So that is the same ESS 9038 Pro sabre chip used in my Rose 520?. So me thinks that would not be an upgrade (for me at least). I guess the are “upgraded” dacs that use chips but have separate boxes power supplys etc.
But next step up is the Sr or Mk1 etc (along with others) that are op amp or fpga stand alone dacs…?
I already have an MK 1. I am looking for a dac for a system in my second home. I am curious to see if the Stellar Gold dac has any significant improvements over the MK 1.
I suspect that any chip dac is not going to compete with architecture like mk1 or ladders / Denefrips types etc. But i am not Ted. He knows…
That’s exactly why PS Audio pricing is way off.
That means the Stellar is not upgradable. The MK1 was but no longer. The latest update is pretty special. The modified MK1 is a closer rival of the MK2 then it is the Stellar.
So the 1500 dollar dac with a year warranty out performs the new 3k dac. And i guess it should in most respects. Thats a quandry.
I always did think the Jr and Senior were really good products. A couple of the best for PS.
The Gold pre seems like a good unit but i have not heard it
I have had 4 or 5 jr and seniors throughout the decade. I think i had a mis match once with a pre (only 1v out on Sr?) But they have always done well.
This is the impression I have…but not based on listening experience…
The whole “is that the same chip” thought is ludicrous to me. Same chip doesn’t mean squat in my world. It’s all about what is behind it.
I get that part Al. Especially from a listening chair. The output stage, power supply etc means more to performance than probably the chip itself.
Im just commenting on the fact that there decidedly different technologies. The old ladder/ utilizing a chip /and organic fpga etc. Chip dacs do well but are the least expensive option for a reason. Your “better” more expensive dacs dont seem to use off the shelf chips.
In my case i got a great streamer box, but its also trying to be a dac, pre etc. I can probably do better with a stand alone dac and or pre. Would a stand alone dac using the same chip i already have sound better…it might. But i think the next step up would be a mk1 or 2 for sure.
It actually would be cool to AB a gold vs mk1.
I get it, but it was PSA’s choice to compete with itself. Prices are high for refurbs. It is for PSA to sort out. Those considering the products offered at the refurb prices may be best served to sit this one out hoping for a sale in the near future on new product. It’s the consumer’s choice.
PSA gear is not known for holding its value on the used market for various reasons. No secret to those that follow the brand. I’m not buying the suggestion that when offering discounts Scott McGowan is concerned for the impact on component resale value.
With a Gryphon Ethos you are sitting in the cat bird seat. I can only imaging your DSD Mk I is gathering dust.
Nailed it once again, it is all about implementation.
I have not seen anyone assert that PS audio is pricing its refurbished components to protect the value of the product in consumer’s hands.
I haven’t read this entire thread, but when comparing the “refurbed” component prices to used prices, the fact that they’re factory refurbished certainly has value.
Yes…depending on what “refurbishing” entails.
No argument, just confused.
Most important to me is the one year “guarantee”.
I’ve purchased refurbished products in the past. From what I remember it was hard to tell them from new and the warranty was a bonus. There was a Sony Factory store just over the border in Wisconsin during the early SACD days. I spent some money there and got hooked on DSD early on. Refurbed Sony SCD-1’s were commonly found there!
Who’s on first?