News

Apr 01, 2025

In Barn for Review: LAiV Audio Harmony µDAC - Twittering Machines

How about an R-2R DAC for under a grand? In Barn! The new µDAC from LAiV Audio (pronounced ‘live’) comes jam packed with LAiV tech including their R-2R Ladder Network, Discrete Class A Output Buffer,

How about an R-2R DAC for under a grand? In Barn!

The new µDAC from LAiV Audio (pronounced ‘live’) comes jam packed with LAiV tech including their R-2R Ladder Network, Discrete Class A Output Buffer, Accusilicon AS318-B Ultra-Low Phase Noise FEMTO Oscillator, and Galvanic Isolation all wrapped in a compact (less than 7″ wide) Unibody Aluminum Chassis. For under a grand. Nice.

Four digital inputs (I2S, Coax, Toslink, and USB), a pair of balanced XLR outputs, and 15V DC in for power. Simple.

Like the LAiV Harmony DAC I reviewed last summer, the µDAC can be run in NOS (non-oversampling) or OS (oversampling) mode via the front panel controls.

I’m going to let LAiV explain the insides:

That was nice (and easy).

Based on my experience with the LAiV Harmony DAC, I’m expecting big things from the little µDAC. Stay tuned!

LAiV Audio Harmony µDACPrice: $994Company Website: LAiV Audio

Specifications

Chip: Intel Altera Cyclone FPGAClock: Accusilicon AS318-B Ultra-Low Phase Noise FEMTO OscillatorDigital Inputs: 1 x USB, 1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial, 1 x I2SAnalog Outputs: 1 x XLR, maximum at 4 Vrms, approx. 82 ΩSupported Formats (Input dependent)

USB: PCM:44.1kHz – 768kHz | DSD: DSD64 – DSD256Optical: PCM: 44.1kHz – 192kHz | DSD: DSD64 via DoP onlyCoaxial: PCM: 44.1kHz – 192kHzDSD: DSD64 via DoP onlyI2S: PCM: 44.1kHz – 768kHz | DSD: DSD64 – DSD256

Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz, within ± 0.25 dBTHD+N: 0.006 %Crosstalk: ≤ -120 dBSignal to Noise Ratio (SNR): ≥ 125 dBDynamic Range: ≥ 110 dBFeatures

Sleek & Compact designNOS / OS ModePositive / negative phaseDisplay brightness, delay dim, and delay off8 x I2S Mode with Laiv product auto-configuredI2S clock supportedGalvanic isolation for enhanced signal purityLAiV Harmony R-2R ladder network architectureDiscrete class A output buffer.

Controls: Remote control | Front panelPower: 15VDC / 2A, DC 5.5/2.5 mm female.In the Box

Welcome card with Quick Start guideHarmony µDACPower adapter with interchangeable plugs

Warranty: 24-month limited warranty.