Upgrade PS Audio DSD Mk1 to?


I've got a bit of upgradeitis.  My current DAC is a PS Audio DSD Mk1 that has had the xfrmrs upgraded and Vcom mod done.  I like it and the music it makes but I've got an itch to upgrade.  My first, and obvious, thought was a DSD Mk2.  I've also been thinking of the LTA Aero and Lampizator Baltic.

What am I looking to improve?  I find the Mk1 a bit noisy and rather long in the tooth.  What do I like about it?  It doesn't sound "digital" and i find that it's pretty even over the frequency range and the.musoc has good flow.  I don't like hyper analytical, dry music that can cause listener fatigue.

Budget is $5k or under and I dont mind buying used.  My main concern is that the dacs listed above will be a slight lateral move and not a real upgrade.

I think my virtual system is up for reference.  If you can't find it please let me know so I can fix that.

Has anyone compared the DACs I'm interested in or have first hand experience with them?

Thanks in advance

 

tko956

The PSA dac was on my list but I went with the Venus 15 instead, which is generally equivalent to last years terminator.  The Mk2 has great reviews.  I have been very pleased with the sound and build quality ov the Venus.  I appreciate the option to switch between NOS and OS modes.  I don't find it to 'sound digital' and the highs are smooth.   There are lots of good options for DACs now.  Some of the dacs I looked at measured pooly, and while not the only thing that matters,  it is often reflected in the sound.  

Great responses so far, thanks.

@thriftyaudio I have been looking at the Bricasti DACs with some interest.

@soix The trial period is definitely an advantage.  I noticed an Aero at TMR with upgraded tubes.  Of course it will probably be gone now.  Denafrips has always interested me but for some reason they simply put me off.

@jackd "I only recommend gear that I have actually owned, heard in my system or in a friends system I am familiar with." Thank you for that!  I'll look more into the Aqua DAC.

@fastfreight You've got a point... The implementation and output stage probably play a rather large part if how any chip DAC sounds.  I'm very happy with my Ayre preamp so I'll look more into the DAC.

@12many Thanks for the Denafrips vote!

I appreciate the suggestions so far and am always looking for more info.

Thanks!

I just moved from the Qutest to the Bricasti M3. It is not R2R, but it is slightly calmer than my Qutest & I find it to be outstanding in every way. Not warm, but accurate without being harsh. I love it. Potentially worth a look. 

I owned the Mk 1 as well. It didn't suck. But left me "meh."

I do prefer R2R. I really liked the Harmony Laiv before I made the jump to MSB. 

The DSD mk2 is a significant improvement (I had the mk1 and now the mk2), and since it was recently discontinued they are available at very attractive used prices...often $3500 or less...