Thank you @Elk
Having owned both the DSJ and SGCD, in my opinion, the DSJ is better sounding without the SGCD serving as the pre. This also seems to be the consensus based on reading various posts on the topic.
The only reason to use the SGCD would be if you need the analog inputs, etc.
@dancingsea thank you for your reply. My local PSA dealer says the DSJ compress the sound to achieve lower volume which reduces the details of the music. Yes, I need analogue input for HT bypass. Like you said, I would need to keep the SGCD, or upgrade to the BHK pre amp.
I use it one of my DS only for Tidal.
I have many different Dac’s also small. this one is bold
MERIDIAN EXPLORER USB DAC –
This is incorrect; the DSJ volume control is bit-perfect and does not throw away musical information.
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@Elk, thank you for the volume clarification. Is there a way to get around the analogue HT bypass? Currently the L R output from my marantz sr7012 is going into input 1(ht setting, volume 76) into the SGPD for movies. For music marantz nd8006 coaxial to input 5.
@michael-denmark do you use another device to play tidal into the dsj or not related at all? How do you connect or play tidal on your dsj?
I do not know, I do not watch movies. There are people here who know quite a bit about home theater however. Hopefully they will chime in.
Personally I have never heard anything as good. You could find used for 4k I would think
Play tidal through dsjr by plugging in ethernet and using mconnect control or roon
I could tell blindfolded and one ear muffed.
Just saying
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Strange things can happen when you up grade…you listen to a track you have heard 1000 times and then boom…you hear and instrument that was never there before or a violin turns out to be two seperate violins in two separate places…i never cease to be amazed
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@tonydennison thank you for the feedback. I know exactly what you mean with the upgrades, however, not with the same unit as for the DSJ. With most of my components upgrade, cable, dac, amps etc. I can hear the improvements, details and instrument and little tingles where it wasn’t there before. It is exciting but addictive and of course, very expensive.
I have got a DSJ lined up and should be ready for pick it up on Wednesday. Hope I can live with Mconnect control because I don’t really want to spend extra to get Roon.
I dont know if you have been told but it will take 1000 hours 24/7 for the dsj to burn in…then it will all of a sudden change ALOT.
So be patient
My dsj started off sounding terrible…the change is quite un believable
Enjoy the process
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Thanks for the tip
Guess what GUYS??? Just got back from my 4 day trip andddd…
My new DSD just finished burning in…what are the chances…46 days
Sounds glorious !!
Easiest way for you soundfever is…Attenuator IN, Vol 106, no amps no preamps…Roon Radio 24 hours a day for 6 weeks…listening in between.
BUT whenever you are not listening to it…Attenuator IN, Vol 106, no amps no preamps…Roon Radio 24 hours a day
@tonydennison wow that is a long burn in. Lucky for me, my unit is burnt and and got a huge discount, aka secondhand. However, he said its lightly used, so I might do another burn in session when I pick it up this afternoon.
Glad to hear you are picking one up.
My Junior also took about 1,000 hrs… when it switches it is NOT subtle.
Depending on how long they sit, they can need to be burned in again…from what paul said.
Let us know
Congratulations!
The PSA DS DAC Sr. w/ Bridge is the single most impactful (musically) piece of kit I have ever purchased, short of my current speakers. I was a bit of a digital skeptic until I picked up a PerfectWave MKII DAC and Bridge I on closeout when “Sr’s.” release was pending.
The PWD was so good in comparison to my previous CD and Universal Disc spinning experience that I “had to” upgrade to the DS Sr. very shortly thereafter, when all of the raves about the second or third free firmware update hit the Interwebs. I am sure there are ultra high-end (ultra expensive) options that perform as well or better, but I think this DAC is really special and its a privilege to be able to own one at such a (relatively) reasonable price. [These are an absolute steal on the used market these days.]
Enjoy.
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I agree.
I was a 100% vinyl guy…i went through several dacs then bought a Ds jr…when i first started it up i was sooo depressed sounded like crap…as burn in went through it got a little better and crappy again…then…BOOM
Then i got another tube pre and it was great except there was a ground loop issue…i traded it for a ds sr…thanks to the generous people at psa…
If you dont use a pre…give a tube pre…a nice one…give it a try. I think you will be surprised.
Well, my (currently) second-favorite piece of kit (speakers aside) is my Anthem AVM 50v 2 Pre/Pro, which I use for my 2.1/7.1 combination system. Anthem’s room correction software (ARC) is the bomb (at least in my room). It clears up the “mud” in my imperfect room and makes the whole shebang, just that much better.
Maybe someday I can sneak in some tube goodness by upgrading my Emotiva XPA-1 mono blocs (Gen I’s). But, for now, I am enjoying the best I have ever heard from my own kit.
Thanks for the reply.
Enjoy the Sr.
SEE