2. analog
  3. 169905-76707

DAC Dilemma

I will (probably foolishly) put my decision before you all and see if I get any informed opinions, or if I just get scoffed at. I have been at this hobby many years, but must admit to not having the sophistication that many of you do. To those of you that are DAC experts. I have read, and it is my understanding that DAC technology has progressed to the point that 1) new "entry level" DAC’s blow away earlier generation DACs that originally cost much more, and 2) the difference between most current DACs as far as sound quality is pretty subtle. I have an Aurender N100H (which is going to stay) with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC (Not the $6K version. The $3K version with no bridge) feeding into an Audio Research SP16 tubed preamp into a high end solid state amp. Should I 1) just keep what I have (yes, it sounds good, but it could always be better) 2) replace the PS Audio with an Audio Research DAC7 that is about 11 years old but very well reviewed in it’s day, or 3) sell the PS Audio and the Audio Research SP16 and replace both with a Benchmark DAC3 HGC. The Benchmark would give me a current Class A DAC along with multiple inputs for digital, and two inputs for both of my turntables, thus eliminating the need for a separate preamp. But, would the Benchmark SOUND better than either the PS Audio DAC or the DAC7? I am very much aware that the DAC's mentioned above address the actual digital to analogue conversion in very different ways which is precisely why I'm asking which one you think gives the best (natural, uncolored, transparent) sound. Opinions please.
128x128pascon
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
op

glad to hear you found a dac you like, and a pretty inexpensive one at that

i must say i think there was/is a malfunction of some sort with your psa directstream

anyways, no matter, you are on to something you like better, that is all that matters
pascon's avatar
pascon OP
17 posts
 
You know, that may be. I tried installing their most recent firmware upgrade and it wouldn’t install. I never thought about having them check it out for me to see if it was not functioning properly. It’s weird. I thought it was an improvement over the built in DAC on my CD player, back when I first got it, but it sure isn’t up to the Topping. Of course, Arrrgghh! , now I’m wondering what a newer $2k DAC would be like. It never ends. Gonna try to stick with this awhile. 
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
in my experience, in a high quality good well balanced well constructed system in a good room, the psa-ds should sound noticeably smoother, significantly more analog, less robotic, if slightly less overtly detailed, than the topping d90 ak or ess chip dac - much more timbral purity and accuracy from a properly working directstream - even with the older versions of the firmware

with sunlight firmware, the psa-ds will bring forward some more etched detail in the treble, and will add more air to the sound stage, while maintaining the warm liquid midrange and mid-bass

those more used to and liking brighter more overtly detailed up front sounding systems can feel the psds with older firmware comes across as somewhat dull...

so if you still have your psa unit it is probably worth having it checked out - their customer service is good - even though it has gotten its last firmware update with no more to come, it is still worth a couple grand plus, so quite worthwhile making sure it is functioning properly
More to discover