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

All, thanks again for your input.

I have placed and order for a Lampizator Baltic 5 that should be arriving in a couple weeks.  I'll respond with an update on it after it gets here.

I'm curious what you think of the Lamp 5, I'm coming from the Pontus 15th and I've just ordered the Lamp Baltic 5. Here's hoping it's more than a lateral move.

@orvilletc  Welcome!  I’d be very interested in your thoughts on the Lampi vs. the Pontus if you’re willing to share once it’s settled in. 

I'll be sure to give impressions once I receive the Baltic 5 and again after it burns in.  Unfortunately I haven't received a shipment notification yet