LAiV Crescendo VERSE: R-2R power in desktop format

The Crescendo line by LAiV Audio addresses the growing market demand for high-performance desktop products, designed for an audience that desires quality and versatility in a format that easily fits both a desk and a more traditional audio system. This first product (to be followed by Chorus and Beat) is the VERSE, a R-2R DAC, preamplifier with analog volume control, and headphone amplifier. It features LAiV's proprietary balanced discrete R-2R ladder DAC architecture, made with individually selected resistors with a tolerance of 0.05%.

The aesthetic design is typical of LAiV products, with a solid milled aluminum enclosure, very similar to the µDAC except for the two jacks on the front panel, 6.3mm unbalanced or 4.4mm balanced, and the usual, beautiful 20X7 dot display that is simple yet extremely easy to read even from long distances. Despite its compact format, VERSE offers a complete set of digital inputs, capable of supporting both modern sources and legacy devices, including I2S over HDMI, optical, coaxial, and USB-B. The discrete output buffer is designed to ensure excellent impedance matching, minimizing signal degradation and allowing the use of very long cables without loss of quality; despite its compact size, it offers simultaneously balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs.

VERSE is designed to give full control over how music is reproduced, with native 1-bit processing that allows for DSD playback without conversion to PCM, preserving the original nature of the signal, its timing, structure, and sound character throughout the playback chain. This approach offers a direct path from source to output, ideal for those seeking authenticity, purity, and tonal coherence in DSD recordings. Alongside this is an integrated resampler that allows extremely precise control of playback in both PCM and DSD, enabling sound optimization based on system characteristics and personal preferences. The analog volume control that VERSE is equipped with is smooth and finely calibrated, allowing for precise and progressive adjustments, suitable for both high-sensitivity headphones and line outputs.

It can therefore be connected directly to active speakers or used as a preamplifier for external power amplifiers, eliminating the need for additional components and making it perfect for both minimal setups and more complex systems. The integrated discrete headphone amplifier is designed to offer power, low noise, and a high level of detail without listening fatigue. The gain is selectable on three levels to easily adapt to a wide range of products, from the most sensitive in-ear monitors to the most demanding full-size models. The headphone stage is protected against temperature, overload, and DC, ensuring daily reliability, long life, and total peace of mind.

About LAiV audio

LAiV was founded in 2023 and is based in Singapore, and is becoming a benchmark in the production of cutting-edge audio products. Its mission is to transform the way the sound experience is lived, combining expertise in the field with a deep passion for innovation. The goal is simple: to create high-performance and intuitive products that enhance the listening experience for enthusiasts.

Technical features:

DAC: Ladder R-2R, 0.05% resistors, FPGA Intel Altera Cyclone
Processing: native 1-bit DSD with SRC frequency converter
Digital inputs: 1USB-B, 1opt, 1 coax, 1 I²S
Supported formats: up to 768 kHz, DSD256
Analog preamp outputs: 1XLR, 1RCA
Analog headphone outputs: 1 4.4 mm balanced, 1 6.3 mm unbalanced
RCA/XLR output level: 2Vrms/4Vrms
Balanced/unbalanced headphone output level: 11Vrms/5.5Vrms
Maximum headphone output power: ≤ 1100 mW 4.4mm/≤ 290 mW 6.3mm
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 80 kHz ± 3 dB. THD+N: ≈ 0.0045% (preamp), ≈ 0.008% (headphone amplifier)
Separation: ≥ 120 dB balanced preamp, ≥ 110 dB headphones
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 120 dB balanced preamp, ≥ 100 dB headphones.
Power supply: 15 V DC/2 A jack 5.5/2.5 mm Weight: approximately 0.9 kg.