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In Reply to: Re: PS Audio DAC III--any experience? TAS review didn't say much. posted by JGT on February 23, 2007 at 17:29:04:
Thanks....I'm glad to know you are enjoying it. Is it as warm,
spacious, and non-fatiguing as PS Audio says it is? The ADE-24
supposedly corrects incorrect harmonics in the analog domain(it is
a black box) that digital devices can produce which are not a natural
part of the original analog signal; this according to many users
and reviews makes the sound much more real, listenable, and closer analog(meaning closer to the original sound production). I just wish the reviewer hadn't used it.
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Follow Ups:
Well...is it as completely warm etc...as the marketing fluff says it is? I think most ads hyperbolize their gear…. I would not call it warm really – but relatively well balanced. I am still looking for the right IC for it…my current one is not ideal -- and affords a slight grain to the sound(Coincident CST IC). I know this is a characteristic of this particular cable in my system from much past experience with it…..so it will get better once it is replaced. The prior cable I used was much smoother but didn’t work in the midrange with this DAC(Cardas Gold Cross). That cable worked best with my prior DAC. I am looking for a used .5M XLR Cardas Gold Ref for it..as I think this cable may have the best synergy for used cable $ and I use it elsewhere in my system. I will say the bass is well defined and extended…plus the noise floor appears to be quite low. The midrange is definitely not forward or pronounced in any way – if anything a little laid back. I like this aspect in general, as imaging can be good without any spotlighting that can be fatiguing to me over time. I’ll see how the midrange ends-up with the improved cable synergy – once I get that together. HTH…..
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I've had good luck with Harmonic Technology IC's. Their Pro-Silway I've heard and I've read that Truth-Link is a really good buy and very smooth.
....its a good transport but not the ultimate intransparency. In my system, outputting to a DTI Pro/Proceed PDP combo actually improved transparency although it is an 18-20 bit rig. The XA2000ES I replaced it with is much more transparent (I've had them side by side) but not as smooth and elegant sounding through the midrange. But as a transport they are equal. With the XA2000ES, however, the DTI Pro/Proceed combo sound less transparent although more elegant.
Harry
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Thanks!....that is good to know...I felt the Sony was a good transport and having a changer is an added bonus. Besides the good yet strange review in TAS(they used the ADE-24 sound sweetener) of the PS Audio DAC, I have only heard from one person who has this DAC, and he seems lukewarm about it. I know most all PS audio dealers and mail order have 30 day money-back, so I guess I could try it.
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I certainly had no intention of sounding luke-warm about it. I have very little pride in my own gear...I have it to reproduce music and get enjoyment from that, not the individual components as much. Often it works out, sometimes less than others. My speakers are imperfect, as is my amp and preamp, cables etc...and this DAC is as well most certainly is. My Squeezebox is probably the most perfect for what it is ;)I grow weary of reading most reviews, primarily the individual owner reviews, which almost always emote experiences as being "blown away", "jaw dropped", "astounded", "stunned" etc... It is hard to separate out the pride of ownership from real useful information. I am curious why TAS didn’t spend much more time reviewing this piece and look forward to reading a longer, in-depth, comparative review hopefully contrasting others in the price range(Lavry, Benchmark, Aqvox, etc…). I will say that I am enjoying music much more through the PS than my prior DAC, in almost every way, and am happy with the purchase.
If you do purchase, make sure to burn in before hand...at least 3 days before seriously listening.....its sounds pretty bad out the shoots.
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Thanks for clarifying. Yes, I know what you mean about people
using superlatives that just seem overboard. I now understand
better your original comments and very glad you are enjoying the DAC,
and especially your mention of it have a balanced sound...I like not having areas of the frequency spectrum that 'stick' out like many products tend to produce. Happy listening!
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