lots of good options at your price point, but don't downplay the importance of the transport. And the free DirectStream DAC upgrade should be available next week...
detailed vs. warm DAC - which do I prefer?
My first post on GON... I recently purchased a PS Audio DirectStream DAC and when I do an A/B comparison with my old NAD C542 cd player (Burr-Brown Sigma Delta DAC), I prefer the cd player every time. The DSD just sounds too laid-back and muted for my taste with a less-defined soundstage. In all fairness to PS Audio, I've only had the DSD for a couple of weeks so it's nowhere near to being broken in. My question to the group is what, if anything, does this say about my preference in DACs? I live in the sticks, so I don't have the luxury of listening to demos at a dealer or in my own system. If I do seek out a replacement for the DSD, should I consider a more "detailed" or "warm" DAC? I honestly don't know what I prefer. My budget is $7K and I'm considering the mytek manhattan II, bryston, luxman, and exogal. Surely there's a DAC in this price range that will sound better than spinning discs in my old cd player. Or maybe I've grown so accustomed to the digital redbook sound that I haven't learned to appreciate the more analog sounding DSD and it might grow on me after break-in.
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’Detailed’ and ’Warm’ can co-exist - along with dynamic. There are many factors involved to achieve it. It isn’t as simple as just swapping out a DAC. To spend your budget wisely, more homework needs to be done. Have you been to an audio show recently? Have you been to a live music venue recently - amplified vs un-amplified? Is there an audio club in your area? |
I have both the Manhatten (I) and the Bryston DAC3. I’ve never heard the PS Audio, but based on what you’ve written, I have a feeling that the Manhatten will suit you fine. My Manhatten is fantastically detailed and analytical but still sounds musical. I purchased the Bryston primarily for it’s ability to play SACDs and it’s a bit softer and less detailed than the Manhatten, although still an excellent DAC |
The Denafrips Terminator seems to be detailed as well as warm, based on what I've read. And it's a DAC I'm seriously considering. I'm very much in the neutral, detailed, information rich, soundstage, camp. I'd be previously considered the PS Audio as my next DAC, but then I read that the Terminator is better, and in some people's mind's, much better. And better in the areas I think are important. I'm honestly considering keeping my current DAC (modified MHDT Labs Balanced Pagoda, which really sounds great), and saving up for a Rockna Wavedream. |
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