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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
tko956 OP
52 posts
 

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!

signaforce's avatar
signaforce
574 posts
 

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. 

ericrhodes1's avatar
ericrhodes1
262 posts
 

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. 

jl35
4,475 posts
 

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...

tko956 OP
52 posts
 

Well, I just ordered a new LampizatOr Baltic 5.  Should be here in a few weeks.

Thanks to all that contributed and gave feedback.

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