All
DACs — Laiv Audio Harmony DAC 2
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Laiv Audio Harmony DAC 2
Image source — © Laiv Audio
The Harmony DAC 2 is an accomplished digital-to-analogue converter from Laiv Audio, equipped with a direct input for an external 10MHz clock signal so no DDC is required to connect a reference clock, alongside digital isolation, a 12V trigger, and a colour LCD display. The Harmony DAC 2 brings Laiv's considered engineering to a serious, externally-clockable standalone DAC format.
Key specs that matter
DSD compatibility is comprehensive, with parameters supporting up to 768kHz PCM and DSD256. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Output level reaches 4.15V balanced or 2.05V single-ended, with output impedance at 50 ohms balanced or 25 ohms single-ended. Signal-to-noise ratio is an excellent 125dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.0035% at 22kHz. At 255 x 250 x 50mm and 7.5kg including spikes, the Harmony DAC 2 maintains a substantial standalone-DAC chassis, with firmware update capability supporting ongoing feature refinement.
Sound and use context
Expect exceptionally clean, high-resolution conversion reflecting the excellent 125dB signal-to-noise ratio combined with the low 0.0035% distortion figure, with the direct external 10MHz clock input allowing genuine reference-clock synchronisation without an intermediate DDC.
Pairing
The direct 10MHz clock input allows the Harmony DAC 2 to synchronise with an external master clock for improved timing accuracy, and LAiV offers an upgrade kit bringing some new-model features to owners of the previous Harmony DAC.
Alternatives
Laiv Audio's own broader DAC catalogue offers related alternatives within the same considered engineering philosophy.
Key specs that matter
DSD compatibility is comprehensive, with parameters supporting up to 768kHz PCM and DSD256. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Output level reaches 4.15V balanced or 2.05V single-ended, with output impedance at 50 ohms balanced or 25 ohms single-ended. Signal-to-noise ratio is an excellent 125dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.0035% at 22kHz. At 255 x 250 x 50mm and 7.5kg including spikes, the Harmony DAC 2 maintains a substantial standalone-DAC chassis, with firmware update capability supporting ongoing feature refinement.
Sound and use context
Expect exceptionally clean, high-resolution conversion reflecting the excellent 125dB signal-to-noise ratio combined with the low 0.0035% distortion figure, with the direct external 10MHz clock input allowing genuine reference-clock synchronisation without an intermediate DDC.
Pairing
The direct 10MHz clock input allows the Harmony DAC 2 to synchronise with an external master clock for improved timing accuracy, and LAiV offers an upgrade kit bringing some new-model features to owners of the previous Harmony DAC.
Alternatives
Laiv Audio's own broader DAC catalogue offers related alternatives within the same considered engineering philosophy.
Specifications
Model name
Harmony DAC 2
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to PCM 768 кГц · DSD256
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
4.15
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2.05
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
50
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
25
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
125
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
0.0035
Dimensions (mm)
255 × 250 × 50
Weight (kg)
7.5 with spikes
Official link
