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NEW DAC PS Audio Direct Stream DAC or Keep What I Have

I am almost done with my system and I need some advice on my final audio piece.

I have a McIntosh MA7900 Integrated Amplifier with a pair of Harbeth 30.1 speakers.

The McIntosh has a built in DAC.

On the digital side I have the PS Audio Memory Transport CD player playing through a Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2 with no upgrades. The Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2 sounds a little better than the built in DAC in the McIntosh amp. A little more air, maybe. It could be the interconnect making it sound that way. I haven't experimented enough yet with those. The Wyred 4 Sound DAC has the HDMI I2S input that connects to the Transport and is what PS Audio claims is the best sound. The PS Audio DAC utilizes the I2S input as well.

Seems like the natural choice would be to get the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC. It can be had for a fairly reasonable price right now and has a new updated firmware application that is supposed to be a big improvement.

My question is do I keep what I have or does anybody know if the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC would be a major upgrade or is there another DAC I should consider.

Thanks for any advice.

128x128dylanfan
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,466 posts
 
dylanfan,

Sorry, I have no experience with the type of Dac you are using so it is difficult to compare. I will say that the PS Direct Stream Dac with the latest firmware is the best sounding Dac I have ever owned and if you can get it for a good price go for it and thank me later. Break in is important as is cables and power source.


ozzy


bubba12's avatar
bubba12
436 posts
 
I feel the point of the integrated is to avoid all that. No? 

lancelock
1,093 posts
 
dylanfan,  I agree with Ozzy, The firmware in the DS is the best I've heard so far. I also am enjoying the new DAC in my new Oppo with Modwright mods.
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 

Thanks Ozzy and Lancelock.

Bubba12 I feel like the dac in the McIntosh is not quite as good as the dac in the Wyred 4 Sound. The PS Audio would be a natural with my memory transport. JUst wanted to know if it would be a major step up from the Wyred 4 Sound. Thanks for your help all of you.


dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
Just ordered the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC. Thanks for the help. Seemed like the only natural thing to do.
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