PS Audio DL III DAC with Arcam DV78? Should I?

If you can afford $1700, talk with Rick Cullen of cullencircuits.com. His Stage 4 DL III is rather unbelievable. I've owned many DACs, but I feel there is no comparison to this one unless you get into high four figures and even then I'm not so sure. Cullen is not a typical mod guy -- he's part of the brains behind PS Audio.

I've bought a lot of equipment over the years and, truthfully, I've had to question much of it as to value and effectiveness. Not this piece. It is one of a handful of standouts I've had in the last forty years of enjoying this hobby.

I moved from a DV78 to a DV29 a year ago and am very pleased with the improvement in both audio and video. You can probably find a DV137 or DV29 (or maybe even a DV139) for great prices.

The stock DL III is very good by itself. If budget is a concern, just getting a stock unit is more than enough.

Good luck.

The DL III is a truly wonderful unit, especially for the money. I have considered having Cullen do mods to my stock unit, but it is already so great that I am holding off for awhile. Sometimes I just can't believe how good Redbook CDs can sound, given the right recording. Also, there is a 30 day money back guarantee from PS Audio and sometimes they have demos or 30 day return units for less, still with full warranty. Sorry I can't tell you if it will sound better than the Arcam, only you will know.