Upgrade BC DAC 3.0 or go BC REF link instead?

How much is the upgrade from the DAC3 to 3.5VB Mk II?

I do love my DAC3.5VB II but it has been out for some time now and IMHO there are some new DACs that might be well worth an audition before shelling out the moolah for the 3.5

I for one would look at the PS Audio DirectStream DAC (their newest version) which incorporates some pretty interesting stuff from what my other much pricier DACs do (EMM Labs/Playback Designs) and even goes beyond in some respects.

It doesn't need the REF Link because the async USB input is already included and it supports DSD over PCM.

Thanks…
I’ll have to recheck for the full on off the grid upgrade… I’d thought to go only to the guts inside the 3.5, not the whole deal. I seem to recall the whole Magilla was around $1100 or $1250 a couple years back. Prior to Ver II.

Just to 3.5 guts was around $650… no analog inputs, and no glass TOS, but that’s fine by me.

I’ve heard online from friends I respect the PS AUDIO LINK was a fine DAC too though all the digital gear as usual has migrated thru a few iterations by now.

The most recent DACs I’ve heard first hand were those I wrote about in the reviews section here on these pages. BC + Wavelength USB link sounded the most lifelike to me of them all.

This time around, I’m going to be a lot more frugal and thoughtful with this next build. That said, I’m still a “front to back” guy. Unless of course something falls into my path I’m able to get and unable to pass up.

Regardless, all my audio is going to be from HDD and I already have a decent DAC so I thought to address it first.

I’ve heard friends DACs and DSD isn’t going to be of interest to me most likely.

I could probably be pretty good for a while by merely adding the Ref Link, even the Ultra is appealing as I feel either is likely a better bet now than my Lynx aES16E feed to the BC 3.0.

New (or new to me) Amps & squeakers are a desire as well, and I’m liking what I see on the SF Liutos.

I have found though, very nice squeakers are key. I’ll reiterate however, I’m of the opinion, everything matters but still its signal integrity first for me.

I think the key design goal of the PS Audio is not just DSD but also how well it handles regular 16/44 and PCM material. DSD is a bonus from what I gather.

If the cost is not too substantial, I'd go for the 3.5 upgrade but bear in mind the full upgrade will include VBS-1 and the VBS Ref power cable as well. Those did put my 3.5 combo pretty close to the PS-Audio IIRC.

But you are right that speakers make the biggest difference so if there's anything you aren't happy with the speakers, they probably should be addressed first before the source.