[For Sale] Airist R2R DAC | Superb musical DAC that won't break the bank

[Ninja_Theory]

This is a SUPERB sub-$400 DAC. I've been thru a few DACs from entry to higher end. For me, this is one of the best musical DACs in the sub $400 range - and it gives some $800 DACs a run for their money. Sadly, it's a scarce unit- and only available thru Drop - when new stock is available, you can land it here in SA for R8500.

This is a feeler for now but will become a sale in the next 1-4 weeks. I am waiting for news on my replacement DAC. I expect it between mid-June and end June 2020 but possibly sooner (so basically in the next 1-4 weeks).

Item: Airst R2R DAC
Age: Bought from Drop on 30 Oct 2019, received in SA around 2 Dec 2019
Price: R5900
Warranty: Doubt it
Packaging: Yes original
Condition: Mint
Location: Jhb/Savoy/Sandton/Midrand/Randburg/Rosebank
Reason: CUD
Shipping: Sure cost & risk on you
Collection: Preferred but let's keep safe
Link: Airist R2R DAC

Drop photos:




My photos - the Airist is the bottom unit:



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[capetownwatches]

The fate of the mid-fi stack...slowly sold off, piece by piece, to be replaced by something more expensive in search of that extra 10%...😊
Such is the way of the rabbit hole, it will not be denied.

Lekker DAC this though, and might just be endgame for most sane folk.
GLWS

 

[Ninja_Theory]

The fate of the mid-fi stack...slowly sold off, piece by piece, to be replaced by something more expensive in search of that extra 10%...😊
Such is the way of the rabbit hole, it will not be denied.

Lekker DAC this though, and might just be endgame for most sane folk.
GLWS

Haha very true. My new (previously loved) DAC is costing me more than double the Airist, and all for that extra 10%, as you say. That said, the Airist is a stunning DAC for the price point. I would not consider changing it unless I know I can squeeze that extra 10%... which in this case I know I can as I have heard the replacement.. but as we know, this comes at a cost.

 

[Ninja_Theory]

OHPTU

 

[shadow.clone]

Not to clutter up your sale thread, but did you audition the new DAC for a long while? Sometimes we perceive "different" as "better". In a similar vein, your setup will start to feel "meh" after listening to it a lot, but it will come alive again if you give it a break or listen to something else.

By the way, is your new DAC AK4499-based? 😋

 

[Ninja_Theory]

Not to clutter up your sale thread, but did you audition the new DAC for a long while? Sometimes we perceive "different" as "better". In a similar vein, your setup will start to feel "meh" after listening to it a lot, but it will come alive again if you give it a break or listen to something else.

By the way, is your new DAC AK4499-based? 😋

Thanks for the advice. Yes I did listen to it properly and the purchase is from a highly regarded and trusted source who I (and many other audio enthusiasts) have dealt with many times. It's the Audio GD R28. I was going to buy the Topping D90 MQA if the R28 fell through.

 

[shadow.clone]

Not disparaging your approach - Just thought I'd mention... Also was curious if AK DACs were to your liking based on your R2R experience.

I recall correctly, I heard the R28 very briefly at Wolvebain's place. It was great. Huge footprint though.

 

[Ninja_Theory]

Not disparaging your approach - Just thought I'd mention... Also was curious if AK DACs were to your liking based on your R2R experience.

I recall correctly, I heard the R28 very briefly at Wolvebain's place. It was great. Huge footprint though.

Love AK DACs.. which is why the D90 MQA was my next choice. The R28's footprint only just makes the cut for me. I have space on the length and width but I only have space for 88mm height, and the R28 comes in at 85mm ! Wolvebain's audio setup is a little taste of heaven.

 

[Ninja_Theory]

Sold, forgot to close.