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Picked Up my 1st DSD DAC. Verry Interesting.

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Been curious about DSD DACs for some time. The idea of upscaling CD to DSD as always intrigued me. My experience is SACD has always sounded better than CD of a given recording.

I obtained the PS Audio Direct Stream Digital (the MK 1 version) with the Sunlight firmware drop, along with the Bridge ethernet card. Been very impressed with the overall performance. It does sound very different from the AKM/ESS DAC's I've owned or auditioned. To me, it's a step up from the Benchmark, RME, etc. DACs. Does an excellent job with Redbook CD upscaling to DSD. Zero harshness. Some of cleanest treble I've heard from digital to date. Low level detail is outstanding.
The DAC sounds smooth and refined. Instruments and vocals sound very natural. No sibilance from the DAC itself, any sibilance heard is from the recording.
The background is very dark and quiet. Nice wide and deep soundstage, more so than the Chord Hugo DAC's. With the Sunlight version, It more than holds its own against the Chord TT2. SACD has been accused of sounding too soft compared to PCM. That is not the case here. Plenty of dynamic contrast, Stand up Bass sounds very natural and well defined. Drum smacks have plenty of slam and impact. Pianos and wind/horn instruments sound natural as well.
The Direct Stream DAC has elevated my headphone experience to a new height of enjoyment. The price of these has come down enough to make it an excellent buy. Will use this occasionally with a tube setup as well.

Having owned the Chord Hugo TT2/M-Scaler setup, this is a cost effective alternative for upscaling. Would like to see more DAC's that upscale to DSD for playback. I think some of the Lumin DAC's support this.
" Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you"

Satchel Paige

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