Hi. Since adding the Matrix and using the I2S input on the DSD, I clearly prefer it over the Bridge II, even if I lose the second unfold of MQA on Tidal streams. This setup also pretty much made me agnostic over CD rips from the SSD in my Roon Nucleus+ vs. streaming over Tidal (though much of this is due to the introduction of the Uptone Audio Ether REGEN I use to feed the Nucleus+). Hence, I will shortly be removing the Bridge II from my DSD Sr…
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My experience is the same.
Paul, will an external Bridge III have the design goal to provide an I2S connection to the DS which makes interfaces as a Matrix obsolete in terms of sound quality and will this be listening tested? Or is I2S connection not favored and the same goal is valid for USB?
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That would be nice
I also decided not to look at other external transports. I use Bridge II and clearly to my ears it doesn’t keep up with the DS Senior level.
Looking forward to the launch of Bridge III!
How is work on the Octave and/or BridgeIII faring during the “isolation” period? Been a while since any mention.
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Paul- how about an upgrade path for the B2 card without any software on it, just better quality parts, support of higher bit-rates/dsd files? Maybe have an upgrade option that you can send in your B2 card so your technicians can modify it.
I have Roon with a lifetime subscription, so I won’t be looking to replace it and I have 6 Other endpoints throughout my house that I would still need Roon to support.
As they don’t build the Bridge to start with how are they going to modify it? It is built by ConverseDigital in Asia.
Not sure I would need a separate box for a bridge 3 as I like my currant space. That being said A true server with dedicated memory so I an nix the nas would be nice ! It is not a deal breaker but why have a box bridge 3 … If you want the best of the bells and whistles in audio get the full octave
Why not have PSA work a deal with the company to modify it.
So, maybe that won’t work, then how about a new B3 card without any software on it, just a more up to date card with the newer technology
Nothing going to happen in that arena until Conversdigital decides to produce a more current product than the current one that is going on six years old. Nothing on their site indicates that is being projected. These current products are what the Bridge II is based on and all they sell to multiple companies besides PSA. In the current climate I suspect they feel that software development is a safer bet. If you don’t want to invest in Octave the market is full of alternatives.
I would implement both, a Bridge III board to allow Perfectwave dac’s owners to avoid to have another chassis around, but a separate machine in a separate chassis as well to reach those customers who have not a Perfectwave dac yet…
I don’t know if this would imply too high industrial costs…
Kindest regards, hope that you and your families are all well!!!
Mario
Venezia
Hello everyone!
Do we have any updates on Bridge III?
Is it still in the plans? Do we already have a definition of whether it will be a cartridge to be inserted into the DS Senior?
I have noticed a very strong movement of users the DS migrating to other external transports to the detriment of Bridge II, I still didn’t do it because I deposited all my tokens in Bridge III, I hope it arrives soon.
It’s still a long way out if I’m not mistaken. @james can chime in.
Unless something changes, there won’t be a Bridge III that replaces the Bridge II. In other words, there won’t be another Bridge that comes out that will slide into the back of the DSD. I know it’s not the same thing, but the Octave server is essentially the replacement to the Bridge II.
Thanks for the clear statement james. I’m glad I made the jump to the dCS Network Bridge over a year ago - a large outlay (for me) but the improved SQ from the DirectStream DAC has made it a good investment.
You mean there also won’t be a smaller outboard version than the big server as replacement?
There will likely be something like this eventually, but it will be under the Octave server family. Not something that will slide in the back of the DAC where the Bridge does now.
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Will there be a card that slides in that slot area and gives us another I2S input so I can have the SACD player, Octave server and NuWave phono all plugged into my Directstream DAC?
I am at least 2 years patiently waiting for the promised Bridge III.
I don’t see any sense in paying for the DAC value for a transport, so the server Octave is completely out of my plans.
Time to look for alternatives outside PS Audio, I say this sadly because I really would like to keep the internal transport to the DS.