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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
128x128bestbaker
jwillox
177 posts
 
Cambridge Audio 851N is a nice streamer with good DACs. Hindered by a so-so app (StreamMagic) it’s not magic 😏

Yeah, PS Audio is intriguing, but as the state of the art is in flux, the price is a little steep. 
p05129
483 posts
 
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!

jon2020's avatar
jon2020
985 posts
 
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. 
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 
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.  
davidaaa
5 posts
 
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.  
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