PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC ?

That young Canadian guy Jay just did a very positive youtube review, which piqued my curiosity.

I tried it out and it was decent but not great to my ears. I remember enjoying the old Stellar Gain Cell DAC back in the day which had a lot to offer for a pretty low price. The Gold is more than double that price and to me doesn't really justify it.

It's not bad sounding just doesn't really stand out either, and there are so many overachieving DACs in the $2-3k space that I would probably recommend a bunch of others before the Gold.

Or, to stay in the PS Audio family, I would just snag a second hand DirectStream (original version) which can easily be found for much less than the Gold. It's getting older but still a great sounding device which I think sounds better than the Gold. 

I agree on the original DSD DAC which is an insane bargain around $1200-$1500 today. it’s a smooth sounding DAC. Doesn’t have the absolute lowest noise floor though…something to keep in mind. 

@stuartk TMR has a Bryston BDA-3.14 DAC streamer combo. I tried my buddy’s 3.14 in my system as DAC only and it was excellent. Same DAC as BDA-3. Trying it out with TMR return policy is a no brainer. If you’re looking for a somewhat warmer DAC, this is an excellent choice.
Bryston BDA-3.14

In addition you can try streaming. Their Manic Moose software is garbage as far as user experience is concerned but the BDA-3.14 is a certified Roon End-Point so that remedies the poor Bryston Moose UI

@tubeguy80 

Thanks for sharing your experience. I wouldn't have even considered the S. Gold if not for Jay's (the young, Canadian Jay -- not the guy in Florida) surprisingly  effusive review.  

@audphile1 

Your input is very welcome, as always. Yes -- TMR is a very practical way to go. The Bryston DACs have been very favorably reviewed and the price is certainly appealing. Are the Brystons warmer than the Bricastis ???

"Manic Moose"? Is that for real?!  Was it designed by a Mainer, perhaps?  Too funny!