Hi. I also have a CA 851N. I think that it has decent SQ. Where it really shines is in terms of flexibility. Besides a streamer it also has all types of connections for input. In my case, I have an external drive with my digital music connected through one of its type A USB inputs. This works out great in that I don’t need a laptop in the system. Are there other DACs with better SQ with this capability?
PS auido Direct stream Dac
Hi I am looking to buy a Dac, now i have Cambridge Audio 851N network player.I am looking at the PS audio Direct Stream Dac with the Bridge 11 and the Holo Audio May Dac KTE, I have a cd player ,but not many cds so most of the time it would used to stream Qobuz ,I also have a nice vinyl set up which i use about 1/2 the time. My ? does anyone have heard both of these dacs ,if so which sounds most like vinyl, I am 64 so I am trying to decide if these are worth the $ or should i just stick with the CA 851N ,any opinions will help .Thanks Lloyd
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Following up... @rbstehno ... 1) YES, upgraded to Sunshine and ran continuously for 2 weeks 2) NO, I2s which is clearly the best case for the DS 3) NO, I2s See #2 4) YES, used the DAC for 2 years with >1K hrs and see #1 for firmware 5) YES, followed Teds recommendations as they evolved over the years Thus, In summary I can easily restate that the MAY KTE spanked the DS "in my system" and by no small margin. However... as I have pointed out elsewhere that the synergy between components can be far more important than any single piece. |
Hi ,I am still looking at new dacs thanks for all your suggestions. I have a ? about my CA 851N ,is there any way to hook this up to a separate Dac just to use the streamer to feed into a new dac. and if so will it be using the new dac not the one in the 851n. any help would be appreciated Thanks Bb |
i looked at the doge 7 also seems nice but i did not like the power supply seems a little cheap ,i could be wrong ,the price is not bad . anyone else have or heard the doge 7 tube dac. I see quite a few reviews on the the Holo May level 2 & 3 they all love it ,not cheap but looks like it is very well made, thanks for all your response,s Lloyd |
IMO, the PS Audio DS jr dac surpasses most of the dacs listed on this thread. You get around 80% of the SQ of the DS sr dac for 1/2 the money. I owned 1 for 2 years and moved up to the DS sr. A word of caution when people are negative about this dac: 1) ask them what firmware release they used. Every new release increases the sq, and the last release by a lot. 2) if they used usb, then get the cheapest dac out there because no dac sounds their best with usb 3) did they use ethernet or i2s input? if not, go back to 2 4) there is a long break in time, did the user understand this? 5) there are tuning tips to get the best out of the DS dacs and that involves attenuation settings and volume settings. Ted Smith goes over these. Its been a few years now but when I was comparing dacs like the MSB and Bricasti at double the cost to the ds sr, the DS was far better with better specs like mqa, i2s, fpga, and ethernet. |
@jon2020 ... Following up on the question. Make no mistake the DSD is a great DAC however in my system the May KTE was a big step up. More open, more extended highs with more space arounds instruments... which I found off since R2R DACs tend to round off highs in general. I certainly was not expecting the huge improvement. Also of note the DSD is in the process of being replaced with a new model and one above that but more importantly the final software release was just made (Sunshine) so no further benefit to it being FPGA based in the future. |
OP, I owned the Cambridge 851N. For the money, it's a nice player. I've owned the PS Audio Directstream DAC for a couple of years now. It is a major step up in performance from the Cambridge. The only caveat I would warn you about is the quirkiness of the PS Audio units. At least once or twice a month I need to unplug and restart the PS Audio as it "freezes" up. A minor inconvenience but I'd would rather not have to do that. Good luck. Joe |
I’ve had the PS DSD and Chord Qutest and they are both great in providing a very detailed SQ. But if you are looking for a more vinyl sound take a look at the Border Patrol SEi DAC. I was surprised how close it sounded to my Primaluna Tube amp when hooked up to my Esoteric amp. It is only around $1400 and is quite unique in that it has No Oversampling with a tube power stage. Only plays files up to 24/96kHz but I really don’t noticed a major difference compared to higher res music. |
PS Audio DS dac is so overrated. I did a shoot out against Chord Quetest, TT, and a local Australian DAC. The DS sound overly warm and bloated… which is why some people like it and think it sounds analog because it doesn’t sound harsh or ‘digital’. But good analog is not overly warm or bloated… suffice to say all of the other dacs were much better. You can buy much better especially at that price. If you’re choosing between it and the Holo Audio May then Holo Audio definitely. I’ve heard that Dac too. DS isn’t even in the running. If you’re open to suggestions then I can highly recommend the Doge 7 dac. It’s quite exceptional |
@jimob Currently, the Exogal Comet is unavailable. I hope it's not designed around AMK components, as those have been very hard to get after their plant in Nobeoka burned down. The PS Audio will probably be around for another 4-5 months (part availability permitting) as the latest word form Paul McGowan, their CEO and owner, is that the replacement is on target for November 2021 release, barring more delays. They have not even finalized the selection of some parts, and have to go through alpha and beta testing, so that November date looks rather optimistic to me. When they do get into beta testing, I going to do all I can to become a beta tester for it. |
@rhg3 - I have a friend who loves his music, and after a little digging around when he told me he wanted a streamer (DAC built in). Azure 851N is what he bought after my recommendation from reviews. I've heard it, it's quite good, for the money it's very good, and it's great for him. And yes it does quite a good job, fully controlled off his phone. For the money, you have a solid performer, it's a reasonably heavy hitter in it's bracket - so yeah, you've done well. And I am more than a little suspicious that you are an audiophile sir. I've never seen you post before, so welcome mate. |
Cambridge makes some terrific DACs for the money. An easy step up would include the Cambridge CSX V2. About $1,100 new but also readily available in lightly used condition for $600 to $650. Virtually all the $1500 to $2,000 DACs mentioned above would be a super next step IMHO at this price point a few dollars can get you a huge bang for your buck. Enjoy! |
Hello, I’m following this with great interest as I own the Cambridge Azure 851n and think it sounds great. By way of introduction, I don’t have a golden ear nor am I an audiophile. I’m also fairly new to streaming and the 851n is my first foray into streaming. Actually my second, I attached an apple airport to my preamp to stream from my iPhone. This was after some prodding from my daughter who claimed that I only listened to music by dead people. Partially true, I suppose — my analog source is a Michell Gyrodec. But a significant number of the musicians on my LP’s are still alive. Really. I’m very interested to know if anyone has firsthand experience in moving up the chain from an 851n to better sounding streamer/dac — integrated or separates. I think the 851n sounds great. Then again, I don’t have much to compare it to. It is Roon ready which is a big plus for me. I subscribed to Roon shortly after I subscribed to Tidal. I also purchased a few DSD recordings just to see if I was missing out. The 851n plays it all quite nicely. Thanks for your time! |
On my "check it out sometime list" is : -Audio Note kit 4.1x $3k -Wyred for Sound-Not sure on model name -Doge 6 or 7 Currently own the last of the $1.5 Audio Mirror Tubadours Vlad offered. Somehow I feel that the next improvement I might want will be $5k+ so I am settling in and quite happy. Was not aware that U/W had a new DAC. Probably a bargain. Love that guy! |
i agree with many of the comments made, from @verdantaudio and others there are so many very good dacs out there in the $2000 and up range, each has lovely (if somewhat differently presented) soundscapes the ps ds will see new lows in used prices soon, maybe approaching 2 grand....without a doubt not to take anything away from its luscious smooth dimensional sound... those who are not in the ’must have newest most recently reviewed hot sh&t’ camp can buy for very very attractive prices and enjoy the beautiful music it makes |
This pS audio dac is being discontinued very soon which they will not tell you, a complete new model coming out.this is from a excellent source. Here is a excellent dac built better then the majority for under $2k very good . It beat my friends Denafrips pontus-2 as well as many $$ dacs On many levels especially what counts for me realism and dynamics with crunching tight Bass ,not specs on paper and several user adjustment settings including Vinyl for a warmer setting ,tune to your system.it is a full R2R dac .I just ordered one and will be getting in 2 weeks underwood Wallys new line the Audio GD R2 MK-2 dac , the flagship I wanted but didnot have almost $5k . Totally upgraded for 2021 and now has a upgrade firmware port on back for it has several FPGA processors to keep everything sounding good. |
Thumbs up on the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC. I bought mine as a trade up from a Mytek Brooklynn DAC and found it a significant step up. ThePS Audio DACs are often available through The Music Room at about half price and, given that the firmware can be updated, they are a great value at that price. You might also want to look at the Exogal Comet Plus. It is around $3,200 new. THe Absolute Sound did a head to head comparison of it to the PS Audio’s DAC (as the reviewers Reference DAC) and found it quite comparable. It uses calculus based computations on it’s proprietary chip that improves the accuracy of the conversion back to an analog system. Here is a link to that review: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/exogal-comet-digital-to-analog-converter BEst of luck to you. |
So DAC have two parts --- the d-a and then the output stage -- For 'vinyl' sound you need a really good output stage. I find that tubes make a big difference. Have had two Audio Note DACs. - the more expense one is incredible. the less expensive one was wonderful. The upper end of the Audio Note Kit line is worth considering if $ is a consideration. |
I had a DSD for several years. Sold it for $3500 about a year ago I think. It is excellent, though a bit dated and as others have pointed out, is no longer going to be updated. it was never clear that an update was going to make is sound better so I am less worried about that. I am not sure I would spend $4k for it today with products like the Rockna Wavelight out there. That is a very analog sounding DAC. Can’t speak about the May. I know it is well reviewed but I haven’t heard it nor do I know anyone who has done a head-to-head compare with it. |
tinear123, Your observation that the Holo May crushed the DS would be beneficial to those thinking of purchasing the DS. Certainly, I2S is the way to go for optimal SQ but for many, this is not a viable option without as you say, widespread industry support. To those thinking of getting the DS, go I2S all the way or not at all. |
The Ds dac competes with the best out there. Most reviewers use the DS dac and compares their reviewed dac with the DS. The best inputs to us in any dac are Ethernet and i2s but most of the cheaper dacs don’t include them. The other benefit of the DS is that’s it fpga based so it can be upgraded for free to include for example MQA or better sampling of dsd material for free. Most dacs don’t provide this. As stated above, their have been many releases of the firmware that increased the sq once or 2x a year at no charge, again not many others do this. did I say the DS sounds fantastic too! |
You are in luck! I just made the switch the Holo May KTE from the Direct Stream. I had both in my system for 3 months and in my particular system (Innuos MK3-->DAC-->Don Sachs Custom Pre-->Coincident Frankenstein 300B monos--> BD Design Horn speakers) the May crushed the Direct Stream of which I had used for 3 years. Note that I did load the new "sunshine" firmware on the Direct Stream and A/B ed for a week before finally letting go of the DS. Make no mistake the DS is very good and with the multiple firmwares available it's quite flexible. The downside is the Bridge-II is marginal at best and to get the best from the DS you must use the I2s input which has minimal upstream support. Your mileage may vary. |
I've owned, in order, the NAD M12 pre/DAC, MYTEC Liberty DAC, Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE, and now the PS Audio DirectStream DAC. The PS Audio DirectStream DAC, IMHO, is the best of the lot. For the price you pay, you'd expect it to be. The Audio Mirror DAC is a close second and is a wonderful sounding DAC. If you go the DirectStream DAC route, I suggest buying a Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 instead of Bridge II, and a decent HDMI cable for an i2s interface. I have both, and the Matrix SQ is clearly superior. I no longer use Bridge II. |
PS Audio will be closing out production of the DS DAC this year and will be replacing it with its successor. No specs yet available TMK on the successor DAC. But the nice thing about the DS DAC is that you can download all the FPGA software releases and try them all. It’s like having several different DACs with one physical unit. As for the Holo May it is universally raved about by the reviewers and is supposed to be a hellavu DAC for the money. I have not heard it though. I think I read that one reviewer either for Stereophile or TAS uses it as their reference DAC. Both are excellent choices. |
MYTEC Liberty DAC is only $1000 and it just came out not too long ago, Mytec is one of a short list of companies that excel at building DAC’s that sound incredible, and provide a ton of features. They also make the Manhatten and the Brooklyn DAC’s which are very very well reviewed. Much more expensive though. https://mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-liberty-dac-ii-287#attr= Matt M |
No, by I specified no bridge because it doesn’t do local USB. I’m done with my Synology and all remote servers. I only got one (the last) update since I got my DAC but it is THE BEST. You can get the older ones on their site if you want to enjoy the ride. Anything new from them is gonna cost plenty cabbage. |
