Another vote for you getting a Holo DAC.
New DAC, what should I look for?
I currently have a PSA DirectStream Mk1 (modified with APS output transformers and external power supply). Nothing wrong with it at all, but it's the oldest components I have and I'm thinking I may want to try something different. Budget is ~5k used
The sound profile that I'm looking for is smooth and spacious. Yes, details are nice, but I can compromise somewhat on that to gain smoothness and spaciousness.
The rest of my system consists of PureAudioProject Trio15Classic driven by MasterSound Compact 845. Streamer is Holo Audio Red and Small Green Computer i7 is taking care of the Roon/HQPlayer duties. All cables are Silversmith
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It’s not a question about whether people are "entitled" to their opinion, right? I mean, that’s like saying they’re "entitled to their left hand." This is about whether there is a way of testing so they can *verify* whether they actually hear a difference or they are fooling themselves. Are people "entitled to fool themselves"? Yes, in the same way they are entitled to their left hand, their opinion, etc. I went back and forth many times, controlling for variables, each time I changed DACs. I could hear a difference. I had friends change the DAC while I was blindfolded. Many trials. Then we switched roles. We all heard differences. Not perfect science but not just guessing, either. |
Most people I talk to who want to move up from the PS Audio go in one of two directions if they are happy with it. The Meitner MA3i is going to be an elevation in just about every way while maintaining the same core sound. It is DSD upsampling as well. Two steps up would be Playback Designs MPD6 and it is a debate about Playback MPD8 vs EMM DA2i as 3 steps up and which is better is a matter of taste. Alternatively, I have people that go with Bricasti and the M1 S2 or M21 are noteworthy improvements over the DSD. This has slightly tighter bass and maybe a hair less air in the treble compare to the Meitner. I have a lot of customers quite happy with both paths. Needless to say I am a dealer for both but there are lots of us out there and do sincerely think either could work. |
@hilde45 We're in complete agreement. But I'm not going to argue against someone that thinks all DAC's sound the same. It's their opinion and I will just leave it at that. |
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