DAC Compatible with PS Audio SACD Transport


I have the PS Audio SACD transport on order. The ideal matching DAC to connect the PSA SACD transport is the just released PS Audio Direct Stream DAC II. But at USD8K, the price makes it seem like a bridge too far. Therefore I am looking for  another DAC that is compatible with the PSA SACD transport, for SACD playback via I2S. I am eyeing the Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC as it is reported to be an excellent DAC and is substantially cheaper than the PSA DAC. 

Are there any other DACs that you can recommend? Or do you think I should bite the bullet and get the PSA SACD DAC?

I must admit to being tempted from time to time, as PSA releases regular DAC updates which essentially gets you a new DAC. But then sanity intrudes LOL. 

 

128x128dcpillai

@dcpillai - Huge bummer.  Going back to our original conversation, is it possible the at the end of the day, you need a current production PSA DAC with the I2S configuration?  The issue you are having is the identical problem I had.  

And granted it is possible that there is a problem with the transport.  That would be the simple outcome.  

I would contact PSA and ask to work with Paul, he will work with you and figure it out.

Hope it works out for you.  Keep us posted.

 

Rich    

 

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yyzsantabarbara

 

Which Player(s) are you auditioning to replace the Sony ES SCD-1 ?

 

Happy Listening!

@jafant That is a good question. I was thinking of buying a Playback Designs DAC/SACD player. However, I am starting to go back to my original belief that a DAC has diminishing improvements with higher costs. Though the PD could be different because of the designer and FPGA design. Same dude involved with the SCD-1.

I have the PD Stream-IF fibre optic streamer and it is rather good even though I am only using the SPDIF part and not the fibre optic part which only works with Nagra and PD DACs. If someone wants to buy it from me, I could sell it, this way I can save some money and buy a non-PD DAC.

I wish I had the ability to go to the LA show this past weekend because PD was showing their gear.

If I do not go for the PD player, I am thinking of the usual suspects for DAC/SACD which are. Marantz, Esoteric, and Luxman.

I do have $10K of gear up for sale at the moment. This gear became redundant when I found cheaper replacements. If I sell this stuff the PD can be the first option. I just got to get over the reluctance of spending too much money on digital.

BTW - I finally got my replacement for the Thiel CS3.7. It is the Yamaha NS500. Jaw droppingly good sound from the NS5000.