@pindac You’re kidding right? You pull the Pontus outta the box and compare it to DACs that have already been broken in and you think your initial impressions are worth anything??? Go home and come back after the Pontus has at least 100 hours on it, otherwise your first impressions are utterly useless and possibly even misleading.
Cen. Grand DSDAC 1.0 (vs Pontus II)
Hi guys,
I made an enquiry with a distributer here in the UK, with a view to ordering the Pontus II. However, he's thrown me a curveball by recommending the Cen. Grand DSDAC 1.0 - another Chinese brand, making FPGA based DACs with PCM to DSD up sampling (from what I can make out). There isn't a lot out there on the interweb - reviews, sound character, presentation etc, much of anything really.
The distributor claims, or suggests that to him the Cen. Grand is "better" than the Pontus II; I've asked him to qualify and elaborate on this, but in the meantime, thought I'd ask here to see if anyone has direct experience of this brand/DAC. Just for reference/context, the Cen. Grand DSDAC 1.0 is the Standard version at £2500 (the distributer has offered me 10% discount, so £2250).
Thanks in advance 👍
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- 31 posts total
@soix I like your defensive and negative response to a very accurate report offered up by myself of a experience had. It as a report concealed nothing about the how the Pontus was presented and as it was a demonstration in another's home, it was a short lived experience. I was not the individual who believed the Pontus straight out of the Box was going to win favour, but it did and was to end up in a new home. I made it known that a attendee at the demonstration purchased the exact model demonstrated, that info' in itself informs there was one present who see merit in it compared to other owned DACs that have been cheaper models from other Brands. The owner of the Pontus who carried out the demonstration has a vast experience of DACs up to substantial purchase prices for Models owned. The fact the Pontus was sold on and Venus purchased as the replacement gives another perspective of how the Pontus was received. As a offer has not been made to be demonstrated the Venus, maybe there is something not wanted to be presented to the usual attendees. Who knows though the invites might come forward for 2023. |
@painter24 so far I would agree with your findings. Sound stage has grown in depth and width. Placement has also improved no end. I am looking forward to the bass tightening up with more use. I wouldn’t normally count the hours of use, I was just trying to get as much use as possible before any return period ended. enjoy your listening |
No way man — you did a GREAT job describing what you’re hearing and I feel like I know exactly what you’re hearing and it sounds fantastic! I wish more reviewers were as clear and plain-spoken as you are. Many times I read entire reviews and still don’t know what the damn review sample really sounds like. Argh! You give me a few sentences and I feel like I know EXACTLY what this DAC sounds like and it sounds quite impressive, and I hope it just keeps getting even better for you! |
@soix thanks for your kind words; extremely generous 😊👍 |
- 31 posts total