[AllanS]

Does anyone have experience or thoughts with / about comparable implementations of Woflson (8741 specifically), the latest AKM, and current Sabre chips?  I’m thinking specifically Lumin D2/D3 and AVA digital pre implementations. 
I’m considering upgrading my streamer / DAC (currently BS Vault / Schiit Bifrost).  Obviously the AVA would need to be paired with something like a Lumin U2 Mini but I’m probably most concerned about catering to what I believe is a preference for the most “musical” implementation.  I’m particularly sensitive to any kind harshness - some higher violin and piano literally notes literally grate on my nerves.  At the same time I don’t appear to be blessed / cursed with the golden ears that allow me to hear some differences that others find obvious.  Or maybe my front end is really limiting what I hear.
The D2 (Wolfson)/D3 (9028 Pro) have the one box advantage but the AVA (AKM), based on some good first hand reviews, is really enticing and is advertised as a pre (its own one box advantage).  TMR has a couple of D2s at attractive prices that have been sitting for a long time.
Thank you

[HAL]

The Wolfson WM8741 DAC filters are closer in sound to the AKM AK4499EX DAC's.  Specifically, Filter 5&6 that sound better than the Wolfson.

Good luck with the search.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I have a friend that owns the new Lumin D3 ($2500 and uses a Sabre Chip).  I helped him pick it out.  The DAC in the AVA Digital preamp is better.  It is smoother, a little warmer, has more detail and a holographic sound stage.  It had no fatigue in my system.  The Lumin sounds very good.  It has a neutral sound with a hint of brightness. I like both but if I were looking for the best sound quality with no harshness, I would go with the AVA.

By the way, the Lumin D3 sounded lightyears better than the $500 Blue Node.

[Jon L]

This is just a message for any people at Sabre who may be monitoring the 'net.  The day Sabre wakes up and implements a true NOS mode for their Sabre DAC chips, it will be a game changer, not for us to use that NOS mode by itself, but to send better-upsampled PCM or DSD-upsampled data via software such as HQ Player 

[AllanS]

Perfect.  Many thanks all.  It's what I needed to hear.
Larry I recall your comments about the D3/BSN and AVA digital pre in different threads.  Bringing your thoughts together here is quite helpful.  The AVA certainly sounds like it would be a better fit.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Perfect.  Many thanks all.  It's what I needed to hear.
Larry I recall your comments about the D3/BSN and AVA digital pre in different threads.  Bringing your thoughts together here is quite helpful.  The AVA certainly sounds like it would be a better fit.

I am very sensitive to harshness and brightness.  I can't listen to music that way.  I prefer neutral with a little bit of warmth and a smooth top end (I would take warm and syrupy over anything bright). The AVA dac will give you that in spades.  The sound stage is tremendous in my system and my sons.  It envelopes you with how wide, tall and deep it is.  The only DAC that had a similar sound stage was the Exogal Comet that I reviewed for the company.  However, it was a little thin sounding while the AVA dac sounds rich and full while maintaining the air and transparency. Usually there is a trade off but the AVA DAC does not have any trade off.   It is a no brainer to try one with their return policy.  And if you read my review on it, other AC'ers said my review on it was spot on which I was glad to see.

Let us know what you decide and how it sounds.

[JackD]

I would suggest you order an Eversolo DMP-A8 from Amazon and take advantage of it's 30 day no questions return policy to take it for a spin.  It includes a resistor based preamp module, a full function streamer and a top level AKM DAC.  It may solve all your needs and if not keep looking.  You seem to be inclined towards a streamer/DAC combo unit and you get that with the Eversolo along with the "real" preamp section with analog inputs and not one based on the DAC chipset. Nothing against AVA gear as I own several pieces, but this seems to be more what your looking for.  And I agree with Larry as I've owned a Lumin D series streamer.  That Sabre chipset in their implementation that seem strident on the top end if you're sensitive to it. Many satisfied customers are not as they've sold many thousands of those units.

[AllanS]

I am very sensitive to harshness and brightness.  I can't listen to music that way.  I prefer neutral with a little bit of warmth and a smooth top end (I would take warm and syrupy over anything bright)… And if you read my review on it, other AC'ers said my review on it was spot on which I was glad to see.

It sounds like our preferences are very much the same.  It’s just taking me a few years of putzing around with this stuff for that realization to gel.
I followed your reviews quite closely which is a reason why, if I go that route, I’d also consider eventually pairing the AVA digital pre with a AVA power amp.  A comment you made about AVA low volume SQ also stuck with me. 

I would suggest you order an Eversolo DMP-A8 from Amazon and take advantage of it's 30 day no questions return policy to take it for a spin.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I’ve been generally following the Eversolo DMP-AX evolutions but never gave any serious consideration.  I think the whole Android based thing put me off a bit as not being “audiophile” worthy, whatever that is even supposed to mean.  Playing in the back of my head is also the irrational thought that the thing packs too much for too little $$ for any of it to be quality.
The A8 does have some compelling qualities and features and the build seems to target important details.  The onboard DSP could replace the miniDSP SHD.  I bought the SHD primarily for base management but expected I’d make full use of Dirac.  It also has a lot of capabilities that, in theory, are handy but in practice go unused. All I really need is a couple of PEQ filters.
HDMI in is a bonus since most DACs only include optical, which I detest, as a secondary input for a TV.  The I2S out is a nice but it would go unused because I’d never put something like the A8 in a system if I only intended to use it as a transport.  The onboard storage is a definite plus as the next device would replace a BlueSound Vault.
 One of the concerns biasing my thought process the last year or so is North American support.  I’ve had gear from 6 different manufacturers in my system the past 3 years or so.  Schiit by far has proven to be the most reliable brand that also has responsive support and the best warranty.  I have or had 6 different pieces of Schiit (had to do it) in my system over the 4 plus years without a single problem. Smaller sample size, but NAD and BlueSound have also been problem free.  The other 3 have all failed; 6 pieces of gear, 3 warranty returns.  Thankfully the failures did occur in their respective warranty periods.  Response varied from very good to very slow but all required a small fortune in shipping to get fixed. 
 Maybe I’m in the wrong hobby, but that experience has me biasing my short list to smaller/lighter form factors.  If it was just a matter of reliability I’d build out with Schiit and be done but, much as I do like their gear, it all tends to be on the bright side.  I also don’t want 50# mono blocks in order to get more than 25wpc.
 Sorry for the length but this stuff has been on my mind for a while.
  I do think the DMP-A8 and AVA deserve an audition over the Christmas holiday break from school where I’ll have a couple of weeks to play.
Thanks much!

 

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Allan, you make a good point about being made in the USA.  I prefer gear that is built here except for maybe speakers as they rarely fail.  I have had great customer service from Pass, AVA, Cary Audio, BAT and Schiit.  I prefer electronics made here for ease of service and reliability.  I have not has any issues with any of the gear I have mentioned but when I had questions all the companies were happy to answer them.  I had a Parasound A21 amp that blew a relay.  I sent it back to Parasound and they fixed and got it back to me 1 week later and sent me a Parasound shirt for my troubles.