For sale is the brilliant and dare I say sexy Laiv Harmony DAC. This one is in Silver. It comes with the original inner branded Laiv box and outer generic box. Includes all original items.
It is a great implementation of an R2R ladder DAC and has performed well with ROON and also HQPlayer via USB and i2s
I also have a separate advert for the Laiv DDC (also in silver), these work well together
I am the original owner and have owned it since Aug 2024, it was brought directly from LAIV as there was no Australian distributor/seller at that stage.
The DAC comes with a solid metal remote that can be used to toggle the screen, and change inputs etc. This can ship safely double boxed and with the Laiv packing foam it will travel interstate without concern.
please ask if you require any additional photos of the box etc.
shipping can be arranged separately
WARRANTY INFORMATION (Private Seller)
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
User reviews and community discussions praise the Laiv Harmony DAC, an R2R design, for its exceptional sound quality emphasizing clarity, dynamics, and naturalness, though some note listener fatigue from excessive resolution and a slightly colored signature.
### Sound Quality
- Reviewers describe it as delivering pure information, stunning clarity, and sonic punch with transformed harsh treble into complex overtones, strong bass after burn-in (150+ hours), and holographic depth/soundstage that feels "like the band is in the room."
- Excels in resolution, dynamics, and realism on high-res material, with lively NOS mode and smoother OS mode; measurements confirm ~110dB dynamic range, low noise (3.9µVrms 20Hz-20kHz), and good crosstalk (<-96dB).
- Slightly colored with enjoyable harmonic distortion (THD+N consistent, ~0.0035%), but can sound bright/screechy on poor masters or overly hyped/processed, leading to fatigue over time compared to fuller rivals like LTA Aero.
- Voices and instruments sound natural, smooth, and detailed without ESS-style harshness.
### Build Quality
- Features a linear power supply with large transformer and effective shielding (mains leakage <-145dB), contributing to low noise; praised implicitly for high-end feel in under-$5K class.
- No major complaints; seen as well-engineered for R2R architecture.
### Reliability
- Limited direct mentions, but positive long-term impressions after burn-in and extensive listening; no widespread failure reports in discussions.
- Community calls it "endgame" for some systems, suggesting dependable performance.
### Strengths
- Benchmark-level transparency and musicality in price range, dominating rivals in resolution/oomph.
- Versatile NOS/OS modes for customization; excellent small-signal handling (~16-18 bits).
- Natural, immersive staging praised across forums.
### Weaknesses
- Potential fatigue from hyper-resolution; not the most neutral (colored vs. ultra-low distortion delta-sigma DACs).
- Jitter performance could improve; NOS shows quantization steps (no internal filtering).
- Requires external volume control/preamp in some setups, adding cost.
- Brightness on certain content.
### Overall Reputation
Communities view it as a top R2R contender under $5K, potentially a "new benchmark" or "product of the year" for subjective musicality, despite not leading objective metrics; hype feels real for fans of engaging, non-fatiguing sound, but comparisons reveal limits vs. pricier options.
### Sound Quality
- Reviewers describe it as delivering pure information, stunning clarity, and sonic punch with transformed harsh treble into complex overtones, strong bass after burn-in (150+ hours), and holographic depth/soundstage that feels "like the band is in the room."
- Excels in resolution, dynamics, and realism on high-res material, with lively NOS mode and smoother OS mode; measurements confirm ~110dB dynamic range, low noise (3.9µVrms 20Hz-20kHz), and good crosstalk (<-96dB).
- Slightly colored with enjoyable harmonic distortion (THD+N consistent, ~0.0035%), but can sound bright/screechy on poor masters or overly hyped/processed, leading to fatigue over time compared to fuller rivals like LTA Aero.
- Voices and instruments sound natural, smooth, and detailed without ESS-style harshness.
### Build Quality
- Features a linear power supply with large transformer and effective shielding (mains leakage <-145dB), contributing to low noise; praised implicitly for high-end feel in under-$5K class.
- No major complaints; seen as well-engineered for R2R architecture.
### Reliability
- Limited direct mentions, but positive long-term impressions after burn-in and extensive listening; no widespread failure reports in discussions.
- Community calls it "endgame" for some systems, suggesting dependable performance.
### Strengths
- Benchmark-level transparency and musicality in price range, dominating rivals in resolution/oomph.
- Versatile NOS/OS modes for customization; excellent small-signal handling (~16-18 bits).
- Natural, immersive staging praised across forums.
### Weaknesses
- Potential fatigue from hyper-resolution; not the most neutral (colored vs. ultra-low distortion delta-sigma DACs).
- Jitter performance could improve; NOS shows quantization steps (no internal filtering).
- Requires external volume control/preamp in some setups, adding cost.
- Brightness on certain content.
### Overall Reputation
Communities view it as a top R2R contender under $5K, potentially a "new benchmark" or "product of the year" for subjective musicality, despite not leading objective metrics; hype feels real for fans of engaging, non-fatiguing sound, but comparisons reveal limits vs. pricier options.
This content has been generated using AI analysis. While we strive to ensure accuracy and quality, AI-generated material may occasionally contain errors or omissions. All information should be independently verified, and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers or editors.
The fair market price for the Laiv Harmony DAC in AUD is approximately $4,000–$4,300 for new units, based on recent Australian retailer listings and international pricing adjusted for currency and taxes.
### Price Range and Condition Variations
- New: $4,199 AUD (on sale from $4,299) at Groove Audio; $1,683 AUD (sale from $1,767) at Elise Audio, though the lower figure may reflect a promotional discount, bundle, or regional variance.
- Used: No recent user-reported sales or secondary market listings (e.g., eBay, Audiogon) appear in available data, suggesting limited resale activity; expect 20–30% depreciation ($3,000–$3,500 AUD) for excellent condition based on typical high-end audio trends, but confirm via local marketplaces.
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Retailer and Location: Australian prices are highest due to import duties, GST (10%), and shipping; direct from LAiV is $2,849 USD (~$4,300 AUD at 1.51 USD/AUD rate) ex-tax/shipping, while SGD listings convert lower (~$3,000–$3,800 AUD).
- Promotions/Bundles: Discounts like Groove's $100 off or Elise's ~5% reduction lower effective cost; LAiV offers bundles and free shipping.
- Model Specs and Demand: Premium R2R architecture, modular design, and features (e.g., I2S support, NOS/OS modes) position it as a <$5K benchmark, boosting value amid positive reviews.
- Currency Fluctuations: SGD/USD pricing (e.g., $1,349–$3,395) converts variably to AUD; AUD strength impacts imports.
Prices are stable as of late 2025 data, with no major depreciation noted. For real-time accuracy, check Australian hi-fi retailers.
### Price Range and Condition Variations
- New: $4,199 AUD (on sale from $4,299) at Groove Audio; $1,683 AUD (sale from $1,767) at Elise Audio, though the lower figure may reflect a promotional discount, bundle, or regional variance.
- Used: No recent user-reported sales or secondary market listings (e.g., eBay, Audiogon) appear in available data, suggesting limited resale activity; expect 20–30% depreciation ($3,000–$3,500 AUD) for excellent condition based on typical high-end audio trends, but confirm via local marketplaces.
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Retailer and Location: Australian prices are highest due to import duties, GST (10%), and shipping; direct from LAiV is $2,849 USD (~$4,300 AUD at 1.51 USD/AUD rate) ex-tax/shipping, while SGD listings convert lower (~$3,000–$3,800 AUD).
- Promotions/Bundles: Discounts like Groove's $100 off or Elise's ~5% reduction lower effective cost; LAiV offers bundles and free shipping.
- Model Specs and Demand: Premium R2R architecture, modular design, and features (e.g., I2S support, NOS/OS modes) position it as a <$5K benchmark, boosting value amid positive reviews.
- Currency Fluctuations: SGD/USD pricing (e.g., $1,349–$3,395) converts variably to AUD; AUD strength impacts imports.
Prices are stable as of late 2025 data, with no major depreciation noted. For real-time accuracy, check Australian hi-fi retailers.
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