Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

audiolabyrinth. There are a ton of reviews online in concern of your question. You can also visit the PSA forums for more detailed viewpoints on the DS and DMP. I own them both and they do everything I expect good digital to do.I could afford a more expensive front end...but do not see the need in doing so. Redbook playback is superb and Sacd is the best I have ever heard.

Hi guys. I have not heard a recent iteration of the PS Audio software based DAC. I was not blown away by the version I heard which was several years ago, but I have spoken to people whose ears I trust say that the newer versions are significantly better. And the transport is excellent for the money; so if you need a spinner it’s a no brainer.

They are a solid solid company with good customer support and well built product. It’s also a product that has a good reputation and if/when you want to upgrade you will be able to sell it here without issue (with an obvious $$$ loss).

I also believe they have have a VERY fair audition period. So the risk is negligible.

Ricred1- I endeavor to compare apples to apples and try to give all the information I can. You absolutely need to keep price levels in mind and not compare a $4k DAC to a $14k DAC. There are a few excellent performers in each price range. I have heard enough to know there really is no such thing as a “giant killer,” so don’t be fooled. There is no $4k DAC that outperforms the best of the $10k region. There are great $4k dacs that sound better then bad $12k dacs. But no one is going to buy a bad $12k DAC unless it offers something specific that they want. 

There are great dacs at every price point. We are very lucky. 

Matt, hopefully you will end up coming across the Playback Designs Dream Series line. Andreas Koch has quite a resume and was involved in getting PS Audio's engineer into FPGA.

The Playback Designs MPS-5 (flagship SACD player) came to market about 10 years ago, but the firmware has been updated numerous times. Additionally, a fully upgraded MPS-5 includes an improved clock generator. I'm of the impression, and not my own personal observation, that the fully upgraded MPS-5 will beat the Merlot DAC. One wouldn't be reaching too far to believe that it may beat the latest DirectStream.

The Dream Series DAC will have MSRP $22,000. Matching SACD transport $15,000. Would be interesting to get your impressions compared with ultra hi-end units you've enjoyed!

Matt,

I agree!