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Musician Delphinus, This Affordable R2R DAC Has Serious High-End Flavor.

Old Guy Hifi

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The Musician Delphinus is a simple, straightforward R2R DAC that focuses on sound quality instead of trying to be everything at once. It does not have a built-in streamer, and honestly, I think that may work in its favor. In this review, I talk about how the Delphinus compares with other DACs in its price range, including the "Gustard Audalytic DR70n", "Topping D70 Pro Sabre", "Topping D70 Pro Octo", "SMSL DO200", and the "Geshelli J3S". I also discuss how close it gets to its bigger Musician siblings, including the "Pegasus II" and "Pegasus III".

What impressed me most was the Delphinus’ natural R2R character. It is detailed without sounding sharp, smooth without sounding dull, and slightly warm without becoming overly soft. Add in excellent connectivity, balanced outputs, a remote, and very solid build quality, and this becomes a serious value DAC.

If you are looking for a musical, engaging, no-nonsense DAC that delivers a lot of the Musician house sound at a much more approachable price, the Delphinus deserves your attention.

• If you are interested in purchase a Delphinus, please consider using this Aoshida affiliate link: https://aoshida-audio.com/products/mu...

OR Use this Amazon Link and avoid any potential issues: https://amzn.to/4faJNUt

• If you wish to join the channel please click here: @oldguyhifi

• Community Post Playlists: Post

All of my reviews are completely subjective. I do not accept payment for reviews.

*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate links from Skylabs Audio, Amazon, eBay or other resellers. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn't affect your price or your ability to return something.

My Reference Set up includes:
• Advance Paris A12 Classic: https://shop.skylabsaudio.com?sca_ref...
• Black Ice Audio F22 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: https://blackiceaudio.com/integrated-...

Speakers:
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3WberDp
• Martin Logan Impression 11 ESL: https://www.martinlogan.com/en/produc...
• Magnepan LRS+: https://magnepan.com/collections/buy-...

DACs:
• LAIV Harmony R2R DAC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac
• Douk Audio Q100 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC: https://doukaudio.com/products/douk-a...
• Singxer SDA-6 PRO2 AKM DAC: https://aoshida-audio.com/products/si...

DDC/Re-Clockers
• Singzer SU-2: https://apos.audio/products/singxer-s...
• LAiV μDDC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-uddc
• Douk Audio U2 Pro (2025): https://amzn.to/3WfNKy8

Streamers:
• Audirvana is my primary streaming platform. 30 day free trial here: https://audirvana.com/try/
• Atoll MS120 Streamer DAC: https://www.paragonsns.com/products/a...
• Cambridge MXN10: https://skylabsaudio.com/products/cam...

CD Transports/Players
• Shanling CT90 CD Transport: https://forte-distribution.com/produc...
• ONIX Zenith XST20 Top-loading SACD/CD transport: https://forte-distribution.com/produc...

Analog:
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: https://amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• Black Ice Fusion 9 MKIII Tube Phono Preamplifier: https://blackiceaudio.com/preamplifie...
• Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN MC Cart: https://amzn.to/3C0PCna

Accessories/Cables:
• IsoAcoustics Isolation Products: https://skylabsaudio.com/collections/...
• Cabling by VIABLUE: https://viablue.de/en/.
• Cabiling by WireWorld: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com/collec...

Desktop gear:
• LAiV Crescendo Verse: https://www.laiv.audio/crescendo-verse
• Fyne F5E: https://upscaleaudio.com/products/fyn...
• Cambridge Audio MXW70: https://skylabsaudio.com/products/mxw...
• ISOAcoustics Aperta Series Stands: https://skylabsaudio.com/products/iso...
• Sound Solver, Large Desktop HiFi Audio Rack: https://sound-solver.com/products/des...

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:35 Review Outline
01:24 Get to the point!
02:29 Product description
03:23 Features That Matter
08:20 Close up look
12:37 Build Quality
13:18 Review System
14:47 I listen for four main things
15:37 Overall Sound Character
16:46 Soundstage and Imaging
17:48 Comparisons
23:07 A Note About Buying Online
24:22 Final Thoughts
25:55 Outro

20 Comments

@OldGuyHifi Creator 2 months ago Pinned

The Musician Delphinus really surprised me. It brings a lot of that smooth, engaging R2R character I enjoyed from the Pegasus models, but at a much more approachable price. No streamer, no unnecessary complications — just a simple, well-built DAC that sounds excellent. What do you think: would you rather have a DAC stay simple, or include streaming built in? If you wish to join the channel please click here: https://www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership.

@vendelius 2 months ago

Thanks again for a pleasant review... Take Care Sir

@ChrisPTA 2 months ago

Wow this dac is really cool. A lot for the money. Thanks Ed.

@JimmShaffer-vr9wu 2 months ago

Very good video, Ed. Thanks!

@JoeRosol 2 months ago

Ed! I like what you said in your heart to heart video about views etc. You said that the best sounding speaker is the speaker that you love to listen to. I have the psb alpha p5 speakers and they rock my world. Ed! You’re doing an amazing job introducing me to great sounding products at budget friendly prices. After your review of the philharmonic true minis I bought them and couldn’t believe what I was getting at 380 dollars. Thanks so much! Sound and built quality is amazing.

@Chris.Davies 2 months ago (edited)

Very good point, Ed. The other day I listened to some ignorant "reviewer" (LOL) saying "DAC X is better than DAC Y". BUT... when I looked at the output voltages of the DACs concerned it is evident that DAC X's output results in a 3dB volume boost - which is nearly always interpreted as "better sound". The only valid way to test audio gear is to rigorously level match the output, and then hot-swap A/B. It is crazy how many so-called reviewers do not understand this most basic fact.

edit: These days I am a huge fan of devices with windows on top. Not only for op-amp rolling, but because it gives a proud maker a way to show off their skillful circuit designs. When a maker says to me, "We WANT you to look behind the curtain, AND to admire our work, AND make it easy for you to modify" I find it to be a resounding claim of competent execution.

The ladders on this device are quite suitable for display via a top window. A real shame owners can't enjoy the device fully, when the covers are on. In my view, the interior is too pretty to hide permanently from view.

@rafacq 2 months ago

Very nice review Ed. Looks like a good competitor to the Gustard Audalytic DR70 (not the DR70n since the Delphinus doesn’t have a streamer). Clearly the DR70 at $359 is more affordable unit. But for those that add an external LPS and upgrade the opamps, like the Burson Audio V7 Vivid Pro, it definitely makes sense since now we are exceeding the Musician ‘s $600.

I like that Gustard put opamps in sockets, as it allows the owner to roll the stock opamps for any of many good opamps available.

I was impressed by that massive internal 80W toroidal transformer, a hallmark of linear power supply designs. Without a doubt, one of the reasons for its higher $600 price. Probably a lot better than the many $120 external LPS.

So for listeners that prefer not to open and upgrade their DAC, I think the Delphinus is a better choice.

I would love to be able to hear and compare the Delphinus to my upgraded DR70 with an external Studer900 TALEMA LPS and Burson Audio V7 Vivid Pro. But for now, I will continue to enjoy my DR70.

If I was shopping today, I probably would have given the Delphinus a try.

Good job my friend. Another very informative and fun to watch review.

Ralph

@Simon_Hawkshaw 2 months ago

Thanks for your perspectives and indepth review of this equipment. I have been eyeing 'Musician' equipment for a long while, but haven't committed to one of their range. I wasn't blown away by the FiiO R2R unit that I briefly owned, so haven't pursued R2R again.
Hope all is going well. Take care and all the best.

@JohnScheppler 2 months ago

Great Job, Ed. I'm surprised you didn't compare it the FiiO Warmer R2R dac. The remote looks like they put more thought into than the front panel of. the dac. Thanks as always for sharing these with us.

@lokerola 2 months ago

Excellent review! I'm not in the market for a DAC, but this sounds like a great deal on a great product.

@Elboogs 2 months ago

Hi Ed, love your videos! Would really be interested to see a video on Denafrips products at some point. Venus or Terminator would be awesome. 🍻

@HansHinnekint 1 month ago

Looking forward on your comparison with the Fiio K17 R2R Pro

@GeneDuan 2 months ago (edited)

Would love to see this Musician DAC go head-to-head with the Denafrips Ares 15th.
Thanks Ed for your reviews and expertise.🙏🏾👊🏾🙏🏾

@BostonMike68 2 months ago

Sorry for the late reply, this is another review i have been looking forward to, I agree with Ed, I just want a dac to be dac. I have been holding off on upgrading my dac for something like this to come along. It's well built with a good power supply and I can actually afford it without feeling guilty about overspending. Thank Ed😊

@danielgoodman7881 2 months ago

Thank you Ed. Looks nice. I’m on the edge of buying a Denafrips Enyo 15th, but this may have me thinking twice…

@dungysphincter7974 2 months ago

Thanks for sharing Ed! I would rather have a DAC without streaming. I would also rather purchase a streamer with a simple DAC. I feel that purchasing a DAC with a streamer may be limited in the future. The internet is always evolving. What works today via streaming, may not work in the next 5yrs. However a DAC is more future proof. Just my 2 cents.

@carlitosgomez71 2 months ago (edited)

The XLR outputs apart from the noise cancelling aspect which may help with RFI or EMI interference the higher voltage over RCA also keeps the signal higher above the noise floor which should give a better signal to noise ratio, not forgetting than XLR connections are also secured and more robust than standard RCA's

@keithjohnson2863 2 months ago

Thanks for your review Ed. How does this compare to the line out on the Laiv Crescendo Verse?

@MrWayne1911 2 months ago

Nice review ……….

@pauljakubowski4322 2 months ago

AFAIAC the discrete LEDs on the front panel are preferable to brighter ones. I don't have to use black tape over a bright light (look at me! look at me!!) to remove distraction.