Hi, Sorry if this has been asked and answered multiple times but I couldn’t really find too much about it. I have an SGCD but looking to upgrade. I am looking at either a used PW Directstream (almost positive it was an upgraded version) vs the new stellar gold dac. The PWDS would be about half the price but I don’t mind spending the extra if the Gold is the best way to go. And I can trade in my SGCD to help with the Gold. Thoughts?
I also plan on getting the SACD transport at some point as well which is why I want to do the upgrade.
Cannot compare the two, but I can tell you what I did and the result.
I bought a StellarGold DAC, Jay’s Audio CDT2 Mk3 transport, and a Tubulus Concentus I2S v.2 cable to connect them. Also some IsoAcoustic isolator pucks.They work flawlessly together and sound sublime. My boss is always uncomfortable when I upgrade “for the last time.” She heard clear difference and loves them. A friend of mine is a senior “name” at TAS. He says I should be able to keep it for years of enjoyment.
Now, I have the pleasure of the music, and the pleasure of ignoring reviews as they come out touting the greatest new flavor of DAC or transport every 6 mths. I am NOT being left behind. I can relax and enjoy the music. (Disclosure, I was a beta tester.)
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