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The Reimyo DAP-999EX Limited DAC, often paired with the CDT-777 transport from Combak (founded by Kazuo Kiuchi), receives strong praise in audiophile reviews and forums for its exceptional musicality and analog-like sound, earning descriptions as a "masterpiece" and winner of 10 international awards, though it's optimized primarily for 16-bit/44.1kHz Redbook CD playback rather than high-res formats.
### Sound Quality
Users and reviewers consistently highlight its analog-like, continuous tone presentation that draws listeners in over time, excelling with vocals, acoustic instruments, and piano for lifelike timbre, purity, and depth—making digital sources feel remarkably natural and non-fatiguing. It uses a Burr-Brown PCM1704U NOS chip with 8x or 16x oversampling (upsampling to 176.4kHz in the Limited version via JVC K2 technology), delivering resolved, effortless sound without etching or sharpness, though some note it's not neutral—slightly relaxed or "slow" with mismatched transports/cables. Higher output voltage (2.55V RCA vs. standard 2V) makes it play louder, requiring preamp adjustment.
### Build Quality
Housed in a solid aluminum enclosure with custom feet, it's described as robust and meticulously designed, with details like a well-implemented Toslink input and included Combak tuning plugs, Harmonix power cord, and cables. Packaging is high-quality double cardboard, easy to reuse, and delivery is complete with a basic remote and effective manual (1-year warranty).
### Reliability
No major reliability complaints appear; the matching CDT-777 transport uses a durable Phillips CDM-Pro 12 mechanism expected to "outlive you," and the DAC performs excellently even from cold start. It requires constant power (rear on/off switch only).
### Strengths
- Synergy with CDT-777: Best as a pair for ultimate resolution, ease, and musical immersion; outperforms many high-end competitors in transport-DAC matchups.
- System voicing: Sensitive to Combak cables/power cords for optimal performance; tolerant with various inputs (balanced, unbalanced, optical).
- Awards and acclaim: Lauded as "superb," "first-class," and a "miracle" for CD playback.
### Weaknesses
- Cable dependency: Sound dulls or slows without specific Combak/Harmonix cables; mismatched setups (e.g., with Audio Note DAC) lose control, bass precision, and highs.
- Non-neutral tuning: May seem dull initially or softened with poor partners; not ideal for high-res beyond optimized Redbook.
- Practical limits: Basic remote/website, rear power switch, and high price (around €9,000 with transport) limit accessibility.
### Overall Reputation
Audiophiles revere it as a holy grail for simple-signal-path purity and emotional engagement, ideal for SET amp/single-driver speaker lovers seeking "divinity in the whole" over analytical detail—highly recommended as a matched pair despite the tuning fuss. Limited user discussions (mostly pro reviews/forums) show no widespread negativity, positioning it as elite but niche.
English (US)