Can’t you borrow it and find out?
If your other DAC is better, return it and thank them for the offer.
I use a PS Audio Digital Link III, yes it is ‘old’, but sounds better than either of my two built-in DAC’s, so all digital sources are fed to the PS Audio instead, (CD’s, streaming and server files).
I wouldn’t get too caught up with the processor make or model. That TI was a former Burr Brown chip. But, as Paul (PS Audio) has always noted, it isn’t the processor as much as the output circuitry/stage that has a more significant effect, and that is where Paul concentrates his DAC designs. The Digital III has a Fet based output, which IMO is a good thing.
Try it, see if it is an improvement. As it is a family friend, you may get a very good deal on it (I think I paid about $325+/- for mine). There are better DAC’s out there today, but I’m happy with mine, for the time being.
If your other DAC is better, return it and thank them for the offer.
I use a PS Audio Digital Link III, yes it is ‘old’, but sounds better than either of my two built-in DAC’s, so all digital sources are fed to the PS Audio instead, (CD’s, streaming and server files).
I wouldn’t get too caught up with the processor make or model. That TI was a former Burr Brown chip. But, as Paul (PS Audio) has always noted, it isn’t the processor as much as the output circuitry/stage that has a more significant effect, and that is where Paul concentrates his DAC designs. The Digital III has a Fet based output, which IMO is a good thing.
Try it, see if it is an improvement. As it is a family friend, you may get a very good deal on it (I think I paid about $325+/- for mine). There are better DAC’s out there today, but I’m happy with mine, for the time being.