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Expensive Dac to keep or cheaper and change overtime

Good evening all, I was wondering if people had thoughts about dacs and changing over time versus keeping an expensive unit that is upgraded.  I currently have a Gustard A22 that I do enjoy , I use I2s for SACD and USB for streaming (mainly Amazon) I have wondered about a PS Audio directstream mk2 that is said to be upgraded via new software which sounds good rather than the evolution of cheaper dacs.i have read that the previous PS Audio has been a model for 8 years which sounds reassuring. I use a Primaluna Evo 300i with Zu Audio Soul 6 , the Gustard  A22 with a Node (latest version) though that might change.,I have a PS Audio Power plant 12 , ZU Undertone Mk2 with cables by Zu and Nordost.  Any advice would be appreciated. 

grahams248

Showing 1 response by philgo01

philgo01
68 posts
 

@grahams248 One word of caution with PSAudio DACsis its I2S pinouts are not configurable which means to play DSD layer of SACDs, you have to have PSAudio’s transport. There are DSD capable DACs with I2S (over HDMI, over RJ45 etc) that are configurable so that one has more flexibility with brands of SACD transports.

 

Curious, how do you stream Amazon Music (HD?) ? I just found a super inexpensive streamer that lets me to use native Amazon Music app on tablet/phone to stream to it in the track’s given native resolution (up to 24 bit/196khz). Other option I have is to use HEOS app on Marantz/Denon but it's usability is a bit rough especially compared to Amazon  Music app itself. Thx.

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