Update:
Lampy Big6 arrived today. It is in a far different class then my PS Perfectwave 2. So much more music and soul. Soundstage is expansive (is that a real word?) and it has no limits up top or down low. Vocals are stunning and it puts the performers right there in the room with me like the PW2 just couldn't.
With the Lampy here, I made a decision which I hope won't disappoint too many of you. I decided to cancel the order for the Accustic Arts DAC. The Lampy is stunning, and if I had to stop right here I would be happy forever. Shipping fees on the AA DAC coming and going were going to exceed $500- (they insisted on 3 day express) and the Lampy is so good that I feel comfortable not pursuing the AA. If shipping were not an issue, I'd still want to bring it in. Maybe John at Audio Connection can arrange an Aesthetix audition (I still haven't called him, been so busy). We shall see.
Although the differences between DAC's is evident and noticeable, they are still subtle compared to, say, the difference between pre-amps. I learned that I really need at least one more pair of ears to give everyone a reliable opinion...
I still have the PS Audio DirectStream, OverDrive SE and Aeris on the way; they are all solid state. I think I can easily find a keeper amongst those 4 (or 5 if I can hear the Aesthetix).
Lampy Big6 arrived today. It is in a far different class then my PS Perfectwave 2. So much more music and soul. Soundstage is expansive (is that a real word?) and it has no limits up top or down low. Vocals are stunning and it puts the performers right there in the room with me like the PW2 just couldn't.
With the Lampy here, I made a decision which I hope won't disappoint too many of you. I decided to cancel the order for the Accustic Arts DAC. The Lampy is stunning, and if I had to stop right here I would be happy forever. Shipping fees on the AA DAC coming and going were going to exceed $500- (they insisted on 3 day express) and the Lampy is so good that I feel comfortable not pursuing the AA. If shipping were not an issue, I'd still want to bring it in. Maybe John at Audio Connection can arrange an Aesthetix audition (I still haven't called him, been so busy). We shall see.
Although the differences between DAC's is evident and noticeable, they are still subtle compared to, say, the difference between pre-amps. I learned that I really need at least one more pair of ears to give everyone a reliable opinion...
I still have the PS Audio DirectStream, OverDrive SE and Aeris on the way; they are all solid state. I think I can easily find a keeper amongst those 4 (or 5 if I can hear the Aesthetix).