I am using the PMG dac without a preamp, couldn’t do that with the MKII. The upgrade is fantastic. Go with the dac.
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Morning all,
Contemplating the PMG-512 DAC. I have an Innuos Zenith MKIII > DSDMKII, USB. Would it make sense to use a usb > I2s converter or stick with zenith usb > PMG DAC?
Thanks kindly.
George
Good question.
PS Audio says that I2S is preferred, if you can use it, but seeing as how the USB input is galvanically isolated in the PMG DAC, who can say without trying both ways? A Matrix X-SPDIF 3 is $499 + LPS, and a Zeskit X-Tech (superb) HDMI cable is $30 or less, depending on length. Cost is <$1,000—<$600 if you already own a 12V LPS—and I can vouch for the fact that my Aries USB=>Matrix X-SPDIF 2=>I2S DSD Mk1 made an easily distinguishable improvement.
Of course, you’re talking about two different pieces of gear than I am so I probably wasn’t much help, except to say that it couldn’t hurt.
— Chris
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I think most found that stuff was needed for MK1 not MKII. Guessing its same or better with PMG. But for just streaming use internal one.
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Thanks guys. Since the PMG is galvanically isolated I’ll get one, compare it to my mk2 as is. If at that time I feel the need for more I’ll revisit the issue. I like the zenith. My expectation is switching DACs only will put a big smile on my face.
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That was the case for the DSD Mk1, but the USB input for Mk2 was hugely better and as I recall, many found a good quality USB (matters of course) as good as a comparable I2S for Mk2. I stopped using my Matrix (USB>I2S) when I got my Mk2. Can’t speak for the PMG DAC. I use a Dragon 48 HDMI from my PS Audio SACD player (the older one).
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7 posts were merged into an existing topic: Interesting Articles
Can any owner of 512 DAC please confirm if it supports Auto Input switching.
Currently on DS MK2, kept away running on 24/7, with the auto input switching doing the hard work to switch between Optical and I2S inputs in my TV console. If the 512 allows for the same, it will be great utility.
By now there have been sufficient posts describing the performance of the PMG 512. However, I thought I’d let those who are wondering know that this weekend I received my 512, and it had no problems connecting to Roon, which I use in conjunction with Tidal. I’m streaming with a Roon Nucleus. Streaming is the only way I listen, and so far I have had no issues with the 512.
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New guy here. I’ve been following this thread and am interested in the 512. I currently own the Lampitzator Amber 3 DAC and a Aesthetix Calypso Preamp. Last week my tubes in the pre went south so I had to install a cheap SS preamp (NuPrime DAC 9) temporarily till my new tubes came in. I was shocked at how good the cheap pre. was compared to the Calypso. Anyway, I’m getting tired of tubes! Been SS in amps for while now. This is my desire I can’t swing the 512 and the PMG pre. at the same time but could do the 512 first. Is the 512 direct volume good enough to be an upgrade to my Amber DAC and Calypso combo? Thanks in advance.
Absolutely, the 512 has plenty of juice to power the amp directly. That’s the way I’m doing it and I don’t miss a preamp at all.
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Will the 512 be an upgrade from my pre. and DAC?
I suppose you will, but the only way to find out is to get one and try it at home as you know.
Warning, I have not heard anyone return it yet within 30 days (other than fixing the bugs).
My finger is on the buy button, but I am waiting for PSA returning my email (since I have store credit), and the Roon certification. More likely it will not happen this year since I am traveling in early Dec.
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Donald, I used my credit to get mine. $2250 is the amount allowed. Roon should be very soon we all hope.
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If I’m going to use Qoboz will I need Roon?
Hi all, can anybody comment on the implementation of Shairport/Airplay on the PMG 512? I too am considering an immediate purchase to replace my R2R DAC and streamer, but Airplay/Apple Music is all I use for streaming, for family reasons.
How is the Airplay implementation? Is it stable? And does it use the Airplay 1 protocol (lossless up to CD quality, no multiroom) or Airplay 2 (sneakily compressed according to Darko and others, supports multiroom)?
And how does it sound compared to other streaming inputs (e.g. Qobuz, Roon)? I’d expect slightly worse, but hopefully only slightly.
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Do you (or anyone else) have a email contact at PSA? All my past contacts (including Scott) were not there anymore. The general sales email was not responding much.
service@psaudio.com Delia answers this.
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I have always just called the main line and asked for who I need. For the DAC issues I was reporting them to Delia. I just asked for her and got her voicemail or her direct.
For purchase info maybe ask for Taylor.
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Thanks guys!