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andrewebay1
259
Jun 7, 2018
I really wanted to support this drop. I don't even need a DAC but I put my money in because sub $500 for an R2R ladder DAC functioning at 25bit is FANTASTIC. Massdrop already had me join in but then I canceled my order and here's why..
After some reading, it seems that Airist has taken the design straight from another designer and put their name on it. Attached is a picture of the Hibiki Ladder DAC board and the Airist LadderDAC board. The defense of Airist is the programming on that center square chip but if the board has the same "plumbing" then there should be some moral problems with the design, wether that be a legal issue or not I do not know but I can not support this drop. Sorry, I'd rather spend money on Schiit digital than buy this and I'm not a big fan of Schiit digital -- but at least their designs are 100% Schiit.

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Tezz
9
Jun 7, 2018
andrewebay1Due to MD policy than won't allow to return the product I will wait until some users will post their comment. After the comment I eventually will take a decision. As always when we are reading user comment it's depends essentially on how educated are the listener ears and what listening experience has on different quality products. I want standard USB input (not micro, non usb C), femto clock, I2S over HDMI and upgradable firmware. I don't care if the resistor and schematic is taken from other manufacturer. The FPGA software is so important !! I would like to get the approach of Mr. Jitariu from Rockna Wavedream DAC. I have no words to describe the listening experience !!!
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gwur
20
Jun 7, 2018
andrewebay1Where do you buy Hibiki?
andrewebay1
259
Jun 7, 2018
gwurI have no idea, I believe through Chinese distribution sites which I wouldn't recommend going through unless you have had prior experience or want to gamble with your money to try. And if you do that successfully and receive the board, you will need to do DIY and supply some parts that are not included with it (chassis, power supply, etc) to get it up and running. And if you do that successfully and program/stamp that Xilinx chip, you can sell it as your own according to some.
johnjonathan
11
Jul 2, 2018
andrewebay1it's not actually, the popular magni 3 is just a copy of Kevin Gilmore's Dynalo, but a lesser version of it ...
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