Last Saturday our AZAVCub had a rather informal DAC comparison event with several DAC’s to play with:
Geshelli Labs JNOG(2) AK4499EXEQ and AK4491EQ chipset
Orchard Audio PecanPi+ also AK4499EXEQ and AK4491EQ chipset
Black Ice Audio Aries Headphone AMP/ESS9038Pro DAC/Preamp
Gold Note DS-10 with external Power Supply
fiio K19
Konus Digitale 200
SMSL D-6s DAC
Chord Mojo 1
PS Audio Directstream DAC MK2
Two SPL Elektor Preamps were daisy chained for all the various DAC’s. Connections were USB & XLR except for the Aries (single ended RCA) and S/PDIF only for the Orchard Audio
Amplification used were two ArgentPur Solid SIlver wired Monobloc’s powered with Orchard Audio Ultra Modules
Speakers were Philharmonic Audio’s BMR 3 Way Stand Mount Speakers (no Subwoofers were used)
The PS Audio DAC Smoked EVERYTHING on the table (see pics). You didin’t need to be an “Audiophool” to hear the diiference. We used my the PS Audio previous gen Transport for true SACD playback and DSD over PCM for USB connectivity.
Here’s a few pics form last Saturday:
The King and reigning Champion (I know I said there were no winners - buts it so damn good)
It was lots of fun. The only disappointment was was not doing a head to head between the PSA MK1 & MK2 DAC’s. Mine was ready before the event, but problems on my side prevented it from getting shipping time for the event.
I have nothing but good things to say about PSA’s repair costs, lead times on repairs, and their service dept. overall when things are out of warranty.
Thanks Aaron. It was great meeting you last year year at Axpona 2022.
Great meeting you too! and thank you for the kind words.
As for the head to head vs the MK1 vs the MK2. There’s no contest… haha
We did extensive A-B testing between the two in our listening rooms. The DSDMK2 with the Mount Massive update is LIGHTYEARS ahead of the MK1. The MK1 is really no slouch, but I can’t go back to the MK1 after hearing the MK2 with the FR 30’s. Personally, I went with a StellarGold DAC over a MK1 in my own home system. My wife would have murdered me if I brought home a MK2…
A certain YouTuber I no longer respect pushes these relentlessly, and while De gustibus non est disputandum and all that, I don’t think I could ever buy one because the styling is just too…ugly to my eyes. Sorry, no better way to put it.
Please include a Mola Mola Tambaqui in your next comparison. Not implying it’s the “best” but it’s (so far) my favorite. Many caveats apply like other system components, resolution, personal preferences, etc.
I had to Google this:
De gustibus non est disputandum
De gustibus non est disputandum , or de gustibus non disputandum est , is a Latinmaxim meaning “In matters of taste, there can be no disputes” (literally “about tastes, it is not to be disputed”).[1][2] The phrase is commonly rendered in English as "There is no accounting for taste(s)
If I lived closer I’d bring mine over for a demo. Please don’t give up vital body parts!
When I first replaced my modded DS Mk1 I thought the Mola Mola was “nice” as Al and others like to say, but over time I realized this is the most refined and musical DAC I’ve ever owned or heard. I see why people love this one so much.
I was also lucky enough to find a good deal on a used one and sold my DS to a forum member so not too painful an expense.
I sold my DSD MK2 after I purchased the Directstream Signature Series Plus MK1 a couple months ago.
It was an easy decision for me. My MK2 also had the APS transformers installed.
Ted Smith designs awesome DAC’s. I love my MK1 SSP. It’s a keeper.
Yeah…their wood cases seem to be well crafted and really beautiful, but I can’t stand the semi-transparent plexiglass and LEDs that you need to read the manual to understand. Schiit does some of this with their controls, but I much prefer their design language. I guess I just sometimes judge a book by the cover.
I try not to judge people by the things they like. I’m not perfect in that, but it’s my goal.
I finally quit that particular channel when he was actively pushing an Amazon “sale” on a previous generation Apple TV for $190. I commented three times that that is a rip off and you shouldn’t pay more than $129 because that’s what it sells for direct from Apple and if refurbished is fine with you, even less. He deleted all three I presume because he has an affiliate relationship with Amazon. My mom got ripped off by a third-party seller on Amazon for an Apple TV. Putting your pocketbook ahead of your viewers like that just offends me. Not to mention the constant “this $2 Chinese Super DAC TROUNCES all comers” on every dang video…. Anyway.
Problem is he made is mark on YT with cheap Chinese crap (I know, I know) whereas the rest of us missed that market by a mile and now EVERYONE is jumping on the Bandwagon !
I couldn’t have my Garage filled with all kinda boxes just because Companies overseas sends them out with no intention of wanting the stuff back.
