HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

I have the Long Dog linear PSU, and also the latest firmware for the SEG, and a Dorado. The SEG also has a few Supercaps fitted, but it just does not do it for me.

I have a Blue-jeans coax connecting source to DAC.

Have a look at the CA DMP then. You can return your LPSU to have the voltage and tip changed.

George Hincapie wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2019 3:56 pm @Fretless - €75 per chip. You'll need two.

Hey George. I remember you upgrading a Musette with DAC TWO chips. What was the SQ like?

Fretless wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2019 11:15 pm

George Hincapie wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2019 3:56 pm @Fretless - €75 per chip. You'll need two.

Hey George. I remember you upgrading a Musette with DAC TWO chips. What was the SQ like?

There wasn't a night and day difference in all honesty, but there was a definite improvement in the usual areas. I still use that DAC now for headphone listening. I thought it was worth it at the time.

HTH

The TeraDak 2.7 DAC arrived yesterday, blindingly fast for an AliExpress order - but I paid extra to get it shipped with DHL.

Fired it up briefly yesterday evening and the first thoughts were 'astonishingly musical' and 'Giant Killer'. Which is also what I thought of the Topping D30 - although the presentation of these 2 units is different.

More later when things have warmed through properly.

My thoughts are already heading towards the Teradak 4.5 Chameleon. 2-box, separate PSU, 16x parallel TDA1543 chips.

And there is a Sale coming on AliExpress in 2 weeks...

Really loving the TeraDak 2.7 in my 2nd system setup - will be putting it up against the Musette in the NVA set soon.

There are a lot of similarities with the Topping D30: They are relatively cheap (100-150 pounds), similar size (small), ultra simple to use and not flashy/bling but plain and functional. Inputs for coax, Toslink & USB. Stereo RCA output.

The Topping D30 can be upgraded with an external 15V PSU, the Teradak can't. Also the D30 can handle 192KHz and DSD input, the Teradak has only a max of 96KHz and no DSD.

Differences in sound: The D30 is a detail and dynamics monster. Very clear, very precise, great punch and weighty bass.
The Teradak 2.7 is rounder, airier and still very detailed. Less bass-slam but more 'natural'.

Looking at the rather confusing TeraDak series of NOS DAC's, I have worked out the lineup.

2.6 / 2.7 - used to be called the 'Valab' uses 8x TDA1543 chips.
3.1 - same device with better onboard PSU
4.1 - same device with big external PSU
4.5 - the 'Chameleon', 16x TDA1543 chips and external PSU.

This brand appears to be a modders favourite and there is a lot of info online about improving these devices.
They are all widely regarded as excellent performers for the price.

To be continued .. .

"This brand appears to be a modders favourite and there is a lot of info online about improving these devices.
They are all widely regarded as excellent performers for the price"

Had one several years ago and did loads of mods to it. Great VFM dac IMO.

Okay. So I fired up the Teradak 2.7 in the NVA system this afternoon. So good. Warm and foot-tapping sound, really enjoyable like a valve-style effect. Infectiously analogue and involving. Bizarre.

If I were told this was the only DAC I could ever listen to I wouldn't complain. Seriously. So much FUN! Bringing a smile to my face. This is the first DAC that has not had me wanting immediately to run back to the Metrum.

Playing a mega-loved album like 'Don Juan's Reckless Daughter' and you just don't want it to stop.

Switching back to the Musette then you realise that there's some fine detail lacking with the 2.7 - although you don't miss it when you're listening. The Metrum keyword is refinement. Subtle, organised detail presented with cool precision.

Ideally I'd like a bit of both. Looks like the Chameleon is becoming inevitable.