It would be fun to have several of these top DACs all together for comparison at the same time. I suspect the result would be that the performance of most of these "flagship" DACs would end up more a matter of being "somewhat different but not meaningfully better," although some may mate with certain equipment better.
Listening to the LaScala here today and it may be complemented a bit better through the Atsahs, which seem to have an iron grip on the lower registers. The LaScala has tons of drive and the music is clear, full-toned and as loud as you want it without any sign of strain. Through the SMc DNA-2 LAE, it may display a bit better dimensionality but it is beautiful sounding through both amps and more of the "total package" when played through the Atsahs, because of their grip on the bass. The distributer suggests trying something other than the stock power cord, which I will do later today or tomorrow.
The Hex seems to sound a little better through the SMc amp. I would really like to hear the Bricasti and the ODSE but like 4425 says,
I will have the Pavane through here in a few weeks so that should be interesting too.
Listening to the LaScala here today and it may be complemented a bit better through the Atsahs, which seem to have an iron grip on the lower registers. The LaScala has tons of drive and the music is clear, full-toned and as loud as you want it without any sign of strain. Through the SMc DNA-2 LAE, it may display a bit better dimensionality but it is beautiful sounding through both amps and more of the "total package" when played through the Atsahs, because of their grip on the bass. The distributer suggests trying something other than the stock power cord, which I will do later today or tomorrow.
The Hex seems to sound a little better through the SMc amp. I would really like to hear the Bricasti and the ODSE but like 4425 says,
Can't imagine meaningfully better performance,at least through my system.
I will have the Pavane through here in a few weeks so that should be interesting too.