I would agree that it has calmed down a bit after a few days. It’s really good overall.
2 Likes
I mentioned elsewhere that the addition of an Audience AU 24SX power cable to my P20 made a significant improvement in sq, including imaging. Mono recordings have a greater illusion of depth with that cable.
Sunlight has magnified that illusion to a surprising degree.
I’ve been listening to Clifford Brown and Max Roach and a couple Miles Davis sacd monos and it’s quite an obvious improvement. I’m glad I hung in there with Sunlight, run-in wise.
4 Likes
Thought I would update my earlier impressions (to avoid potentially having a negative/misleading post as my final thought).
After a couple of days, things really settled down and came into focus, and I’m really happy with the update.
My view is that the last couple of updates were more incremental/subtle improvements to the DS’ house sound; whereas, Sunlight is a significant change, and one for the better. Accordingly, I think what I was initially perceiving as being “mixed up” was just a more detailed and developed soundstage (particularly in terms of depth). In my system, it was a significant improvement in the quality of the bass, which makes the sound more seem more neutral across the spectrum (or maybe it’s vice versa).
In any event, Sunlight is keeper for me–so much so that I was considering an analog upgrade from my VPI Prime Signature, but am now considering spending those $$ on my digital set (e.g., separate streamer, etc.). Also, super excited for the MkII and being able to keep my DS for my headphone system.
1 Like
Makes one wonder what the DSD MK II will bring to the table, what with improved FPGA, firmware, transformers and power supplies…
In the meantime my MK I sits awaiting a burn in with Sunlight or possibly a new owner in anticipation of MK II.
1 Like
Use an app on your phone.
So, volume level 92 to High set up. Best regulation to let details emerge right?
1 Like
@Elk - It’s looking like many of the same questions are being asked repeatedly. There’s clearly no fault here, it seems that this is simply a result of having a broad international community who have been taking Sunlight over the course of multiple weeks. Is there a way to put a FAQ at the top of this thread that has info in it like Ted’s suggestion to try Volume Level 92, that the firmware prob needs to burn in over XX hours due to Sunlight exercising previously unused portions of the FPGA, etc…?
1 Like
Me, 1991
There’s no way a new power cord can make any difference.
Me, 2021
There’s no way allowing computer code to ‘burn-in’ will make any difference.
Wrong both times.
17 Likes
If it were not for repetition most forums would die a quiet death. 
If you would like to put together an FAQ I can add it to my first post starting this thread.
My cynical side expects it would make little difference in people posting the same questions over and over, but it may be worth trying if you want to put the work into it.
3 Likes
Interesting. Wisdom from experience. Reflecting on your reply, I have to agree. Sometimes things need to run their course and it’s best to do nothing.
Thanks!
3 Likes
Downloaded and installed Sunlight no problem. Close to a component level upgrade to these ears. I agree with many observations already noted: greater separation, wider sound stage, more noticeable decay etc . . . Most noticeable to me is greater clarity on top end, cymbals in particular.
First listening session was SACD and Redbook with the PST. Simply amazing; best my kit has ever sounded. Next night was streaming from Auralic G1. While not up to PST level, the upgrade over Windom was immediate and unmistakable.
I am more sensitive than most to shrill or shouty top end, and I get none of that with Sunlight. Just increased clarity. I can see why others say it sounds louder or brighter, but to me it just sounds better.
Thanks again Ted and PS Audio. SO impressive that I have “upgraded” my DAC 5 or 6 times without spending any money. Bravo.
10 Likes
This goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway given how some like Sunlight more than others… How one likes the new sound quality of the high frequencies on Sunlight is probably heavily dependent on the system it is played on and the hearing accuracy of one’s ears. The folded ribbon tweeters on my GoldenEar Triton One loudspeakers are pleasingly silky smooth with great clarity and don’t need higher treble frequencies. Loudspeakers with duller sounding tweeters would probably sound much better with higher frequencies delivered to them. If I had B&W loudspeakers with those very clear and revealing but piercing diamond tweeters my ears would bleed with Sunlight. Like I said before, I’m giving Sunlight more time to “burn in” before I make my final assessment. If I end up going back to Windom that’s okay because it sounded great on my system. It’s great that PS Audio allows different options for everyone’s tastes.
I’ve had discussions on AVS Forum about the sound characteristics of different DACs. Many argue there is no real distinguishable differences between different DACs. Those people must have either low grade speakers or lousy ears. For a while I had a Mytec Brooklyn DAC and it had amazingly clear and detailed sound but on my stereo system it quickly fatigued me and did not sound melodious; it was so dry and shrill sounding that I think the paint on my walls was starting to peel. On lower end systems the Mytek would probably sound great. I’ll say that Sunlight sounds better than the Mytek.
There are too many qualifying factors at play for this to be a right or wrong issue. I guess I got too far off topic here. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming…
5 Likes
High praise, indeed…
What speakers do you run with your PS Audio DAC?
Curiously yours.
Spendor Classic SP100Rs. About five year old demos purchased from the Spendor distributor here in FL. Sunlight added some top end accentuation that works very well for these speakers and my all PS Audio kit.
2 Likes
Very nice, sort of “Old School”.
Thanks.
OK, bad news. I reloaded Windom… sorry … Windom is working better for me. That edge is gone with Windom. I am going to keep it this way through the weekend and then reload Sunlight. The difference is not subtle in my system, and I just don’t care for that edge.
Question: There is another file that is different in the load. Could this file affect the sound? DSDD0401 to DSD00500. What is this file for? Difference in versions?
Peace
Bruce in Philly
7 Likes
Interesting Bruce. I’m 28 hours or so into Sunlight and I don’t have an “edge.” There’s definitely a high frequency clarity that is not bright or edgy and there’s a layer of muddy silt gone from the lower frequencies. This firmware is a very significant improvement and was nice from the git-go for me.
4 Likes
Glad to hear that, Lon. It took my dac days of playing to get there. But it’s wonderful now.
(I just put the PST on repeat and left the amp off when not listening).
That’s what I did as well overnight and when I had to deal with reality today!
Before it arrived I had done a pre-emptory lil bit of toe-out to my speakers and rolled in an Amperex 12AU7 in my ZROCK2 which seemed to be just the right perparation.
A post was merged into an existing topic: Sunlight: Installation and Technical Issues