A few weeks ago I took the plunge and ordered a VDA 2 DAC to replace my VDA 1 that I have owned for about 5 years. I have the VAC 1 power supply, revelations audio CRYOED umbilical playing through a glass toslink - recommended through an older thread on this website (don't remember manufacturer but it bested a DH labs toslink it replaced about a year ago). The toslink runs into a Onkyo integra 6 disc changer, Odyssey stratos monos extreme amps, candela pre and lorelei speakers. Odyssey quatros cabling except for a Audio metallurgy 1.25 meter GA-2 running out of the VDA 2 to the Candela.
I spoke with Dusty at RMAF prior to purchasing the VDA 2 - he said the VDA 1 was good for the price but the VDA 2 is in another class altogether and all I can say is he wasn't kidding.
After installing the VDA 2 my initial impression was it was slightly more laid back than the VDA 1 but not that much different - I knew I had to let the burn in process begin -
After 25 hours of burn in using the ISOTEK system enhancer CD - the characteristics of the VDA 2 began to take shape. The bass extension was the first thing I noticed and am still blown away by as compared to the VDA 1. I don't have the capability to measure the low frequencies out of the Loreleis but I would say that bass is improved 60%. Bass extension and definition began to come into place which really enhanced the sound stage.
After about 50 hours the VDA 2 dac's capability to allow detail to come through from the music really began to become apparent. Small nuances in recordings like a vocalists breath intake at the end of a passage or an acoustic guitar string pick could be heard that wasn't there before. Overall soundstage was really opening up, especially to the rear.
Ive got about 75 hours now on the DAC and it is still opening up and becoming more revealing. The high end has settled down and has become more laid back, symbols and recordings that I thought were too shrill sounding to listen to at higher volumes before (older led zep, various rock recordings) are now a pleasure to listen to. I can hear much more into the music, music is emotional and engaging with the VDA 2. This upgrade has in effect given me what I feel is a new system compared to what I had with the VDA 1 DAC.
I haven't compared the VDA 2 to any other DACS directly but if I had to describe the VDA 2 I would say it is world class. For about $599 it is the most significant single component upgrade I have made in my system. - and it is still breaking in!
- Highly recommend!
- Martin
