So not too long ago I replaced my SGCD with a Musical Paradise MP-701 MK3 Tube Preamp w/upgraded tubes and caps, and a Denafrips Pontus II DAC. Yes, quite a bit of improvement…
Simple question, when looking at my SGCD, where would you all put it relation to current DAC offerings? To me, it’s probably around the performance level of the Chord Mojo 2 I use in another system. Certainly a nice DAC, but can you upgrade the SGCD DAC or is it what it is?
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Just upgraded mine to Gold and very happy.
I don’t have firsthand experience with a lot of DACs, so about all I can say is it’s considerably better than the DAC in the Bluesound Node 2i, and not quite as good as the old DSD Jr. In general I think it’s pretty good; certainly better than I think it ever got credit for.
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Despite interference issues with the remote the SGCD is and always has been a great DAC and I’ll always have one to put into the system from time to time just for the memories and the fun of it. Same as the Sprout, I will always have one.
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There is a specialness to the “GC” portion itself, the “Gain Cell.” I really liked what that did with the GCDAC I had, and really enjoy what it adds to the GCHA that I have.
I have the SGCD and its taken on a new lease of life with the recent addition of a Innuos Zen MK3, it sounds superb with the M700 and Amphion speakers, am in o hurry to replace it this year, unless am won over with a greater sounding pre/dac for 3/4 K (£)
The unit was definitely one of PSA’s greatest value accomplishments of recent years. It made a great foundation for the system that made listening fun for me again, after many years of ho-hum performance. But as much as I loved it, time (and design) moves on. With DAC duties being handled elsewhere, I traded my unit toward a new Stellar Gold preamp, which I’ve found to be a seriously substantial improvement - as it should be, given the price. But it’s still a little sad there’s nothing comparable to the SGCD in the current lineup anymore.
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