I have never heard the dcs stuff. I have an Audio Synthesis DAX Discrete Variable with balanced outputs. No one in this country has the proprietary Audio Synthesis Link equipped transport except Donald North, the US distributor. As far as I know Firewire is not in Audio Synthesis plans. From discussion I have heard there are problems with jitter. Audio Synthesis has developed their own system called ASL. The DAX Discrete sounds very good with a coaxial connection from a Marantz SA-14 that I am using as a transport until my modified Pioneer DV-47Ai arrives. Should be soon. I feed the DAX Discrete output directly through 50' Mogami microphone cables with outstanding results. I am told that the proprietary optical interface is a significant upgrade, I am anxious to hear the results. I am very pleased with the DAX Discrete without the ASL. There is an Audio Synthesis DAX Discrete Variable user in Spain that has heard the dcs unit and chose to purchase the DAX Discrete. His name is Jose and his system is listed at Audio Asylum. He uses Merlin VSM-M loudspeakers and a Berning amp. Feel free to write if you think I can be of assistance.
