DAC Opinions

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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I am thinking about maybe looking into a new DAC. My Wyred sounds very good and does most everything I need, but I am curious about others, also would prefer closer in cosmetics to my new direction, the ARC Pre and PS Audio amps.

I am a big DSD fan. In my view, best sounding format. Therefore, any DAC that I would consider would need to be DSD256. Currently have the ESS 9038PRO chip. How does AKM compare?

So Silver, more standard size case (not 100% deal breaker if a little different). DSD256, however one exception to consider is the PS Audio Direct Stream Junior because of their emphasis on DSD. Would not mind trying different chip then ESS although not opposed to ESS.

Have thought about Bryston and PSA DSJ. I guess I am looking for suggestions and reasons for one over another.

MQA is not needed, but would not hurt if it was included. Budget, probably under $4k.

Thank you for opinions.
 
T+A DAC8 DSD is really strong with DSD.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
These both look very interesting. Any idea what chip is being used in the T+A? Also is the HoloAudio available in Silver? The Holo certainly is more attractive at the price. I would be looking to not loose a ton on my DAC-2v2SE which retails for $3799, and of course is in mint condition.
 
It is funny because I was always black, but since getting the ARC and PS Audio I have been moving towards silver.
 
In that price range I'd recommend the North Star Supremo. It uses a lower chipset (ES9018) but gets that chip right - its the best iteration of a Sabre DAC I've heard. While it isn't the sexiest DAC on the market, if appearance is important, they do have a Jeff Rowland-esque finish available.
 
Has anyone had a chance to compare the current Wyred 4 Sound DACs using the ESS 9038Pro against the PS Audio Direct Stream or Junior? The design of these two units would fit right in with my current direction, the emphasis on DSD is very much my preference. The one thing I am not keen on is that it appears the max input is DSD128. This is not a deal breaker since every DSD256 file I have I also have the DSD128 version.
 
Though I've never heard it, the T+A DAC 8 DSD seems to be what you're looking for Randy. In the Stereophile review from Oct 2016 he even used your headphones.
 
Thanks for all the input. Please keep it coming.

I would say as of right now, the current short list is the PS Audio Direct Stream Junior, the Bryston BDA-3, and the T+A DAC 8 DSD.

I would love to hear more suggestions and definitely love to hear if anyone has actually been able to compare any of these to the W4S DAC using the 9038.

I also will have to consider what kind of deal can be arranged on any of these considering the DAC-2v2SE is less than a year old.


Oh, on my headphones, they have Mr.Speakers updated DUM cable, both short and long, and their new highest level ear pads, which really does make a fairly big difference; all hooked balanced through the Bryston amp. At some point I might switch out the drivers for the flows (Mr.Speakers does offer this option).
 
Why don’t you try the Oppo 205? You can use it as a DAC. It plays DSD files. It uses the same ESS Chip (9038). It costs much less money ($1.3k). And it is also a Roon Endpoint.
Since many vendors will take it back if you decide not to keep it, you can basically try it out for free.
 
I have a friend that has the T + A. Awesome sounding DAC, but to get the best sound you need to run it at 512 DSD. At 512 DSD the DAC is transformed into something special. My friend uses HQ player to up convert to 512. It is on my short list of DAC's if I decide to up grade from my Luxman. The PS Audio Direct Stream is also on my radar. I love the fact that you can tailor the sound with the different software packages.
 
Randy a review of the OPPO205 is noted and also the Modwright Mod. https://darko.audio/2018/03/human-after-all-the-modwright-modded-oppo-udp-205/

When I had the OPPO205 and I had the PS Audio DSJ at home on trial, The 205 just couldn't match the tonality of the DSJ. So now its saving up for the DSJ or its bigger brother. One thing the DSJ could do rather nicely, it could act as a pre-amp connected to my amp and it sounded as near to the W4S STP-SE as I have heard. Just a thought
 
Yea, I have the Oppo 105. I rarely spin disks.... it has one very very very special purpose and I will never ever replace it because of that.... bet you can guess what it is if you think about it. Oh, by the way, I have played with the Oppo Sonata, the DAC with the 9038. Not even close to the W4S.

At this point I am thinking about the T+A and the DSJ.

I really like my pre-amp. I have ran a couple DACs straight to amplifiers and have done some direct comparisons and in every case I liked the sound better with the pre-amp. Not to say that the DSJ would not work nicely as a pre... I have actually had a few people suggest this. At this point though, I am happy with the hybrid pre and dam, I like having the ARC in my rack... looks good, sounds good, amazing remote.... and did I say it just seems to work very well with the M700's.

I know I can get a very good deal on a brand new DSJ. But, not sure what to do quite yet, still waiting to see the numbers.... The T+A looks impressive also :)....
 
Randy Myers said:
Yea, I have the Oppo 105. I rarely spin disks.... it has one very very very special purpose and I will never ever replace it because of that.... bet you can guess what it is if you think about it. Oh, by the way, I have played with the Oppo Sonata, the DAC with the 9038. Not even close to the W4S.

At this point I am thinking about the T+A and the DSJ.

I really like my pre-amp. I have ran a couple DACs straight to amplifiers and have done some direct comparisons and in every case I liked the sound better with the pre-amp. Not to say that the DSJ would not work nicely as a pre... I have actually had a few people suggest this. At this point though, I am happy with the hybrid pre and dam, I like having the ARC in my rack... looks good, sounds good, amazing remote.... and did I say it just seems to work very well with the M700's.

I know I can get a very good deal on a brand new DSJ. But, not sure what to do quite yet, still waiting to see the numbers.... The T+A looks impressive also :)....
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Totally agree with you why the 105 is a keeper!! :happy:

I will be interested in hearing about your experience with the T+A. Keep with posted!
 
Definately spend some time doing your research. I had wanted to try the DS Jr, but have no dealer near by.

On a side note I haven’t missed any of my DSD since getting the Yggdrasil. And it’s silver. :D
 
nicoff said:
Totally agree with you why the 105 is a keeper!! :happy:

I will be interested in hearing about your experience with the T+A. Keep with posted!
Click to expand...


I went from the 105 to the Bryston BDA3. It's a huge step up. ... If that were my budget, I'd buy the BDA3 in a heartbeat.
 
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