PS Audio vs NAD M12

Out of the box the DSJ sounds amazing. Interesting that I'm praising an end of life product. It is so much better than the M12.

Sorry for the NAD quasi-bashing, but here is my feedback.

That unit will be going back. I hate to say it, the older technology NAD products (M12, C658, T758) are not that impressive. On the other hand, I think the M10 is a keeper. I love it and the sound w/ the nCore is very nice.

Back to the DSJ, with my active speakers it sounds really good. Time to let it break in and see how it sounds. I don't know how much better it can get.

It does emit hiss to my speakers, wondering if that is because of the lack of a pre-amp. When I ran the M10 (passive), it was dead quiet. I don't know what NAD did with the M10, but it is very impressive. DSJ has better bass, almost over powering with my Stealths.

I went out an ordered the Elac 61 monitors.....my buddy is going to send me his Lyngdorf 3400 and see how good that will sound with passives speakers.  

I think I need an intervention...

Back in the day I owned lots of NAD products, a full "Masters Series" stack being the last NAD setup.  Though I loved the sound and simplicity of the features, most of my components needed service.  My M3's display screen went crazy and display hieroglyphics, the M5 transport got "stuck" and wouldn't open.  My prior setup had a receiver which would drop the right channel (three weeks after the warranty expired).

I now own a PS Audio P15, DirectStream transport and DAC.  I can tell you that since I bought the DAC, every time Ted Smith creates a new version of the firmware, I've applied it, with excellent results!  And the few times I've contacted PS Audio for support, they are consistently excellent!

I want to thank everyone for the advice, tech experience and reviews of both systems!  

I went with the PS Audio DSD with bridge as I found a used/ new other at a great price. Hasn’t been shipped yet and still need speakers.

i ordered a set of Buchardt S400 to start off with.

Thinking I would like a set of Sonus Faber Sonettas or better.... but that’s another thread 

thanks again 

@razorbraun..
Good call on the S400s.  Just was turned on to them also and probably will pre-order. It will be nice to compare them to the Adante's.

Was able to set the attenuation correctly.   I actually still have three concerns with the DSJ...

1. Lack of room correction
2. Potential need for an additional pre-amp
3. Discontinued product (although, Ted will continue his awesome FW updates)

I'm afraid once I listen to the Lyngdorf, all bets will be off.

@mbolek. If you’re seriously thinking about the Buchardts ....I would seriously preorder the Buchardt now as the have a 200 Euro off regular price going on.... they can’t meet demand.  They have an in home 30 trial period.  Free round trip shipping.

I ordered the black pair prior to the production problems.  Recently sent an email asking to upgrade to the Oak... they upgraded at no charge due to the late delivery.  I’m supposed to get them mid March... if they don’t get here I’m going to ask for another 200e off since that’s what they are running now (if the special is still on)

I bought the Perfect Wave Direct Steam DAC with the Bridge II DSD Senior for less than the cost of the Junior.  According to their website the DSD is compatible with MQA if you have the Bridge and the latest software version....Snowmast

”Now, full MQA, Tidal (including Masters), Spotify, Qobuz, VTuner, and Roon ready.”

You’re absolutely correct about a preamplifier.... more cost involved.  That was part of my dilemma with the NAD vs PSA. 

I probably will use my Anthem MRX 720 as my preamp for now.  It has a good RC software.

cheers
Razor