How would you compare the TotalDac to the La Voce S3? Was there anything you disliked about the S3?
I like the S3, for the price point, it might be my favorite DAC.
But it was running into the WA33, it slants a bit dry for that amp, and there was a big gap between that and the DAC in my other system, so it was an obvious upgrade.
The Total DAC is just at a different price point and it sounds it.
Both are obviously NOS DAC’s, so you have to like that (some people don’t).
And TBH I find describing DAC differences (even large ones) in useful ways difficult, so take it for what it’s worth.
The TotalDAC is more resolving and insightful than the S3, what’s harder to describe is it’s ability to carry a rhythm, PRAT seems like a totally useless term in describing digital audio but it is also probably most applicable. Basically it manage to sound both more relaxed and more dynamic than the S3 depending on the source material.
TotalDAC is also a bit more mid/upper Bass forwards than the S3.
I have the live power upgrade, and mine has the streamer card built in, and I don’t think Vincent does that anymore, he only sells them in a separate box at a significant price difference.
I wrote this when I first got it
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Not sure if I want to change any of the three on my list yet but Diana MR has turned out to be a surprise knock out of the park experience.
Had about 5 hours of listening with it today and I’m really really enjoying what I’m hearing
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I have to change my 3 for 23 list, BECAUSE I just ordered my first pair of Bluetooth headphones. Sooo: Substitute B&O H9 3rd Generation for the Philips Fidelio X3s. I’ve been using the latter as my “out and about in the real world” headphones. Even though the B&Os were given only “average” (or even “below average”) grades by most reviewers, (1) I like the fact that they can be used (a) with a cord and (b) without power. Also: most reviewers praised their “signature” (including a decent, if unexaggerated, bass response), AND I am not concerned that they are (reportedly) deficient in terms of their noise canceling and transparency abilities. Finally (spoiler alert) I ordered them from Drop for $169. PS: As a bonus, I think they are quite handsome, and will still look good long after I’m gone.
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Well, I didn’t buy much this year after spending a TON of money on cans and gear in 2022, mainly because I was pretty happy with my setup for most of the year. But the one item I bought on a total flyer that impressed me was …
7hZ Salnotes Zero IEM. It’s shocking what kind of sound $20 can buy these days in IEMs. These don’t compete with units in the $100+ range, but they’re pretty damn sweet for basically three beers at my local microbrewery. A bit tizzy in the treble, but otherwise splendid tuning for me. Again, they’re $20!
The innovation and value in IEMs are just kicking the ass of over-ear headphones, open- and closed-back, at $100 and below, maybe even $150. I would recommend IEMs to over-ears to anyone in the market for a headphone at $150 or under. Better variety, more value, easier to drive, more portable, as the Moondrop Starfields I formerly owned also proved. Now I’m eager to try the Kiwi Ears Cadenza, Tangzu Wan’er and Truthear Hexa (a bit steeper price than others) for other cheapie gems.
My restlessness with my three over-ear headphones has returned after eight months of stability, which is a long time without a churn for me! My HD 6XX are welded to their stand, but I’m selling my LCD-X 2021 and Grado 325x now, eyeing either a ZMF Aeolus or Meze 109 Pro and an Audeze Maxwell as replacements. I know they’re not like for like, but I’ve learned through my journey that tuning and timbre and immersion in music are more important to me than ultimate detail. Plus, I game a lot and don’t own a closed back or wireless over-ear for music, and all reviews point to the Maxwell as a unicorn that could work for all those uses for me.
What a great hobby! Thanks to everyone in here for their fellowship and advice!
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You bet I do. And that daily driver is a cold can of Labatt Blue. 
Great analogy, by the way!
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Interesting looking back, I didn’t purchase any headphone or stereo gear in 2023, I was going to buy a DAP, but, nope just a new/old guitar was acquired.
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Best 3 things this year I discovered?
SMSL DL200 DAC/amplifier. It’s got a nice amplifier and sounds great, but it’s a 5 volt output DAC which helps since for the business I get heavy hitters like the HE6se a few times a year, and the Topping A90 or A90D I have at the time is a lot of fun with those and the preamp reduction to equalize them properly.
7hz Salnotes Zero:2 My new favorite IEMs which replaced the Simgot EA500 which I thought would never happen. So good, and price vs spendy others is amazing.
Topping L30 II which paired with an E50 DAC on optical is low ohm IEM nirvana, complete silent noise floor. It scores 100 on the ASR 50mv test, making it the most quiet amplifier on the market.
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