I wouldn’t call it “thin”, but I did notice that the bass was less prevalent–perhaps being tighter and more focused. My Martin Logan ESL-13a speakers include ARC for bass management. With Window, I turned that off because the bass was too much. With Sunlight, I turned it back on and it perfectly complements the sweeter tone I perceive from it.
In many albums, I found drums lacks a little strength. 
Same impression here about the roller coster process the last 3 weeks. It seems everything has settled down since 2/3 days.
Anyway my initial impression have not changed, i really feel having a brand new dac. Very very impressed by the improvement brought by Sunlight
Is it possibly some sort of psychoacoustic effect where the perceived increase in upper frequency energy causes a corresponding perception of shelved down bass?
I understand the difference between “tighter bass” and what seems to be less bass energy/presence. I’ve owned electrostatic hybrids for 25 years and a full range ESL (Quad 989) for around 10 which is sadly out of commission.
1 Like
Not really… the bass is faster with less overhang. It feels much more like listening to a standup bass live or an un-miked bass drum (owned a recording studio for a few years, so that’s the basis of my listening impressions).
I wouldn’t say less of it, just quicker
4 Likes
That’s my take too. All the frequencies seem more natural and accurate with Sunlight.
6 Likes
I don’t know how much of it is just your ears-brain getting used to the new sound. I don’t think it’s my imagination that Sunlight initially sounded rather shrill in the high treble frequencies and lacked some of the deep punch in lower bass frequencies compared to Windom. Why would I imagine that when I certainly did not want to? After running Sunlight continuously for 200-300 hours and then re-listening to it it definitely sounded much smoother and much better. The high frequencies were no longer shrill and the deep bass punch was back, albeit cleaner/clearer. After about 350 hours of use I powered off the unit with its back switch, waited several minutes, then powered it back on. I was amazed that the sound quality gained additional warmth. I really don’t think it was all just my brain fooling me into getting used to the sound. I’m a believer that a break-in period makes a difference on some hardware like this DAC/FPGA. Whatever, I’m loving Sunlight.
3 Likes
So many things can’t yet be explained definitively.
For example, no matter how much money we throw at our systems, the audiophile industry still can’t claim to have convincingly replicated “live” sound.
But if one currently needs an explanation, “it’s all in your mind” will do for now.
On the other hand, I am satisfied with Ted’s mention of nooks, crannies, kit and caboodle of the fpga, so far atrophied, but now, pressed into service…
3 Likes
Fascinating. I’ve delayed posting my experiences with Sunlight because of an ‘issue’ I perceive in a narrow band of the mid-treble; otherwise I hear all the gains in sound quality noted above. On soprano voices, harpsichord and violins it sounds as if a note is not sounding properly. I’ve given Sunlight many weeks to burn in, and reloaded it but this effect remained. Reading your experiences I thought I should see if changing the interconnect between the DS DAC and power amp had any effect. Like you I’d been using the same interconnect (Cawsey Type B, XLR in my case) for many years as a result of auditioning several interconnects 13 years ago. I did wonder if the increased resolution available from Sunlight had exposed this issue. So I replaced this interconnect with the one I’d been using before that: Kimber KCAG, RCA. An amazing change - gone was my ‘issue’ to be replaced by cleaner treble and fuller tone, without any reduction in transparency or reproduction of transients. Music sounded more natural and involving. If anything I thought there is too much ‘fuller tone’ on some recordings. I’ll probably try some of the other interconnects I have from that era.
I noted Ted Smith suggested in his post 573 above that varying interconnects could be used to fine tune the sound, and perhaps more interestingly he suggested in his post 242 on the ‘Wishes Upcoming PSA Direct Stream Mk II’ thread that sound quality should be unaffected ‘unless you have high capacitance interconnects.’ In another post which seems to have disappeared he stated that high capacitance interconnects is a known issue with the DS DAC (if I remember correctly) and suggested the use of low capacitance cables such as Blue Jeans (LC-1 I guess).
3 Likes
Fascinating stuff.
Loaded Sunshine 5 days ago, sound seems to be on the brighter end, but occasionally flashes of something else, something fuller come through.
Then it’s gone again!
Last night was mine the best my systems sounded, tonight, initially sounded muffled but weirdly with sharp highs.
Am I experiencing the FPGA burning phenomenon you guys spoke of?
Is there a general consensus yet how long it tends to last?
Thanks.
1 Like
I’ve been letting the new firmware settle in since it came out 3 weeks ago, and last night was the best my system has sounded. Seems others are reporting the same thing, so give it at least 3 weeks.
1 Like
Same here. I thought Sunlight sounded good when it came out, but yesterday, after changing nothing else in my system, the improvement was startling. Reading through this thread over the past two days, it seems as though many of us forum members are hearing the same delayed improvement in sound quality. What an amazing collective experience.
1 Like
I suspect that it is. Ted says the frequency response curve is virtually identical between Windom and Sunlight, so I think it’s like you are describing. Regardless, it’s the best my system ever sounded. I’m listening Frank Sinatra’s “Songs for Young Lovers”, and it is SPECTACULAR!
1 Like
For some music it feels like a come out of totally new DAC, a lot of details and excellent sound stage, full spectrum from top to bottom! Looked back in 2017 when I first got Jr. and later Sr. with various firmware updates, this has been a very rewarding experience (Sunlight just give me a new start!).
3 Likes
I never changed away from Sunlight. Nope. I just keep listening to it. It seems right. I think I will just smile and nod.
Smile
Nod
9 Likes
I’ve liked Sunlight the whole time too…as for explanations, I’m gonna stick with Ted…it’s fun to just be listening again and not evaluating…
4 Likes
Hello Ted,
Would it be safe to say that the DS on volume 92(attenuation off) is around 2V using the balanced output?
Thanks for all your input
Each volume step is 1/2 dB. The output of the DS is too low by 3dB so we need 3dB more to get to -6dB. 100 - 6 = a volume of 94.
3 Likes
Thank you Ted,
I have been enjoying the DS at 92 for the last few days, specially now that there is a clear explanation of the low level detail code engaged.
1 Like
Before I compare the first and only time, I restart the DS with the old firmware to ensure the same cold conditions for both firmwares. Later when the new firmware plays for some time, the DS has its optimal working conditions and the new firmware improved as the old did after DS was constantly powered up. This might also be one reason for the delayed improvement.