each media type
- Effective de-jittering employs T+A's De-Jitter Masterclock to minimize timing errors from connected digital components
Product Considerations
- A network audio input is absent, limiting standalone use without the MP200 music player
- Limited analog connectivity means the desired balanced analog input could enhance the preamplifier section's capabilities
- Remote control is reported to be far from intuitive, despite its solid build
- Output voltage in fixed mode may be lower than expected, requiring the use of the variable output setting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to iFi Pro iDSD, the DAC 200 outperforms as a reference
- Compared to Linn Organik series DACs and MSB Premier DAC, the lush playback recalls more expensive options
Takeaway: The T+A DAC 200 is a versatile and high-performing DAC with many inputs that delivers great sound quality. Its robust build quality and comprehensive features make it a great choice for audiophiles seeking a top-tier digital-to-analog converter.
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
Visit
DAC 200
Page
Product Page
Vega G2.2
5529
/
Released
2023
AURALiC
The VEGA G2.2, built upon our impressive DAC lineage, houses our Fusion DAC design, Direct Data Recording (DDR), and Galvanic Isolation technologies. It also features a fully analog preamplifier section with a proper analog ladder resistor volume control, delivering an exceptional noise-free signal to our Class A ORFEO output modules.
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with detail and an expansive soundstage
- Functions as a preamplifier with both digital and analogue inputs and analogue volume control
- Features Direct Data Recording (DDR) technology using a memory buffer to reclock audio data
- Has a dual-chassis design with copper shielding for electrical isolation
- Gains greater clarity and clout with everything from driving rock to complex classical music
Product Considerations
- The AURALiC control app (Lightning DS) is only compatible with Apple iOS devices and not Android
- Has only one analogue input, which might be limiting for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vega G2.2 preferred to a DAC that cost 5x more
Takeaway: The Vega G2.2 is a great streaming DAC and preamplifier that is easy to use. It can be slotted into a system to immediately bring more clarity, soundstage, and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Visit
Vega G2.2
Page
Product Page
Aries G2.2
6099
/
Released
2023
AURALiC
The ARIES G2.2 is the culmination of nearly 10 years of research and development. It is a complete hardware upgrade, including a significant increase in processing power, better USB DAC compatibility and cleaner power supply, all these improvements create the ability to accommodate future streaming features and keep you on the cutting edge of technology for years to come.
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Completely redesigned interior with 90% new electronic components and cutting-edge technologies elevate performance
- New 'Purer-Power' low-noise linear power supply, with twice the capacity of the previous version and an even lower noise design, ensures a clean and stable power supply
- Upgraded Tesla G3 streaming platform is eight times faster than its predecessor
- New Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology connects the audio input and output directly to the processor, helping to reduce latency and jitter by a claimed 90%
- Lightning DS App is considered excellent and second to none for library and playlist management, and is extremely fast and responsive
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available on Apple iOS devices, which may be limiting for Android users
- The digital filter options within the Lightning DS app are considered marginal
- A reviewer missed the Vega/Altair selection knob from previous models for menu management
- The benefits of the ARIES G2.2 may only be fully realized with a high-quality system, making it a significant investment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ARIES G2.1, the G2.2 offers a significant upgrade in performance with demonstrably lower noise, more detail, and a larger—more detailed—image, almost doubling the amount of musical data revealed
- Melco was more open and with better timing, while AURALiC had a smaller image, deeper bass, and possibly stronger bass
- Adding the ARIES G2.2 to the VEGA G2.2 allows the VEGA G2.2 to relax slightly
Takeaway: The AURALiC ARIES G2.2 is a high-end streamer offering a clear upgrade over previous models with a focus on reducing noise and increasing processing power, perfect for detail and nuance. With excellent software and solid construction, it is a great foundation for a top-tier system to enjoy music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Visit
Aries G2.2
Page
Product Page
NSC 222
8999
/
Released
2023
Naim
The NSC 222 is a versatile streaming preamplifier designed to elevate your listening experience. With its cutting-edge engineering and elegant British design from Naim, this product delivers impeccable sound quality. It allows you to stream music and radio seamlessly and supports vinyl and audio headphones. Plus, it functions as a high-performance analogue preamplifier. To create an exceptional setup, simply pair it with the NAP 250 power amplifier and your favourite loudspeakers.
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Naim's streaming platform is built in, giving listeners access to popular services like Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz, while allowing them to see the metadata and cover art on the NSC's large color screen
- Versatile, supporting numerous streaming services, pre-programmed internet radio stations, is Rune-ready, and supports Airplay 2 Bluetooth with aptX, Chromecast, and more
- Both analog and digital input options are available, including a very high-quality moving magnet phono preamp and a headphone jack and amplifier
- Exceptional build quality, constructed from thick aluminum plates that have a subtle brush texture
- The new Naim Focal App is a huge improvement and very stable, and the remote is also excellent, lighting up when picked up
Product Considerations
- Lacks an HDMI port
- Audible hiss was exhibited from both the KEF and Klipsch tweeters from distances up to 4 feet
- The feel of the volume dial disappoints
- There is no USB Type B input
Takeaway: The NSC 222 is a versatile streaming preamplifier packed with useful features. It's designed for those wanting quality separates without a lot of clutter and offers high-quality sound, making it a worthwhile consideration for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Visit
NSC 222
Page
Product Page
Pasithea
5433
/
Released
2022
Sonnet
Pasithea, the personification of relaxation and meditation. It is fair to say that in our latest design this has been achieved. A new dac above the Morpheus, with better specifications and more versatile. But above all, a soundscape as if it had come directly from the recording engineer's mixing console, without any degradation. There are few words to describe a product that does its work so neutrally.
Sonnet Audio is known for their unique R-2R ladder DAC design that splits 24-bit signals into two 12-bit streams processed by separate resistor networks, and their DACs feature volume control through reference voltage adjustment rather than digital potentiometers. Their products, including the Morpheus and Pasithea DACs, use a modular design with upgradeable components and emphasize non-oversampling techniques for natural sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Highly resolving DAC with a finer-grained view of music and exceptional clarity, allowing listeners to hear into the recording down to fine-grained details
- Offers a refined and smooth presentation, along with a touch of warmth, enhancing the mellow character of vocal performances
- Presents music vividly and non-fragmented, dealing effectively with psychoacoustic phenomena and reproducing music with more vitality
- Features a very low noise floor, contributing to excellent detailing and a sense of 'silence' that enhances resolution
- Provides good flexibility with inputs such as I2S and USB standard without module changes, along with both single ended and balanced outputs
Product Considerations
- Build quality and aesthetics may not inspire confidence considering its price, with some components appearing budget-oriented
- Some reviewers found the industrial design and enclosure to be somewhat dull or lacking in luxury, prioritizing technology over appearance
- Some find that it trades some detailed information in exchange for its smooth and refined sound profile
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Pasithea offers a finer-grained view of music with more resolution, improved linearity, lower distortion, and a lower noise floor than the Sonnet Morpheus DAC
- Pasithea mimics many of the positive attributes of the MayDAC, though offers a slightly more relaxed rendition of air, decay, and harmonics
- Pasithea is more pure-sounding (lacking coloration) than the Totaldac d1-tube DAC/Streamer, but Totaldac has a plumper and larger sound image
Takeaway: The Pasithea is a DAC that provides excellent clarity, detail, and a refined sound, making digital music very enjoyable to listen to; it is best for those looking for something smooth and refined.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonnet Audio is known for their unique R-2R ladder DAC design that splits 24-bit signals into two 12-bit streams processed by separate resistor networks, and their DACs feature volume control through reference voltage adjustment rather than digital potentiometers. Their products, including the Morpheus and Pasithea DACs, use a modular design with upgradeable components and emphasize non-oversampling techniques for natural sound reproduction.
Visit
Pasithea
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Praised for ultra-transparent sound, accurately converting digital signals into music with no digital signature, resulting in a natural and authentic sound
- Built with extensive noise-suppressing technology to boost clarity and performance
- Provides a very detailed sound without sounding etched or overly detailed
- Delivers a sound geared for well-developed tone, round edges, softness, moisture, hefty bass, density, and a pitch-black background
Product Considerations
- Uses a generic Apple remote, which is functional, but not custom-designed
- Sounds a little on the dark side of neutral
- The analog output only comes with RCA connection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Has a naturally weightier, rounder disposition, while the Lampizator Pacific is quicker, more open, and energetic
Takeaway: The Aavik D-180 is a DAC that focuses on delivering a transparent and natural sound by minimizing noise and accurately converting digital signals. This DAC can hold its ground against competitors if you like the Aavik sound.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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