To me it sounds like real analog (r2r tape/vinyl) with good recordings played trough DS.
Some recordings now can be harsh on high frequencies, apparently due to their digital transfer done with lower fidelity.
I would say that Windom was more forgiving in comparison to Sunlight, but to me DS still sound like analog source, until you throw at it some really bad material which itself has “digital issues”.
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If we limited ourselves like that we’d never be able to draw any conclusions. I think it’s fair to notice a trend when dozens of users all with different systems are reporting common sonic traits just after a firmware change that such sonic traits can be traced to the dac
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I have always found the phrase “sounds more analog” useless.
Yeah that’s fair. But it was what those reviewers chose to use. To me it means a softer sound possibly giving up some detail in comparison to what it is being compared to. But that type of sound may still be preferable to many.
I think it can be of some use in a specific comparison. I think Darko used it when comparing to Auralic if memory serves.
That’s why I asked the question since the Sunlight, by owner accounts in this thread, seems to move away from that at least to some degree
Imperative: Analogue in telling you the story of pulsating music and not just reproducing sound, something sometimes interesting and something different sometimes fatiguing. DSD Sr. with Sunlight is giving you inside in Music. Many of PS Audio “Lovers” are Music Lovers. For instance many Friends of Burmester love showing equipment and sound but are not interested in good Music …
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my previous dac was exogal comet. Compared to ds, the sound preference was in favor of ds.
After sunlight, it became clear that the two of them were in different leagues. Ds further ahead in every respect.
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That’s an interesting question. I never think a turntable playback sounds quite like a universal player’s playback, etc. if I’m being honest. The mechanisms of the media are so different. Both a turntable and a DMP for example can produce excellent sound. With always a distinct difference in my listening experience.
In my main system Sunlight actually competes with itself in the vinyl vs. digital disc/stream debate. . . as I use a PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter in my system and run the signal from that via HDMI into my DSD. I was amazed at how great the sound is from the NuWave’s ADC and through the DSD and use that now exclusively instead of the balanced output of the NuWave into my balanced preamp. Sunlight was an improvement for both of my HDMI inputs, from the NuWave and from the DMP. Great sound. . . each input having that fundamental difference I always hear from a digital disc spinner and a turntable as a source.
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@kzk One observation about Sunlight is we’re hearing performer movement on stage, Stevie Ray’s guitar swings become apparent as he moves around the mike, the air around Jacintha as she moves in on the mike, it’s enough to give you the shivers on some tracks. At the same time you’re aware of the rest of the audibles on stage or in studio. In many vinyl recordings you can feel that illumination and you can hear it and feel it with Sunlight. Similar? can’t say, all we have is observation.
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I don’t want to call it “analog” sounding. Compared to my Ayre DACs (Codex and QB-9), the DSD is less fatiguing and less sharp. Recordings that are edgy on my Ayre DACs are easier to listen to on my DSD. Sunlight initially changed that a bit. But after a few days it (or I) settled in nicely and I prefer the sound I’m getting from Sunlight over what I got from Window. In both cases, they are solid improvements to my Ayre DACs. I find that I listen at a higher volume level as the music isn’t jangly.
Does that sound “analog”? You tell me. I associate analog sound with noise (clicks and pops from albums and hiss from tapes) and reduced dynamic range. So, I don’t think of analog as being a gold standard.
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If you’ve been following this thread you probably also read that the new firmware needs time to settle in, which is the case. After two weeks of letting Sunshine burn-in, most of my poorly recorded CDs now sound much better, and more analog like with Sunshine vs Windom.
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When playing DSD128 music, the sound is warmer and full. I guess you can call it closer to analog. The bad CD recording still does not sound like analog at all.
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That’s cool
I have repeatedly read in this thread of users reporting listening fatigue and not only with Sunlight but other OS (to a lesser degree) and with other DACs. The fatigue was reported with systems I’d be more than happy to own and it initially puzzled me.
I know what the phenomenon is. I once walked out of a Supertramp concert in 1974 in London, Ontario in a smallish venue because it was just too loud and was causing a headache. Believe me when I say that leaving wasn’t anything I wanted to do but there wasn’t any choice for me.
Granted, the concert analogy is extreme but the conclusion I’ve drawn as to why I never, ever experience listener fatigue is the volume levels I use just aren’t as loud as what may be the case for those who do.
No disrespect is intended and each of us make different choices all the time but maybe turn it down a little? Just my 2¢.
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Outside the ticks, pops, and surface noise, analog generally tend to have softer edges and more pleasant sibilances, also fuller and thicker tonal balances. Digital generally has sharper edges focused highs and harder and leaner tonal balanced.
But digital has evolved to the point where with the better equipment and recordings, digital can have just as much natural sibilance and fullness and richness as a good vinyl rig. In such a digital system, Sunlight will make it sound even better as it will have even less noise and more clarity and resolution. But there are still a lot of lean, sharp, and strong on the sibilance digital recordings out there. Sunlight will certainly not help these recording and probably make them even worst.
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I have to agree I thought sunlight was good initially but since i installed it Sunlight seems to get better and better every time I listen!
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Yep, same here.
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I am actually finding Sunlight to be just a little bit laid back.
Seems like I need to dial my preamplifier and/or the the DS volume up a smidge to get the resolution and “jump” I am used to with some of my more familiar tracks.
Anyone else…?
I do seem to be using more volume on my system with sunlight. I’m also noticing the volume adjustment on my BHK Pre at 53 when the tubes crank up a little more. It never seemed as noticeable as it is now. Not sure if that’s my preamp or a result of sunlight? None the less it doesn’t bother me.
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I’m not finding any of the top end harshness others are reporting. That’s with only about five hours on the installation.
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I’ve gone from thinking Sunshine was bright on certain recordings, to now thinking it’s too laid-back. The sound of Sunshine has been changing as I continue to let it run in from day one two weeks ago. Initially I had to toe my speakers out, then as things settled in I returned them to their original position, but now I have them toed in
even furtherr than there original position. I’m curious to know if when deciding which version of the firmware would make the final cut, if it was allowed to fully settle in, because it definitely sounds different as time goes on.
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