Vinshine Audio DAC-R2R-REF

I spent some time at my local Hi-Fi shop with my Vinshine DAC-R2R REF (About $1,600). This is not really a review, just a brain dump of my thoughts. I listened to a lot of DSD and some high-res PCM files fed by an Aurender N10 ($8,000) with Shunyata Venom USB ($125). A couple songs were streamed in 16/44.1 from Tidal. This DAC sounds really nice with DSD so I find myself listening to a lot of it. The stereo was setup with my personal favorite components which I have spent a lot of time with. Focal Sopra 2.0 speakers ($14,000), Constellation Audio Inspiration 1.0 preamp ($9,900), Constellation Audio Inspiration Stereo 1.0 amp ($11,000). Cables were Analysis Plus Ultimate Power Oval ($1,975), Solo Crystal Oval balanced interconnects ($913), and Solo Crystal 8 speaker cables ($3,400 in this length). The Constellation Audio stuff was connected via their "direct" interconnection method which bypasses an additional gain stage from the power amp. I think this was an MIT interconnect but I did not pay close attention. Everything electronic is supplied with spic-n-span, squeaky-clean power from a Shunyata Hydra Triton V2 power conditioner ($6,000 ish) The other two DACs were plugged in with Shunyata Alpha power cables. I put Magico Q-Pods underneath the Vinshine not because I thought it would be helpful, but because they were sitting right there. :redface:
 
DAC competition was MSB The Analog DAC with analog volume control (not used in this situation), upgraded power base, and premium quad rate DSD module. In this configuration it comes in at an MSRP of $12,580. The second DAC compared was the Aqua La Scala MKII DAC ($6,600). This one is very new to me. I'd only heard it once before. However, I've spent a lot of time with The Analog DAC from MSB, as well as their Platinum DAC IV, and even a brief listen to the Select DAC II. 
 
The Vinshine DAC-R2R REF provides a sound character that only a resistor ladder DAC can achieve. There is simply no comparison to a delta-sigma DAC. To my ears and from my experience, an R2R DAC gives a much more believable sound. The timbre of instruments is more natural, the imaging is more realistic, and the overall presentation sounds more like there are real people playing real instruments in my living room. That is what I want from a high end sound system. I included the pricing of the pieces used in this comparison because I feel that the DAC-R2R REF gets me very near my desired level of "believable" for much less than you would expect. Was it better than the MSB? Not at all. Was it better than the Aqua? Not quite, but I would not give up the Vinshine for the Aqua. Despite its relatively low price, the Vinshine DAC-R2R REF was very comfortable to step up to the plate next to these heavy hitters.
 
The DAC-R2R REF has great timbre, excellent timing, and very good sound staging. However, the MSB Analog DAC exhibited superb sound staging and even better timbre. The Aqua La Scala had a little bit better sound stage than the DAC-R2R REF, but otherwise did not do much for my tastes. There are also some issues with its USB implementation. While the Vinshine did not win this shootout, I never expected it to. I only wanted to reinforce the fact that I've found a DAC that will give me that excellent "believable" sound that I have been searching for. The other DACs present the R2R sound, but with just a few more tweaks and improvements at a substantial cost premium. The results of this shootout allow me to conclude that I need to trade my Focal Electra 1028 Be2 speakers in for Focal Sopra 2.0. :biggrin: Now I only need to decide the right color. 
 
I received an Intona Industrial USB isolator the day before I did this listening test. I am not sure if I like what the Intona is doing to the DAC-R2R REF yet. I will need more time to decide. It seems to make everything sound very "forward" and less dynamic. This is really confusing to me, so I want to give it some more time before I form a real opinion on it.
 
Sorry for the potato quality photos. All I had on me was my Iphone. 

(The DAC) Already it beat my red wine audio isabellina with full options with premium tubes..

It is honest,  you will not believe the amount of headphone amps I have.....Heh heh... the a/b (test) is not from memory. ....that is why I don't sell my used amps...Also wanted to be sure the sq are different in a way not from 'maybe' or memory but actual same source, same headphones.

I too, will buy another set if I have extra cash....it is that good, I have lots of tube amps, lazy to unplug and plug the cables, there is something about the r2r dac.....I am not good with words but the ears cannot lie, it is just very additive. I have about 20 headphones from cheap to hd800, t1, ps1000, low impedance to high impedance,  it just drive them well to their potential. Except that the high impedance ones, the volume is at 12 o'clock onwards and I feel good that I am able to turn to 12 o'clock as even with amps designed for high impedance,  I am not able to turn above 10 o'clock before hurting the ears.

Firstly, my sincere thanks to Alvin for organizing this tour and Stanley for the hassle free delivery. The unit has just been passed to Ricky this evening.

The 3 days spent with the Vinshine DAC has been pretty positive, as this is my first real experience with a R2R DAC. My current setup is the Lumin D1, Amtrans APCG-01S (very generously on loan from a bro), Bel Canto REF500S and KEF LS50. With the Vinshine DAC, listening was done via USB from my laptop with the JRiver software.

I first spent some time on the headphone out to get a feel of the unit. It had a slightly warm and dark signature with a meaty tonality. With my Fitear TG334 on a Toxic Hydra silver litz cable, it delivered a very good performance with pinpoint imaging and quite good separation and details. Soundstage depth was very good with believable width. This was a particularly pleasant surprise, as the headphone out on most DACs usually only deliver decent and unspectacular performances.

With much anticipation, I hooked up the unit to the preamp and powered it. Initial impression was not positive; it sounded hazy and soft, much like the rays from the sun trying hard to shine through dark clouds. I figured that it was just a 5 day old unit and left it to play overnight on soft volume. After a night of playing, as expected, the sound quality improved significantly.

As a dedicated DAC, the signature of the unit very much mirrored the headphone out; slightly warm and dark sounding, with a meaty tonality. It also had a organic and slightly holographic presentation, delivering a smooth and non fatigue listening experience. Despite the meaty tonality, it was not slow sounding, and Rock music sounded right. Resolution is pretty good and details were presented naturally and never in my face or forward. Bass was punchy but could be tighter. Vocals was organic, natural sounding with finesse. Treble was extended and smooth.

In conclusion, there is much to like about the Vinshine DAC. It is slightly warm, organic and smooth while retaining good resolution. The above average headphone amp on board and the ability to be used as a preamp adds much value to the DAC as well. 

After >48 hours of running in. Had a longer listen to this DAC.

My setup is melco N1A--> wireworld platinum starlight usb--> vishine DAC
Usual setup is melco--> stock melco ethernet cable--> lumin A1

Compared to newly opened unit, the stage does open up. The signature would be warm as compared to lumin in my opinion.

Again, the presentation is punchy and plenty of bites. Good for pop, rap, R&B songs in my opinion. Good attack and I enjoy when I listen to these genre of songs.

If you are using usb interface, I would recommend to invest on quality audiophile usb cable. I get more transparent, lower noise level, better bass extension with wireworld usb cable as compared to the stock usb cable.

Sound stage opens up after running in, with improvement of depth. Lumin A1 streamer + DAC does have wider stage , more layering and holographic sounding. 
Considering the price difference  (lumin A1 almost 4 times more expensive), one should expect better performance by lumin.

This DAC performs well above its price. I have heard worse performance in similar priced DAC, and even some more expensive DAC.

Overall it exceeds my expectation and this is a good buy for those looking for value for money DAC. Especially now having promotion for the loan program.

Going to pass to the next person, let's see what other bros think about this DAC.

Short experience with R2R Dac
Alvin helped burn-in a new dac for 3days
Received it on Sunday 3pm. He helped set-up and install drivers
Replaced a TEAC UD501 dac.   Note : Normal hifi system
As per recommended listened using usb. 
Source Dell laptop using Spotify and JRiver. 
Thoroughly enjoyed the R2R dac sound next 3 days.
Description of sound: Prat, warm mid range
Smooth high and good low resolution. 
Foot tapping and just 'enjoy the music' feeling.         
Decided to put my money where my mouth is... lol
Forgot to mention. The headphone section can hold its own. Using Audeze LCD2.
Thx Alvin.