Introduction
It’s always exciting—and admittedly a little risky—when a new audio brand enters the high-end space. LAIV, a Singapore-based company founded in 2023, recently caught my attention after several foreign audio publications began praising its debut products. Truthfully, I didn’t expect these devices to make their way to Korea through official distribution. In today’s market climate, taking on an unfamiliar high-end brand is a bold move for any importer. And yet, here we are—with two flagship components from LAIV: the Harmony DAC and the HP2A headphone amplifier.
Brand Overview
LAIV was established by Weng Fai, a figure who seems to operate more like an investor or entrepreneur than a traditional engineer. But rather than building the brand on his own, he took a clever route: assembling a team of seasoned engineers from industry giants like Harman Kardon, JVC, Onkyo, Sony, and Tascam. As of last year, the team numbered nine, with a combined experience exceeding 50 years in the hi-fi space. While such credentials don’t guarantee sonic excellence, they do suggest the brand wasn’t built on marketing alone.
Despite being a newcomer, LAIV's products have already received a fair share of attention and praise abroad. One reason may be the company’s strategic positioning—especially in terms of industrial design and engineering.
Build Quality and Design
The first thing that stands out about both the Harmony DAC and HP2A amplifier is their impeccable design. LAIV's lead industrial designer has a diverse portfolio, having worked on everything from the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch to collaborations with Nike, Air France, and Hilton. That level of visual sophistication is clearly reflected in these products.
But this isn’t just about looks. Both units feature CNC-machined monocoque aluminum chassis—rare at this price point, especially for relatively compact components. And it’s not just the exterior that’s well-finished; the internal layout is also a testament to thoughtful engineering. The power section, transformer, and digital boards are all cleanly partitioned, suggesting a focus on signal integrity as well as aesthetics.
Audiophiles familiar with high-end build standards will immediately notice how this level of machining is often absent even in entry-level models from legacy brands. Many brands cut corners in their lower-priced models—something LAIV seems to have resisted from the outset.
Furthermore, both products were designed with future upgradability in mind. The modular circuit board architecture allows for possible enhancements down the road, assuming LAIV continues to invest in long-term development. It’s too early to tell how this will play out, but the intention is certainly promising.
Technology and Engineering
The Harmony DAC utilizes a discrete R-2R ladder DAC topology. While the R-2R vs. Delta Sigma debate is largely academic at this point—both can sound excellent when implemented properly—the important thing here is that LAIV’s DAC is fully discrete. Unlike solutions that simply drop in a commercial R-2R chip, this design uses individually matched resistors to construct a true ladder array. That makes it much more complex (and expensive) to build, but also more interesting to evaluate sonically.
Visually, the internal layout of the DAC suggests a possible nod to MSB's approach, especially in the way the ladder module is enclosed and mounted. In fact, the overall presentation—both inside and out—reminded me of a “mini MSB,” albeit at a much more accessible price.
And that’s perhaps the most surprising part: despite its extravagant chassis and ambitious internal design, the Harmony DAC and HP2A are priced in the low 4 million KRW range (around $3,000 USD). In today’s market, where many DACs leap from $1,500 to $7,000 with little in between, this price point fills a much-needed gap. It's smart positioning, and one that shows LAIV understands not just engineering—but also market dynamics.
Design & Aesthetic Execution
Both the Harmony DAC and HP2A amplifier share a unified design language that speaks to LAIV’s commitment to visual and physical refinement. While technically full-size components, their form factor is relatively compact—each unit measures 26 cm wide, 24 cm deep, and just 5 cm tall (excluding the feet). This makes them ideal for stacking, and when placed one atop the other, the visual symmetry is striking.
The design clearly anticipates this stackable configuration. Both units use a three-point spike system on the underside, and the top panel features shallow recesses that align perfectly with the spikes above—ensuring stability and visual coherence when stacked.
From the front, each unit features a gold-finished control knob positioned on the upper right corner. On the DAC, the knob handles input selection and basic navigation, while on the HP2A amplifier, it serves as the volume control. On the opposite side, the power button sits discreetly in the top left. Between them is a generously sized monochrome display with large, clean fonts that only present essential information. There’s no touch interface, no album art, no unnecessary animations—just a simple and elegant presentation. At this scale, minimalism often makes for better UX, and LAIV seems to understand that.
The top panel of both devices is clean and understated, with the LAIV logo precisely engraved in the center. Only the amplifier adds a visual break: a gold-colored perforated ventilation area on the right side for passive heat dissipation.
Details such as chassis machining, button layout, and the tactile feel of the volume knob are simply top-notch. Frankly, I’ve handled a lot of gear across various price ranges, and I can confidently say this build quality ranks among the best—regardless of price.
The Harmony DAC – Architecture and Execution
Inside the Harmony DAC, LAIV continues its theme of thoughtful engineering and aesthetic discipline. As mentioned earlier, the chassis is a CNC-machined aluminum monocoque, with a modular internal layout that centers around two proprietary R-2R ladder modules. Each module is populated with discrete resistors mounted in series—an architecture commonly seen in high-end DACs but rarely at this price point.
In R-2R design, resistor tolerance is everything. Even small deviations can impact the accuracy of bit-level digital conversion. LAIV claims a resistor tolerance of 0.05%, which, at first glance, sounds precise. However, in objective terms, that level of tolerance typically equates to around 11–12 bits of precision. For true 16-bit resolution in a fully discrete ladder DAC, resistor accuracy needs to be closer to 0.0015%. While LAIV hasn't disclosed any proprietary correction methods, it’s likely that some form of compensation or error management has been implemented. Without official documentation, this remains speculative—but it's worth noting.
That said, other component choices are clearly high-grade. Independent builders of high-end DACs have commented positively on LAIV’s choice of capacitors, clock modules, and board layout—saying that many of the parts used are typically found in more expensive designs. This is reassuring, especially given the relative affordability of the Harmony DAC.
Inputs, Outputs & Functionality
Connectivity on the rear panel includes USB, optical (TOSLINK), coaxial, and I²S digital inputs, along with one pair each of single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) analog outputs. Given the compact size of the chassis, the back panel is fairly minimal—but for most users, this isn’t a concern. In a typical two-channel setup, multiple output options are rarely needed.
One detail worth noting: both the balanced and single-ended outputs are always active and cannot be switched independently. While this isn't a flaw per se, users should be aware if their setup depends on switching outputs manually.
On the digital spec sheet, the Harmony DAC supports PCM up to 768kHz via USB and native DSD256 playback. Output levels are rated at 4.15 Vrms (balanced) and 2.07 Vrms (single-ended), with output impedances of 1.2 kΩ and 600 Ω, respectively.
As expected with R-2R designs, some of the conventional benchmarks—such as THD, SNR, and dynamic range—may appear weaker compared to delta-sigma-based DACs. That’s not necessarily a fault, but rather a characteristic of the topology, and not always reflective of actual sonic performance.
Functionality-wise, the DAC includes the ability to toggle between oversampling and non-oversampling (NOS) modes—a welcome touch for purists. Beyond that, the Harmony DAC offers a set-it-and-forget-it experience, with no bloated feature set or unnecessary controls.
Included accessories are minimal but tasteful: a metal remote, power cable, and vibration control feet are provided in the box.
The HP2A – A Fully Balanced Preamp in Headphone Amp Clothing
Though marketed primarily as a headphone amplifier, the HP2A’s design and system integration suggest it may be even more at home serving as a full-fledged preamp. LAIV itself sells it alongside a matching monoblock power amplifier, reinforcing this impression. Regardless of intended role, the volume stage becomes the most crucial component—and this is where the HP2A immediately impresses.
Volume is controlled via a precision stepped attenuator using a discrete resistor ladder. It provides 60 steps, adjustable in 1 dB increments from –60 dB to 0 dB. Interestingly, the volume control unit is physically enclosed in a solid metal housing—mirroring the modular R-2R approach found in the Harmony DAC. This consistency of mechanical and electrical design is both rare and reassuring.
Power output is also worth noting. The HP2A employs a robust linear power supply with a proper transformer—not a switching supply—offering more stable performance under demanding loads. Internally, the build quality is again outstanding: neat PCB layout, high-grade passive components, and full dual-mono topology throughout.
Both the pre-out and headphone out are fully balanced. On the headphone side, LAIV claims a maximum output of 11.8 watts with a 4 Vrms input. That’s already more than sufficient for even the most demanding headphones. According to the specs, the unit can accept up to 16 Vrms via XLR, suggesting the potential for even higher output—though we didn’t test those limits.
Taken as a whole, the HP2A doesn’t feel like a preamp with a bonus headphone jack—or vice versa. Rather, it comes across as a dual-purpose unit where both functions were given equal attention and resources. If you're planning to use it as a dedicated preamp, especially in a fully balanced system, XLR interconnects are strongly recommended to make the most of the internal architecture.
Modular Expansion – A Smart Workaround
Because of its compact chassis, the HP2A includes only a single XLR input by default—alongside one XLR and one RCA output. For users operating in a traditional hi-fi stack, that’s likely not enough. Most analog preamps, after all, benefit from multiple inputs for CD transports, DACs, turntables, reel-to-reels, and more.
To address this, LAIV implemented a modular expansion system. On the rear panel is a proprietary connector for input modules. Currently, two modules are available:
IN2 Module: Adds one balanced (XLR) and one single-ended (RCA) input, increasing the total number of inputs to three. While still modest, this level of expandability is valuable in a chassis this size—and there's room for LAIV to develop further options in the future.
Phono Module: Adds a built-in phono preamp. Despite the product page only referencing MC cartridges, the presence of both 1 kΩ and 47 kΩ impedance settings suggests MM compatibility as well. Adjusting the load to 47 kΩ should allow MM cartridges to work properly, although official confirmation from LAIV would be welcome.
In practice, these modular expansions help the HP2A punch above its size—offering the performance of a dedicated preamp and headphone amp in a clean, stackable design with user-expandable functionality.
Sound – Harmony DAC
The best way to evaluate LAIV’s Harmony DAC is to break it down into three perspectives: its sonic identity on its own, the HP2A amplifier separately, and the synergy when both are used together. Let's start with the DAC.
Right away, it becomes clear why this unit has garnered such positive attention overseas. Before even considering technical aspects—such as its discrete resistor tolerances or the R-2R topology—the most notable quality is its exceptional tonal density. Each sound is articulated with clarity and precision, yet without the typical harshness sometimes associated with detail-focused DACs. This makes the Harmony DAC both engaging and easy to listen to.
With this type of tuning, tonal balance becomes absolutely critical. If the tonality leans too bright, the presentation becomes piercing; too dark, and it risks sounding dull. Thankfully, the Harmony DAC strikes a confident middle ground. There’s a certain richness and cohesiveness that gives it character, yet the tuning never distracts from its clarity.
From a sonic standpoint, this feels like one of the first true mid-range ladder DACs in desktop form that delivers a convincing performance. It’s clear that LAIV didn’t just invest in build quality—they also put significant effort into the voicing. The sound has personality, and more importantly, it justifies its price.
The DAC presents with dense textures and well-defined leading edges, but without excessive sharpness. It’s a sound that feels full-bodied and slightly forward, yet not fatiguing. This might be where the unique blend of discrete R-2R warmth and modern tonal control comes into play. It feels tactile and slightly warm in texture, but not veiled.
What impressed me most was the Harmony DAC’s ability to avoid the common pitfalls of many budget or mid-tier ladder DACs. It doesn’t sound old-fashioned, mushy, or overly smoothed over. No, this isn’t a detail monster, and yes—if you listen specifically for air, ambience, or reverberant space, you’ll notice that it lacks the sheer resolution of reference-class delta-sigma DACs. But within its range, it maintains a healthy level of clarity and brings its own sonic character to the table.
If you're looking for a DAC in this price range that genuinely captures the R-2R character—particularly in a discrete, fully analog architecture—the Harmony DAC may be one of the only viable options.
The one area I found slightly lacking was the stereo image width. The depth is excellent—sounds pull forward with convincing layering—but lateral spaciousness felt somewhat constrained. If you're a listener who prizes wide, open soundstages, this could be a drawback.
Interestingly, that same quality makes it better suited to full hi-fi systems than headphone rigs. With headphones, where physical stage width is inherently limited, a DAC with slightly more horizontal expansion can help compensate. But in hi-fi setups, spatial width can be heavily influenced by speaker positioning and room acoustics—making depth rendering a more valuable trait. In that regard, the Harmony DAC excels.
Listening Notes
On Rebecca Bressan’s “Beconing”, a dreamy, jazz-infused track with ghostly cymbals and soft chime trails behind a slow, textured bass line, the Harmony DAC brought real vitality. Every drum hit and cymbal shimmer felt three-dimensional. The presentation was energetic without being brash, and the density of each tone gave the music a sense of “presence” that felt intimate and immediate. It was a joy to listen to—dense, lively, and tactile.
Moving to Emma-Jean Thackray’s “Save Me”, a groove-heavy jazz-funk number with Motown and disco roots, the DAC again showed its strengths. The track’s syncopated rhythms, punchy bass lines, and echo-laden vocals were reproduced with excellent timing and control. There's a palpable sense of rhythm and motion here—the DAC didn't just reproduce the beat, it carried it.
Comparing it with my regular reference—an older Linn DAC—the differences were clear. The Harmony DAC felt more “flavored” and enjoyable, with its bold textures and saturated tones. The Linn was leaner, more neutral, and offered a slightly wider stage. Notes felt a bit more delineated and spatially open on the Linn, but also more analytical and less musically satisfying. It’s not that one was objectively better—they’re simply different interpretations.
Had the Harmony DAC provided just a bit more lateral air, I may have preferred it outright. As it stands, in a hi-fi context, I’d likely choose the Harmony for its emotional pull and texture. In a headphone context, its slightly limited width might feel more confining.
Sound – HP2A Headphone Amplifier
Listening to the HP2A after evaluating the Harmony DAC, it becomes clear that LAIV voiced these two products with intentional contrast. Used in isolation—paired with a familiar DAC instead of the Harmony—the HP2A reveals a distinct personality. It's slightly bright in tone, but not in a harsh or fatiguing way. Instead, it offers a refreshing sense of openness and speed, presenting a spacious and effortlessly extended soundstage.
If the Harmony DAC focused on rich texture and intimacy, the HP2A is all about air, sparkle, and drive. It sounds modern, clean, and technically refined. The amp delivers a character that feels like a well-executed solid-state design—fast, controlled, and uncolored. While it doesn't lean warm or lush, it excels in clarity and impact. For gear that’s notoriously power-hungry—like the Stealth or HEDDphone—it delivered effortless control, confirming what its spec sheet already suggested.
Tracks like Rebecca Bressan’s “Beconing”—already impressive through the DAC—felt even more vibrant through the HP2A. Treble felt expansive, almost star-like in its brilliance, with an airy elegance that lifted the track into a more cinematic space. Perhaps this impression is exaggerated by my usual use of tube-based amplifiers, but even with that bias in mind, the HP2A clearly leans toward a more cool-toned, extended treble signature.
While a slightly bright tonal balance isn’t usually my personal preference, the HP2A won me over with its combination of resolution, speed, and stage expansion. For listeners who feel their headphone rigs sound constrained or boxed in, this amp could be exactly what’s missing. In fact, its soundstage enhancement is so immediate and effective, it might feel like a system-wide upgrade.
As for the low-end—don’t be misled by its nimble treble. The HP2A delivers serious bass, both in quantity and depth. The response is fast, tight, and dynamically engaging. It digs low, with ample body, and avoids the sluggishness that sometimes plagues full-size solid-state designs. If anything, it reminded me that great TR amps don't just sound clean—they also groove hard.
On balance, if I had to choose between the Harmony DAC and the HP2A based solely on headphone performance, I might lean toward the amp. It simply impressed me more. It’s the kind of component that, once added to a chain, makes everything sound more alive. Even ignoring its preamp capabilities, the headphone output alone would justify its price.
In desktop setups, the HP2A also shines in terms of usability. A front-facing toggle lets you select between headphone out, pre-out, or both—perfect for those running active monitors and headphones from the same desk. It’s a subtle but extremely welcome feature, and when paired with its compact form factor and attractive build, it’s easy to see how this amp can become the heart of a desktop hi-fi rig.
Synergy & Final Thoughts
Pairing the Harmony DAC and HP2A amplifier reveals a lot about LAIV’s intent. Listening to them together, one gets the sense that the tuning philosophy was very much complementary: depth and texture from the DAC, openness and clarity from the amp. Tonally, the warmer, denser character of the DAC tempers the amplifier’s brighter leanings, creating a well-balanced result. And in terms of spatial presentation, the amp stretches width while the DAC anchors depth.
Everything becomes smoother, more polite. And ironically, that’s where things get tricky.
On their own, each component has a strong, distinct character. The DAC stands out for its richness, resolution, and dense tonality. The amp, meanwhile, shines with its speed, expansive staging, and crisp, modern energy. But when combined, those strong individual flavors seem to cancel out each other’s extremes, resulting in a presentation that, while technically solid, feels somewhat tonally neutralized. The sonic “thrill factor” dulls ever so slightly.
Granted, my impressions are based on headphone use only, as I didn’t integrate the combo into a full hi-fi speaker system. In a speaker setup, this pairing may very well sing differently—particularly as speaker positioning and room acoustics can better accommodate the DAC’s depth and tone shaping. But in my headphone system, I actually preferred using the HP2A with a more neutral, high-output source like the Astell&Kern PD10. That combination brought out more dynamic energy, wider soundstage, and a crisper low-end with tighter damping. It felt decidedly high-end—transparent and unrestrained.
Swapping the DAC back to the Harmony slightly softened that energy. The bass lost a bit of its pace and slam. If the Harmony DAC had committed further to a darker, richer tonality, that tradeoff might have felt more purposeful. But instead, it lands in a sort of in-between space—good, but not as gripping in this particular pairing.
So here’s where my personal recommendations land:
For those seeking a dense, articulate, mid-tier R-2R DAC with no real peers at this price point, the Harmony DAC is a compelling option. It competes well against higher-tier units and would likely perform better in a hi-fi context than in a constrained headphone setup.
For those chasing power, clarity, and space in a headphone amplifier, the HP2A is excellent. It has headroom, drive, and balance. From low-end control to treble air, it delivers a truly engaging sound that feels far above its price class. For serious headphone users, this is a standout amp.
But for those considering the Harmony and HP2A as a matching stack, I’d advise taking the time to audition them together. While the visual synergy is hard to beat—these units look stunning side-by-side—sonically, the pairing flattens some of the individual charm. Unless tonal balance is your top priority, there may be more inspiring combinations waiting to be explored.