EverSolo DMP-A8 with Denafrips Pontus 15th, both have i2S

I was doing some A/B testing with the Pontus and A8 tonight.  My top two choices for brightness testing are anything from Miles Davis in the sixties and anything from Bob Dylan in the sixties or early seventies:  Those high trumpet and harmonica notes get grating really fast on a bright system.

I was playing Carole King on the Pontus, and the soundstage for the vocals was so impressive - deep, three dimensional and slightly forward.  One thing that caught my ear, though, was her voice sounded a bit thin at the top end, almost like the file was being stretched too far.  Is it just me, or is that common on this kind of highly resolving DAC?  It is an old recording, although I have a 192k version of the album.

Playing the same track on the A8, Carole King's voice didn't suffer from the same thinness, but neither did she have the stage presence of the Pontus. I feel like the A8 pushes the treble back and wide, so it is never really in your face.  I guess that is why I can turn it up fairly loud and play it for hours.  But you don't really get the oomph, that emotionality.

My $.02.

@pkthesublime  I suppose it’s possible the Pontus is just revealing the limitations of those older recordings rather than glossing over their flaws.  If the Pontus sounds better on higher quality recordings it seems you have a decision to make if further break in doesn’t solve the issue.  BTW, are you listening in NOS mode?

I am listening in NOS mode, I heard that would provide the warmest presentation.  Do you think the OS would be warmer?

The Pontus is equally adept with 44.1k files - no problem there!  It's really just the brightness that is troubling me.

@pkthesublime No you’re good in NOS.  OS can sound a little brighter, which is why I was asking.  Rooting for some break in magic!

@soix @fthompson251 

So my cheapie USB cable showed up today and I conected the A8 and the Pontus with it.  

HOLY SCHNIKEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had heard glimpses of what the Pontus could do with the I2S and Toslink connections, but this was completely transformative.  The soundstage was indeed holographic.  The treble was sweet, and just like people say, just north of being too relaxed.  My recordings came alive like never before.  Such depth, such musicality. I was blown away, it completely exceeded my expectations.  And this is only Day 5!!  You guys all say it is going to improve.  I am completely stoked. Needless to say, this guy is not going back.  Just ordered an AudioQuest Cinammon USB for tomorrow as well to upgrade that element.