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DAC Compatible with PS Audio SACD Transport

I have the PS Audio SACD transport on order. The ideal matching DAC to connect the PSA SACD transport is the just released PS Audio Direct Stream DAC II. But at USD8K, the price makes it seem like a bridge too far. Therefore I am looking for  another DAC that is compatible with the PSA SACD transport, for SACD playback via I2S. I am eyeing the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC as it is reported to be an excellent DAC and is substantially cheaper than the PSA DAC. 

Are there any other DACs that you can recommend? Or do you think I should bite the bullet and get the PSA SACD DAC?

I must admit to being tempted from time to time, as PSA releases regular DAC updates which essentially gets you a new DAC. But then sanity intrudes LOL. 

 

128x128dcpillai
vandy357
71 posts
 

For what it is worth, I just upgraded my MK1 DAC for the MK2.  PS Audio gave me what I paid for the MK1 so I could not resist.  The sound quality of the MK2 is hard to believe.  If you make the leap I don't think you will be sorry, this thing is that much better.  Call them and talk to Chris Harden, he might just hook you up with a great deal.  Good luck and happy hunting.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,752 posts
 

@dcpillai 

If you want to listen to SACD from a PS Audio transport, you need their DAC. It has the Sony chip in it.  If you don’t care about SACD, then any DAC will work.

Call PS Audio 1-720-406-8946

BTW, they are selling the MK1’s for like 40% off.

slowlane
9 posts
 

Count me as another vote for the MK1 DSD. The unmodified MK1 was good enough to earn a Stereophile Class A rating and you will have 100% compatibility with the PSA transport. Buy secondhand for around $2400 and save for the MK2.

When you have the MK2 money, trade-in the MK1 using the MK2 $2400 trade-in allowance. Good luck! 

sgreg1
612 posts
 

Just a heads up. I2S is not a standardized pin layout. You first need to know you ps pin lay out then find a dac with the same.

dcpillai's avatar
dcpillai OP
60 posts
 

@rar1 Thanks for the input especially in relation to the PSA SACD Transport, and no worries! 

@smatsui ​​@skinzy @philgo01 Thanks for the confirmation in relation to the Holo Audio KTE & Denafrips DACs!

@philgo01 This is the updated SACD Mk II version of the SACD transport.I believe it was released sometime in the past year or two.
 

@slowlane @curiousjim @fittebd  Noted as to your recommendations as to MK I version of the PSA DAC. Unfortunately, I don’t live in the US. I’m in Malaysia and they come up for sale here very rarely. No discounts here too. 😔 
 

@vandy357 Appreciate the feedback on the MK1 and MK2 DACs. That most definitely swings me over to the likelihood of buying the MK2 DAC!

 

@curiousjim  The PSA SACD transport does work with certain other DACs with the right I2S configuration. See feedback from @skinzy ​​@smatsui & @philgo01 above.

 

 

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