So I wanted to start this thread since there is not much info on this DAC on this forum. So I’m just going to try to give a quick intro for those who aren’t familiar, then provide my experience with it, and hopefully give Soekris some love at the same time.
The Soekris DAC 1541 is a 27-bit R2R DAC, with balanced outputs and XLR and 1/4" headphone out. Early versions were released in 2017 and the latest revision is rumored to be released at some point this summer.
I specifically wanted a Soekris DAC for many reasons. I had my eye seriously on the 1541 for 4-5 months (while also researching alternatives) and I haven’t been able to source one until recently. Knowing a new version is on deck, I still took advantage of an opportunity to snag one.
One of the main reasons why I wanted this DAC is because it was an R2R DAC with an XLR headphone out (I’m very aware of the alternatives). I’ll say that the headphone out can drive certain headphones appropriately, but I wouldn’t it as a primary amp.
The other compelling reasons I wanted a Soekris DAC was that they provide OEM R2R modules that are used in many other DACs such as:
Vishine Audio's Discontinued DAC R2R-REF (yes they make the Ares II which does NOT contain a Soekris module)
Now on to my impressions:
I’ll try to keep this as condensed as possible, and I’ll try to refrain in any audiophile terms such as “extraordinary depth of tone” and “string resonance immediacy”, which I can easily incorporate as accurate descriptions to what I hear out of this DAC.
I have been primarily using the Soekris 1541 DAC with a Violectric HPA V281 amplifier. Those two go well together and play to each other’s strengths to create an extremely balanced experience. The V281’s controlled and impactful bass with its rich mids tend to provide a warm leaning sound. While the Soekris 1541 brings a natural, yet analytical and smooth sound, which my previous parings DAC did not do as well of job.
I can go on and on about what this level of DAC will provide, many people already have written their impressions of their Bifrost 2 and Ares II, and I felt I’d probably use similar descriptions to describe this as well. I don’t want to be redundant as I do think this as capable as any of those DACS. I do think that pairing your amp with a complementing DAC is important, but I also understand that the availability of some DACs can be difficult so compromises may need to be made.
TLDR: If you have a warm or neutral amp such as Violectric/Lake People Amps, I’d nudge you towards trying this combo. If have a cold or brighter amp, you might prefer something else.
I’ve been using a Diana V2/Focal Clear as headphones while doing my listening, I’m not trying to over-hype anything, these were my observations, so YMMV.
