New member here and I would like to apologize if this was addressed in previous posts (I couldn’t find a straight answer)
I am looking to add a SACD player in order to play pure DSD layer of SACD. Based on my research I have shortlisted PS Audio Direct Stream Memory player and McIntosh MCT500.
I understand that PS Audio Direct Stream Memory player can only send DSD layer from SACD to PS Audio DAC’s due to copyright issue. Otherwise, I could use the I2S output from DSMP to my Laiv Harmony DAC and call it a day. Please let me know if this not the case.
Option 1) I currently own McIntosh MA5300 and I can use MCT500 with supplied DIN cable connected to MA5300’s DA1 which will send the DAD layer.
Option 2) Purchase Direct Stream Memory player and DirectStream DAC MK1
From what I understand the memory buffering and Air Lens would make the media sound better. Whereas, I haven’t found many reviews on MCT500 which is why I am leaning more towards PS Audio route.
Both options would roughly cost the same. I am looking for the best sound.
Any advice or insights would be highly appreciated.
Welcome to the community!!
You’ve done good research and asked a great question. I don’t have the answer, but both options are good options for playing SACD. There is a limit with both options if you want to also play dsd256 files. I know that was not part of your question, but is currently a limitation (both DAC’s can convert the files, but the “transports” do not transport dsd256)
Have you considered also the latest PS Audio model: PST SACD?
Can’t say for MacIntosh gear but that PS Audio Transport that I still have in my system is remarkable both for SACD and Red Book playback. As for SACD I had both PS Audio DACs MK I and MK II and I can assure you was very pleasant. Unfortunately I sold them, so currently I cannot play SACDs anymore but CDs sound great indeed.
Every DAC with I2S HDMI input (LVDS compatible) can work with PST Transport if you want to play SACDs and PS Audio DACs of course are the natural choice in that case., I mean the MK I and the latest MK II. I went for MSB DACs because I wanted to improve my streaming experience and almost abandoned physical media at all, it implied that I wasn’t able to reproduce SACDs. I was luck though because last months MSB announced the launch of a new I2S input module, that will allow me soon to play SACDs again.
Other members here, like @dchang05, are keeping their PS DAC (even if upgraded their system) just to be able to play SACDs via the PST.
The HDMI cable is important, general consensus here is that AQ Dragon 48 is the best solution.
Much depends on your habits and budget available: if CD/SACDs playback is your favorite/most used reproduction or you frequently stream too.
Option 3) which is the best option. If you don’t have the buget for a new PerfectWave SACD transport (PST) and DS MK2, save up and find it maybe on the use market. It will save you the trouble of wanting to upgrade in the future. Both the PST and MK2 is considerably better in performance and musicality over the DMP and MK1. Maybe later, also get a good streamer and play DSD256 on the MK2. The sound is the best I’ve ever heard on digital with DSD256 files.
As Luca mentioned, I kept PST/MK2 mainly for playing SACDs. With my latest pre upgrade, I have been hearing the best SQ from my SACD collection. For streaming DSD256 is no question the best SQ as waymanchen mentioned.
Thank you for responding. I have looked into the PST transport and I was trying to avoid spending too much, which is why I was looking to purchase a used DSM as it’s fully capable of playing SACd’s and Redbood CD’s.
Are you saying that via I2S the DSM won’t send a SACD DSD signal to a non PS audio external DAC? Whereas, via I2S the PSTwill be able to send SACD DSD signal to a non PS audio DAC? And just to clarify I am not talking about PCM here.
PSA offers two sales per year on gears (Mk2 is on sale now I believe). Either now or future PST+ MK2 will be an excellent selection for you if you have a good size of SACD collections.
I’m just saying (like other members) that PST is better than the older DS Memory Player, as per @Paul PS Audio has largest quantities of parts for future customer support in case of needs, it perfectly matches with the DAC MK II, that is a better choice than the older MK I. The MK II will also benefit (as usual for PS Audio DACs) from future software upgrades, it means each time significant improvements free of cost, like having a new DAC thanks to FPG new version at zero cost for years to come.
Hi risammie!
Sony makes an ultra inexpensive media player (~$100), the BDP-S6700 that plays, among other things, SACDs according to this review: Sony BDP-S6700 Blu-ray Player Reviewed
The Sony website does not mention the SACD capability but if it actually sent the DSD layer to the PS DAC it might work for you.
I would not count on that …. Sony is very protective of the raw DSD data. You know, someone might make bootleg discs. Like there’s much of a market for that …
The only time Sony/Phillips allow the DSD layer to leave a player is when it is in an unusable form for copying. PS Audio uses the I2S format which fits that requirement. The manufacturer also has to find a licensed SACD drive from an OEM supplier.
“For SACD playback, the MCT500’s proprietary MCT output needs to be connected (via the included cable) to a McIntosh product with an MCT input”
I also spoke with McIntosh support and they confirmed this. Just like PS audio they have the license to play DSD from SACD between their equipments over DIN/MCT connection.
After sending that post I thought about and it occurred to me that the PS Audio product can only receive DSD info via HDMI. The Sony unit as an HDMI output but it is likely sending video signals.
Sorry risammie for the false hope.
You could also try Wire World HDMI cables against the AudioQuest. I found the Wire World HDMI Platinum Starlight all silver HDMI to be great at a better price than the AQ.
YMMV……
From the options you listed, my opinion (which I realize might be unpopular) is to go with Option 1 and get the McIntosh transport, because you already have a McIntosh DAC and pre which is 80% the equation. It’s the fewest boxes, no cable FOMO, just plug and play. I’m sure there’s also some equipment ‘syngery’, which is important, but I’ve never heard them so I can’t comment. If I’m not mistaken, the MCT500 and PST share the same Marantz drive as well.
I own the PST/MKII combo, it is as good as people here say it is but it’s more boxes and more $$$. I also find I need a preamp with MKII but you have that covered. Buying PSA products secondhand is a great idea, most of my system is secondhand products. Note that if you buy PST separately and want to use I2S for DSD data with your Harmony LAiV, it will convert that data into PCM before it reaches the output stage. Not ideal!
