IMHO
PST is “just” a disk spinner for CD and SACD (even through, it has feature to support higher rate), it output digital signal only. So just like any digital source, PST needs a DAC.
PST has different type of output:
- SACD playback needs I2S to a compatible DAC
Is it worth buying a PST without a DS DAC? - #19 by waymanchen11 - CD playback on any output.
- Data file playback (via USB key or Data disk), can play high rate. However on DSD file playback,
a. pure DSD single goes via I2S,
b. DOP (DSD over PCM) on other connection, but need a DAC can decode DOP.
However, data file playback is not what PST is good at.
PST pairs with DSDAC nicely. I have DSDAC first, so added PST to play CD/SACD seems straight forward. If I don’t have DSDAC, but need a SACD player, for the similar price as PST, I can find very nice one, such as Marantz SA10 sacd player, which has same disk drive mechanism as PST.