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PS Audio DAC II or Bryston: two great machines

I have decided that it's time to move up from my Rega DAC, and I am considering the above two machines. I know, I know, the solution is to listen to them myself and decide on my taste, but I don't have the option to do that. Both DACs have received rave reviews, though the retail price of the PS Audio is (was) almost twice that of the new Bryston BDA-2. The PS Audio II is now being replaced by the DirectStream, so there are many good deals on the discontinued II.

Anyone have any thoughts on how these compare? Both are described as being supremely musical. Can one argue that the PS Audio is twice as musical, given that it is (was) twice as expensive? :)

My amp is a Cary integrated. I have heard Bryston gear only once or twice in the past. To the extent that Bryston may have a house sound, my gut tells me that the Bryston DAC would not be a good match with Cary. In another thread, a person described the PS Audio as somewhat akin to the Cary 300B. On the one hand that is encouraging, on the other hand it may mean too much Cary.

Any thoughts? I'm also considering the new McIntosh D100. That looks sweet.
rfprice
nglazer
846 posts
 
Rfprice,

No, I have not moved on from PWD MkII to the new DSD model. I rarely buy components when they first come out. I like to read the reviews and user comments, and let the manufacturer work out the kinks first.

Interested to hear if it is a real step up. Personally, I think DSD can be the next big thing as it is downloadable, as opposed to SACD which required disc purchases. They key will be price. There is no reason DSD downloads should not cost in single digits, given the absence of factories to press CD's, freight, storage, maintaining physical inventories, etc. If it is going to cost what HD Tracks for hi-res downloads, DSD will fail.

Neal
metralla
945 posts
 
My understanding is that the PS DirectStream DAC starts shipping in April.

http://www.psaudio.com/products/audio/media-players/perfectwave-directstream-dac/

Regards,
rfprice OP
150 posts
 
Hi Goldprint,

Honestly I didn't even know Cary had new DACs. I can't find much written about them and there are no dealers in my neighborhood. Both seem to be just over my price range though. Actually one reason why I am attracted to the PSA is because right now it's deeply discounted and I'm a sucker for a bargain. Even though the original MSRP may be just a fake-out, I can fool myself that I'm getting an extra sweet machine. :)
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,587 posts
 
Acoustic Sounds is selling DSD downloads for $25, so I guess they're DOA, Neal. Maybe if volume gets high enough Sony will start selling them directly and the price will then come down. I'm sure Sony really wants to sell their back catalog one more time, so maybe they'll even try reducing price to increase sales. That may be too radical a concept for them though.
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
739 posts
 
Being the vinyl guy I'm never up on the latest digital craze. But, having recently acquired a PWD MkII I have to say, I found it very impressive, and was very content with the purchase, especially since I had to buy one new and blind. Sorry, I don't know the Bryston product.
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