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.
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
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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! |
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