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Posted by Romy the Cat on
04-07-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d From Larvy Site:
Features like a USB input, programmable settings, infrared remote capability, and the proprietary >PiC< Playback Image Control™ make the DA11 more than just a great sounding DA converter.
In keeping with the Lavry Engineering tradition of innovation in the pursuit of excellence, the DA11 combines customer requested features with a flexible approach to controlling the stereo image. The patent pending >PiC< Playback Image Control™ allows the listener to adjust their position within the stereo sound field in a way that is unique to the DA11. Applications include adjusting the stereo width to create a headphone listening experience more like listening in a room with speakers, or moving the “sweet spot” with asymmetrical speaker placement.
A full compliment of USB, XLR, RCA, and optical digital audio inputs offer flexibility in using computer, network music, or stand alone CD player sources, as well as studio equipment. Balanced and unbalanced output options are provided for ease in connection to a wide range of HiFi as well as professional audio gear.
With the addition of infrared remote capability, the DA11 allows the listener to easily control important functions from the listening position with the added benefit of working with most universal remotes. The remote Mute function controls both headphone and main outputs, while a separate main output On/Off setting makes private headphone listening convenient.
Like the highly acclaimed LavryBlack DA10, the DA11 offers extreme transparency and musicality in DA conversion with the ability to control speaker volume using digitally controlled ANALOG volume circuitry. This allows the DA11 to be connected directly to a power amp or powered monitors without a preamp for the ultimate in “straight-wire” listening. With unparalleled precision in channel matching throughout the volume range, this feature allows the listener to easily reset the volume to a known level for consistent enjoyment with minimal signal degradation. Like all other programmable settings, the Volume setting is retained in memory when the power is turned “off.”
The DA11 features:
Ultra low jitter mode to minimize source degradation.
Patent Pending >PiC< Playback Image Control™.
Accepts input sample rates between 30kHz and 200kHz
Potentiometer-free digitally controlled analog volume circuitry.
High power discrete headphone output.
XLR, USB, RCA (Coaxial) and Optical (Toslink) digital inputs.
Optional Infrared Remote control
Power On/Off muting protection on Main and Headphone outputs
Balanced or unbalanced outputs with Polarity Inversion
Included XLR to RCA adapters for easy connection to RCA inputs
http://www.lavryengineering.com/white_papers/DA11_Manual.pdf
http://www.lavryengineering.com/white_papers/DA11_PIC.pdf
http://www.lavryengineering.com/white_papers/DA11_PIC.pdf
The Cat
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Posted by Antonio J. on
04-08-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d I was considering this unit to set up a modest high resolution files playback system in my main rig. I'd play the downloaded files on a portable computer to feed via USB this toy. A friend of mine is purchasing one of these from the Spanish distributor, maybe I can have it here a few days to see how worth it is.
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Posted by scooter on
04-08-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d Interesting unit, especially relating to the headphone technique. Antonio, kindly let us know if the system can fool your Iberian ears (I think we all know the answer, but do entertain us)
In general, I wish audio engineers spent their time and money making the best possible simple gear rather than adding all kinds of gizmos, switches, lights, volume controls. In the end, I struggle to believe that these "options" can do anything but degrade sound
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Posted by Antonio J. on
04-22-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d I got it yesterday from the Spanish distributor. First thing was bringing it here to the computer to try the USB feature. The PC recognized it immediately as USB audio device. Without reading the instructions manual, something I usually do - not reading it I mean-, I had to fiddle a bit to get familiar to the controls to get the DAC linking the stream.
I played one of the BSO 24/88 files and just used a pair of headphones into its own headphones out, probably one of the crappiest ones I own. Using foobar to play the files, I wasn't able to use the Kernel mode, but on DS and set up at 24bits, the thing worked well. Can't say much about pure sound quality, but one interesting thing I noticed is that using the Lavry, the difference between a 24/88 and 16/44 stream regarding space amplitude and "presence" -I can't explain it better in my limited audio vocabulary- was way more obvious than when using the PC's sound card.
The "image" controls are one for each channel. They move further to the stage extremes the players, so you can go from practically pure mono to ultrawide stereo. I think I like better at 0.
At this moment I've put it in the main rig for some burn-in before any serious listening, if that thing is feasible and meaningful in my system. First impressions, using just headphones, are good. It doesn't sound completely sterile as I recall being its direct competitor the Benchmarck DAC-1.
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Posted by mats on
04-26-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d Bracket these comments with my general thrill over finally being able to play music from my computer.
(I did sell a pretty mint Evo VIII in part to get into this world.)
At first the Lavry DA-11 sounded a little "Pro", electronic, mechanical to my ears.
Applying care in selecting interconnects and power cord, as well as footing,
(Marigo's Mystery Feet, stunning!) brought the Lavry into a soulful realm.
It seems unfazed by complex passages. Yesterday I enjoyed very much
Jarvi's take of Kalinikov's Symphony No. 1. Mischa Maisky playing Bach's
Solo suites brings a warm glow to the heart. The sound from my Mac via USB
is correct in tone compared to the CD's, but a little softer in focus.
My 10' USB cord with a 6' extension probably makes any comments here ridiculous.
Help is on the way. Any suggestions regarding Mac to DAC connections would be appreciated.
Mats
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Posted by scooter on
04-26-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d
Hi Mats:
Thanks for the update. I find the Lavry DA-11 to be an interesting unit, not because of all the "features" but because of Mr Lavry's long history producing serous DACs and the consumer-friendly pricing. I do wish that Mr Lavry did not have any volume adjustments in these units, regardless of adjustment type and wonder if Mr Lavry would be amenable to setting a fixed output for an additional fee (the Gold pots can be partially defeated at the factory)
Some thoughts with respect to the Mac when using a DAC, based on my experience:
* Make sure that you use a fully dedicated USB 2.0 port on your Mac principally to maximize data throughput and minimize transmission volatility; some USB ports are tied to other internal services, such as the mouse, keyboard, etc and should be avoided. The right-hand USB port on my MacBook Pro is best for me, but you can search the internet for your model
* Both the Mac and the USB cable (when plugged in) cause interference with my recently serviced tuner. For me the solution is to disconnect the USB cable from the computer when listening to the tuner. I keep the Mac away from the tuner/antenna cable and note there is less interference when the Mac is running on battery power. I don't know if your Lavry is "noisy" but I see no downside in keeping it a few feet away from other equipment
* Somebody at the Goodsoundclub (Romy I think) discussed the DiscRotate program. If you listen to CDs, DiscRotate slows down your drive speed thereby reducing disc whirrrrrrrrring noise
* Computer optimization:
- itunes>preferences>playback, you should deselect <crossfade>, <soundcheck>, <enhancer> (that should be called un-enhancer by the way)
- itunes>window>equalizer, you should make sure the equalizer box is deselected
- OSX>system preferences>sound>sound effects, you should deselect the <sound effects> boxes
- OSX>audio midi>audio devices>audio output, you need to manually select format/bit rate when DAC is plugged in and turned on
- Optional: OSX is quirky regarding changes in format. When you change file format (say from 16/48 to 24/96), you want to make sure you adjust <audio midi> manually, so OSX is not making automatic format changes (let the Lavry deal with the native formats). After changing <audio midi> you may need to exit iTunes and reopen iTunes, then check that your <audio midi> adjustments "stuck." You could ignore these steps or just write a macro to do that
* For some reason, I have obtained unsatisfactory sonic results passing CDs to the hard drive (using both iTunes in the Mac and EAC in windows XP via Mac). I am puzzled here so will have to try on a dedicated Windows system with a better optical drive someday, perhaps (or not)
Good luck,
S
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Posted by scooter on
05-01-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d Hola Antonio & Hi Mats:
Now that you have had some time with the Lavry DA-11, would you mind sharing any additional observations with the club? Are there any superior characteristics or blatant issues worth noting?
Thanks,
S
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Posted by mats on
05-01-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d Hi Scooter,
First of all, thank you for the Mac check list. Very helpful!
About this Mac>More info>USB Device Tree: I appear to be able to select a dedicated port.
My Revox B-260 S tuner seems immune to the Lavry at this point. I have a ferrite tube on the power cord.
On the fly format changes in >audio MIDI> seem to "stick" in my OSX Version 10.5.6.
I see no glaring faults with the DA-11, except possibly the absence of HDCD.
The volume attenuator appears to be transparent.
It has great bass and a wonderful communication of space.
It is quite revealing, and not forgiving of bright material.
The BSO Brahms Requiem however is both sweet and brazen,
and the Mozart Chamber music for Winds and Strings from the BSO archives delightful.
Favorite CD's communicate emotion in a familiar fashion, even in deeper listening.
Frankly, I feel I have gained another enjoyable source of music.
How about you Antonio?
Mats
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Posted by Antonio J. on
05-02-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d I'm still in a burn-in phase. I'm having little time these days for some serious listening with loudspeakers, and the unit must have about 30 hours playing time. I have the DA-11 hooked to a headphone amplifier and I'm using different cans. As a transport I'm using an old Sony CD-X707-ES. One of the things that I've found more interesting at this point is that the DA-11 seems less sensitive to the transport quality and the type of digital link used. But nothing really conclusive yet. I'd say the Bidat sounds worse when using that Sony as a transport, and switching from coax input to toslink input has a clear impact in sound, while on the DA-11 that's way less noticeable. Better jitter rejection? What do I know!?
I agree that bass is very good, both in tone and extension. Also it doesn't have all the ultradetail and "airy" annoyances that I've found on most upsampling DACs, specially on voices. The DA-11 sounds very natural to me. However when listening just switched on, it sounds horrible. It needs about 30-40 minutes to settle down and start delivering the goods.
Spatial information seems to be one of its strong points despite I find the width adjustment quite useless, even using headphones. When widening the stage it removes energy forom the center, so anything placed there sounds recessed, very unnaturally recessed, while the image extremes get too energized. When narrowing the stage, everything moves to the center, which gets congested. At 0 sound is OK, but you're left wondering if the sense of space and instruments separation is what was recorded or still some fake processing the unit does. That's one of the things I'll need to assess using speakers.
Can't say much more. In some days or weeks, once I have the time and the unit is burnt-in for 100 hours in the least, I'll listen to it with the speakers so I'll know a few more things.
Rgrds.
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
09-30-2009
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fiogf49gjkf0d Some people I read about on Russian audio site made experiment running DA10 and Berkeley DAC in different systems and found Berkeley DAC more interesting. I am not sure what it means – I invest very little credibility to most of the people out there but it is what they report. The DA10 is 96K DAC vs. Berkeley is 192K. Both have stupid volume controls – I have no idea what they “compared”.
The Cat
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