Cen. Grand DSDAC 1.0 (vs Pontus II)

@ja_kub_sz

I was gutted with the first unit, the Standard version, as I took a punt on Cen Grand over the Pontus. I tried various things, while on the phone to my distributor here in the UK, but nope, definitely a fault with the unit.

I asked my distributor to order me a Pontus after this, as I was very concerned, but he sent me a Cen Grand Super Clock model he had in stock while he waited for the Pontus to come through from Denafrips

The Super Clock has worked perfectly since, and I kept it. I can’t say I noticed anything untoward with customs checks; everything appeared as it should.

@ozzy62 Hi Ozzy. The only R2R I’ve heard is the Ares 2, but it’s been a while since I let it go. I’m not sure if you’d like it (Cen Grand), all I can say is, it pulls out all the details from music I could wish for, but doesn’t sound analytical and clinical at the expense of "soul" and emotion like I know some DS chip based DACs can do. This is really important for me. My system can and does bring me to tears, in a joyful way 😊

I still want to have a Pontus at some point, in addition, as I would like a good R2R, but for now, I’m more than happy with the Cen Grand sat on my rack 👍

@painter24 appreciate the feedback. I'll mention this all to my dealer, they've been super attentive throughout the process.

@ja_kub_sz I'm glad to know your dealer is working with you on this; it can be nerve-racking buying gear from a relatively unknown manufacturer (unknown in the West anyway). I know my dealer spoke to Cen Grand about this, as he's taken a gamble too when deciding to distribute for them in the UK. I met my distributor at an audio show here in the UK during the summer; he said he'd sent the unit back to them to look at, with a full breakdown of the problem.

But, as I say I couldn't be happier with the Cen Grand Super Clock, works flawlessly. Very happy with the distributor too; I'd email him, and he'd call me within the hour when I was having problems with the original Standard model. Of course, the heavily discounted/free upgrade to the Super Clock was very generous and most welcome too. Hats off for great dealers/distributors 🍻

So, since the Cen Grand seems similar to the PS Audio DS, can anyone who has heard both compare the two?  Love my DSJr., but it’s getting old and am considering something new.  Appreciate it.

@doni

I can't help you there I'm afraid; never heard the PS Audio. There is a good, sober review of the Cen Grand Super Clock which I have, by The British Audiophile. He mentions a hum, but mine is deathly quiet however, all my electronics are fed by the Puritan Audio Labs PSM 156 and grounding companion. Anyway here's the link:

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