Airist R-2R DAC and the sweet synergies
Intro
I am still new to the audio review world, especially DACs and amps, so forgive my transgression below if any are found. I got my grubby little hands on the Airist R-2RDAC review unit on loan from the Massdrop review/audition tour, which was handed off to me by @Torq.
Tackle
I used the Airist R-2RDAC with a couple of different amps (mostly Massdrop made with one made by me, kit provided by Bottlehead) which will be detailed below. I used mostly my HD800 Super Dupont Mod, and the Massdrop X Focal Elex, and just because there was so much Massdrop X gear I also listened with my HD58X Jubilee, and HE4XX (but I didn’t use them as much for review/impression). Everything really sounded great coming from the Massdrop “X” Stack!
Impression
Smooth, buttery smooth. With solid state amps it sounds crisp, but with a nice layer of velvet smoothness. Tube amps (hybrids count here too) just add more gooey magic to an already great sounding DAC. There is just something about the sound coming out of this that makes me go for it with my tube amps over all my other DACs.
Massdrop X Cavalli Liquid Carbon X
Out of the Massdrop Cavalli Liquid Carbon X (MCLCX) also on loan through Massdrop, which @Torq passed along to me for this impression.
It has a nice air to it, Bass is not overly present. Mids sound not too far out but about right for a nice relaxing listening session. Highs are rolled off just a little early for my preference, but after listening for longer sessions make for a much easier and enjoyable listen. A little distant feeling, very clinical. Now that isn’t to say it is bad here oh quite the contrary…it has precision in its delivery, while at the same time not being sharp, or piercing. It delivers with such sweetness that you can’t call it harsh, but it doesn’t hide the highs or mids. I was initially not very fond of the combo, but the more I spend listening to it…mmm it just melds so very well. Listening to “Hotel California” by the Eagles (remastered version), and wow, the detail, air and presentation are amazing. I am addicted to listening to all the details in this song. The R-2RDAC almost feels like a guilty pleasure DAC, it really is a smooth operator and just coats everything in a layer of sweetness that is hard to describe without sounding cheesy lol. I initially didn’t like using the R-2RDAC with a solid state like the MCLCX, but after putting some good listening time into it…I really can’t complain and find it to be a faster paced, but still relaxing go at my music.
Massdrop X Cavalli Tube Hybrid
Now out of the Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid (MCTH) my personal unit. Bass has presence! Mids are more intimate, and present. Highs snap, and roll off just about right. The R-2R really shines with some tubes! The details…oh the details. I pick up so much while listening to “Hotel California” By the Eagles (remastered version). The MCTH adds just enough tube goo, to make the combo come together like Milk and Honey. I really find this to be one of the more fun and relaxing combos I’ve listened to with the R-2RDAC. I could sit in the dark and drink some good whiskey, while listening to this combo for a long time. Just immense, airy, weighty, and covered in a light layer of sweetness. Just enough to let you know you’re listening to something special. I highly recommend this combo, it doesn’t have the same “punch” as the MCLCX but it makes up for it in even more warmth and smooth sparkle.
Bottlehead Crack
Ok…my favorite combo, Bottlehead Crack (BHC) another personal unit. Wow, just…wow. Basically, everything good about the MCTH just doubled/tripled/quadrupled? Too much? Never! Ha! The combo is sublime. Detail, air, intimacy, and a solid rumble in the lows. I can’t get enough of this combo, I’m going to be very bummed when I have to give the R-2RDAC unit back and have to wait for mine to be delivered. Now some of this might come from the fact that I put my BHC together myself, which fair, but also it is something that should be experienced, especially with the synergy of the R-2RDAC. Where usually the BHC adds the flavor to DACs, these two just dance together. Such a warm, intimate, yet layered with details experience. Kind of like a favorite memory that you can playback in your head, over and over. You know it well and can remember all the details down to smell/colors/surroundings etc. That is the feeling I get with these two. I can’t stop listening to them, and it is a battle with myself from turning the volume knob ever higher.
The end…for now
Now as a disclaimer I really am biased by my Bottlehead Crack, it has a special place in my audio chain, so know that it probably colored that part of the review lol. That being said the MCTH is no slouch here, and is my second favorite amp pairing. The MCLCX also pairs quite well and has more sparkle and analytical/neutral pairing, that the R-2RDAC adds just enough sweetness to.
I think the magic that the R-2RDAC delivers is due to its ability to separate out all the parts of a track, then lace them all together in a honeycomb dripping with goodness. I am really excited to get my hands on my R-2RDAC when it finally ships, now the wait became even longer, but also worth it. This is the first R-2R style DAC I’ve listened to so take that as you will. I do have a couple different DACs that I use for reference, to include RME-ADI2 DAC, JDS Labs El DAC, and a couple of integrated DAC/amps (NFB 11.28/The Element), all have their place. I really did enjoy the Airist R-2RDAC and I’m truly looking forward to getting my hands on my own insert Gollum quote about precious here. I hope you enjoyed the read, as much as I enjoyed listening to this lil DAC.