which preamp

Smokenjo,

I have the TP 2.3 fully loaded. I use Siemens Cca in 1 and 3 and Siemens E188CC in 2 and 4. The latter is the secret to this preamp. I'll let you know how the DS sounds in a couple of days. Of course, this is right out of the box. It will take about 500 hours to break in. I have the new 1.2.1 firmware ready on my SD card.

Nglazer,

I'm hoping to have the same reaction as you.

Nglazer and Smokenjo,

I just took the NAD M51 out and put the DS DAC into the system. Powered up with the old firmware. Nothing spectacular right out of the box -- slightly ahead of the NAD, perhaps. Then I put the new 1.2.1 firmware to work. Powered up again. The NAD M51 is a great DAC -- a wonderful bargain at its price point -- but it is now retired. This DS is a whole different DAC with the latest firmware -- right out of the box. Already a superb DAC. I can't wait till we get 500 hours on it.

sabai , I am not surprised and glade you are hearing a upgrade to your system with the new PS DSD, can I ask with the AUDIO HORIZONS PREAMP, how is the soundstage, 3D, deep ,
wide, bass, highs I know you just put in the new DSD, but I am trying to decided if I should purchase the TP-2.3 FULL
MODE $6200 , right now with NO preamp, I close my eyes,the speakers disappear, detail, my speakers are Salk SS8s

Smokenjo,

The TP 2.3 fully loaded was a huge improvement in my system even before the DS DAC arrived. I cannot imagine my system without it.

Regarding sound stage, it is a wide and deep 3D stage with great imagining. But you must know that sound stand depends on more than the preamp (rolled with the best tubes) and DAC. Your speaker and power amp and cables and accessories including tweaks can have a huge impact here, as well. I have a zillion things in my system that contribute to sound stage.

sabai , thanks for the info. tube preamp and tube amp,I know the end product , is and will be different than mine , tube to D class amps.