I owned the DA-06 for a few years and loved it! Detailed presentation, but very smooth, never fatiguing and always musical. Operated flawlessly.
However, I recommend against buying/using the PS Audio Memory Player as I found it to be highly over-rated and the SQ was poor. I wanted to like their transport, but was very disappointed.
You would be better off pairing the Luxman DA-06 with a reputable music server. The Bluesound Vault 2 is a good value and provides a lot of flexibility.
I only sold my DA-06 DAC because of a unique opportunity to acquire a new old stock Audio Aero Reference CDP + DAC at a good price. If/when I buy another DAC down the road, the DA-06 will be on my short list. I feel like it flies under the radar compared to many of the flavor of the month DAC's that come and go. |
Seriously consider the Jay's Audio CDT2 MkII transport. |
Hi Pennsy,
Do you currently own the PS Audio Memory Player(MP) or do you plan to buy It? If you do not own one can you arrange an audition? I ask because my experience with it is quite different from pdreher’s. It has been wonderful sounding and a joy to have in my audio system the past 8 years. It would be obviously beneficial if you can hear it and determine for yourself.
Charles |
I owned both units at the same time. Superb combo! Musical to the nth degree. The PS Audio unit can be had for as little as $1000 used. Great transport based on my experience. Not sure why phreher’s experience is so different from Charles and mine? I do know it happens all the time with great gear.
|
Agree with Bill (grannyring) regarding opinion variance of audio components. No matter how excellent a component can sound to one listener invariably it will disappoint another. This is just a reality of the High End audio experience . Pure subjectivity on display.
Charles |
I initially used a Sound Science Diamond Music Vault server with my DA-06 and had excellent sound... but when my server starting having hard-drive problems (age related), I tried replacing it with the PS Perfectwave Transport (in large part because of the good reviews on Audiogon), but came away feeling the music was flat and lifeless. I also tried an older CEC transport, and while it bettered the PS Memory player, it still fell short of the sound quality from my Sound Science computer server. The Bluesound Vault 2 I have now is not as good as the Sound Science Server, but It's better sounding than the CEC and PS audio transports by a fair margin and provides greater flexibility at a great price. My best digital source is a Audio
Aero Reference CDP, but it's very pricey and the company sadly went belly-up in 2012.
If you do want to try a PS Audio Memory player, make sure you get one from a reseller with a good return policy (The Music Room / TMR) in case you don't like it.
While I have not tried the Jays Audio Transport recommended by Twoleftears, I have heard great things about it and would give it a try if the dealer has a return policy.
BTW, I greatly respect the opinions of Charles1dad and Grannyring, as they are both generous, long time, reputable contributors to Audiogon. |
@pdreher These are very interesting findings. Can you share any other differences in your setup that might account for the differential evaluations? Thanks. |
Hello pdreher,
Thanks for your kind comments directed toward me and Bill. I do not doubt your listening impression of the PS Audio Memory player in your system. It’s very interesting (even amusing) how audio products can span such a range of outcomes from one listener to another. You heard "flat and lifeless"". Bill and I heard exceptional musically engaging sound within our respective audio systems. As Bill succinctly put it, "it happens all the time with great gear". Oh so true.
Charles |
If it is of any help, and given the variety of impressions it is likely not, my experience with DA-06 is nothing but fantastic. I have not heard many DACs, maybe 3-4, but this sounded so pleasant to me that I would buy it if I needed one. I currently a the lower-level DAC in D-05 SACD player and it means one box less with results I still like. However, DA-06 is in a different league and much much better. To me,at least. |
Thanks to all. I own the PS Audio
memory player and presently have it hooked to a Cary 200ts Dac. Running to a Cary preamp.
Incimental upgrades I’ve found to be not wise.
If my wallet could afford it, I’d go flagship Berkeley. But 20 k Dacs aren’t in my budget. Ayon stealth is my new target. Luxman compared to Cary 200ts Dac finds small change. Ayon doesn’t win the Munich electronics show awards consistently for nothing. Audio Research Dac -9 is another consideration. However, I’ve never heard bad about Luxman. Luxman is some of Japan’s best. Thanks again to all. I appreciate different views. Pennsy |
Pennsy,
Your continued use of the PS Audio Memory Player (MP) suggests it is serving you well and sounding good. The MP paired with the Luxman DAC should be superb as grannyring clearly noted above. I don’t know to what degree the Luxman may exceed the Cary 200ts but for certain the Luxman DA-06 is very highly regarded.
The Ayon and Audio Research DAC 9 are quite worthy I’m sure but my suspicion is that you’d be very pleased with the Luxman in your system.
Charles |
Charles 1Dad: I’m sure your advice is correct. I’m a fan of the MP and PS Audio.
Well at least their Transports! Anyhow, bigger money doesn’t always mean better. I’ve learned that the hard way. Will the Luxman make a large difference over the Cary 200ts. Well, who knows for sure without purchasing the Luxman. Blending of multiple unit systems can be a challenge. I’m starting after 60k , to believe the the integrated fans and reduction of multiple cables relieves introduction of jitter. But I’m digressing, Ayon I know would absolutely make a difference, however 8k Dacs should. I’m 56 , and Audio Research has been quality longer than that. I think after the holidays, I’ll make my decision. Thanks for your advice. |
1+, @twoleftears
I just set up my new Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK2 transport. Incredible SQ. Surprised to find no manual for a $2,000 transport, but no issues with set up. Remote functions didn’t work; maybe batteries are required. 😂😂 |
Does anyone have a change to compare Wyred4sound
DAC-2v2 SE with Luxman DA-06? I'm thinking to replace
DAC-2v2 SE with DA-06 to match with Luxman L-509X.
Thanks,
Hoang |
