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In Reply to: RE: Best DAC for under $ 8,000 posted by Bill Leebens on November 12, 2015 at 12:41:01
Especially at the price-point.
Follow Ups:
I appreciate your post but nothing that JA has to say is of interest to me.
Several generations of firmware since then-- the latest not only measures better than the original firmware release, it sounds even better, as well.
http://www.stereophile.com/content/new-firmware-measurements#BTzXGkGF6vXU0tIa.97
:)
http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ps-audio-yale-os-firmware-for-the-directstream-dac/
I'm banking on Ted Smith's ability to squeeze every bit of potential out of this design. If I understand correctly, there are no opamps in the analog output stage, and that strikes me as a very good thing.
nt
Picked it up this afternoon :)
PS DS DAC is on the top of my list...JUST for the upgrade-ability alone...
What is the burn-in time in hours?
Second...BHK Signature Mono's same question, burn-in time...
I would most likely be buying them from The Music Room, in CO...and may ask them to do the burn-in for me...really like Josh over there...good dude...
The BHK mono's would be driving a pair of Maggie 3.7i's...I am currently running a Sanders Magtech which I really happy with...like the idea of the tube input stage on the BHK's and all MOSFET output stage...
Thanks
Mark
Hey, Mark--thanks for your interest.
DirectStream takes a good long burn-in. The number 500 hours is thrown around a lot. Whether that's due to the FPGA, the stout power-supply--couldn't tell you.
I couldn't vouch for that number myself; I just set up a continuous feed from a CD player and let in rip for a long while. It just gets better and better. I'm not anal-retentive to run a timer during the process. ;->
The single most amazing thing about DS is how good RedBook content sounds through it--it really is unfreakingbelievable. As one who owns thousands of CDs (and LPs)--that's significant to me. I do have hi-res files, but I'm damn sure not buying everything all over again.
The amps come up to speed relatively quickly--I'd say 20-50 hours to hit peak performance. That said, the tubes are burned in, and I've heard them be absolutely stunning, cold out of the box--at reviewer's homes, where they blew away megabuck amps. It's really satisfying to experience that.
Josh is good people: we're in touch pretty much daily. Holler if I can help.
I thought TMR buys and sells only used, trade-in, and overstock equipment? I visited them about a year ago.
Nice folks in a small light industrial building in Broomfield (or was that Westminster?). I sold a pair of mono amps to them about a year ago for quick cash as I didn't want to hassle with Audiogon, packing, and shipping those beasts.
Bill. Do you know when the biggest jump in break in might be? I have all of 8 hrs on mine and I think it sounds freaking fantastic with cd content. I have yet to get my PC setup etc.
What I've heard from folks is that 80-100 hours is a major tipping point, and then there are incremental improvements for many hours beyond that--some say as far out as 1,000 hours.
Personally, I'm not patient enough to track that long....
Bill,
Will the P.S. Audio transport output dsd from an SACD?
regards,
Johnny
Nt
Does that cryptic response me that it will in the future?
Johnny
Nt
Ayon 07s. The reviews are uniformly enthusiastic and you get aa cd player(tubed)in addition. Mine rivals my Nottingham 294 with Ortofon Cadenza Black which is amazing.
Reminds me of those ~20K$ Cd players of a couple of Decades ago.. Wonder what happened to those.. Old Audio gear /users home ?
I am keeping my eye out for it at the thrift stores and yard sales!
Dave
I doubt measurements mean anything about dacs. Ladder dacs always measure worse than Delta/Sigma dacs and usually sound better. Also Delta/Sigma dacs are loaded with noise but still measure great.
Alan
But, full disclosure, I'm completely ignorant about this stuff. Just hoping to make a wise DAC investment to mate with the rest of my kit --
a DAC that is a keeper.
BTW, I value your recommendations :)
Of all the pieces that comprise a modern audio setup, I would consider the DAC to be less of a long term 'keeper' than just about any other component.
With new DACs hitting the market at a steady pace, I wouldn't dump too much cash into one DAC and consider it a long term done deal investment.
Personally, I would sample a few modestly priced DACs over time as they continue to evolve. I'd hate to get stuck with a megabuck boat anchor that is surpassed in a year by newer technology.
My sweet spot range is around $1000 - $3000, but everyone's budget and idea of value differs.
In a couple of years the playing field will be completely different
Good luck in your search
I have friends who enjoy it, though. And your point is well taken :)
I agree Abe
We buy dacs today like we used to buy cartridges in the 60's. Always looking for the holy grail
Alan
Don't think I'd be buying/burning/trading the above.
Trinity DAC only about 50K but with 8 PCM1704 per channel, what the heck!
One concern with legacy discontinued DAC chips in expensive DACs is the availability of spares should one need servicing. I hope the makers of those DACs keep a good stash of spare chips around.
Non-stocked item with 2 week B/O according the the web page.
But yes they have an 'end of life' notice from TI.
Link below:
If I were smart I'd buy a roll or two today and perhaps I could sell them on Ebay in 10-20 years like NOS 6SN7's. ;-)
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