I beta tested the SG DAC, and as part of the process compared it to the MK2 to decide which to purchase to upgrade from the SGCD.
While I can’t say how it compares to the MK1, on its own merits the SG DAC is a very clear, transparent, resolving DAC, that, combined with the SG Pre, really drew me into my music. I could have easily kept it and been very happy.
But in my system (Airlens, SG Pre, M1200s, and at the time Totem Tribe Towers), the MK2 gave me a better soundstage, musicality, and sense of “reality” to the music (mostly jazz and rock/pop). I felt I was closer to being in the room as the music was created, if that makes sense. Hence my decision to keep the MK2 (helped by the recent sale).
I’ve recently added the FR 10s to replace the Totem’s, and my system now just keeps putting a big grin on my face.
Now these are the kind of comparisons between these two DACs that I’ve been searching for. I’ve had my eye on the MK ll for a long time now but I can’t quite bring myself to pull the trigger. Initially I was convinced the the MK ll would be my end game DAC. Then the reports began to surface of all the problems people were experiencing and the Stereophile review made me think that the MK ll was just too high maintenance for consideration. I even considered the Yggdrasil as a possible solution. Complimenting that possibility is all the different versions of that DAC plus the talk of an ultimate Yggdrasil said to be under development. When the Stellar Gold DAC was introduced I had another DAC to consider as the price, even considering the recent sale price of the MK ll, is more in my wheelhouse.
So many choices. I probably would be happy with any of them. But it’s a big decision financially and there are many aspects to consider. But strangely, I find the shopping experience quite interesting and enjoyable. I’m in no particular hurry, as I do enjoy the DACs I have now, but I know there are better ones out there I’m sure.
Everyone here expected a rave review from Stereophile. Instead we got a lukewarm review at best and, some consider, a review that was more on the negative side. They were concerned with ultrasonic noise issues that potentially could cause issues with some power amps. Noise was measured that was somewhat worse than the MK l. Paul contends that the noise in inaudible but Ted has been trying to lower it ever since, so it definitely is a issue. And of course, unrelated to the review, users have been struggling with popping sounds related to DSD files for sometime now.
Ok, I see, but except for those who may have a problem when using no preamp, the majority will have a DAC with the DS, which really has a huge potential. I have some quite spectacular tuning aside of the HW modifications and I can tell you, what I currently hear from my modded Mk I is unbelievable and I know how the Mk II sounds with that as well and it will get even better with firmwares.
The bugs with pops will be soon killed by Ted, I’m sure. That audio gear (not specifically related to the FPGA programming) can be buggy for the first months or even years from the one or other manufacturer on the other hand, is something I also won’t ever get used to. I know it’s more or less the same with all smartphone operating systems, but the feature list and number of use cases there, causing this, are from a different SW planet.
It is testimonials from MKll owners here that feeds my curiosity despite all the reports of fiddlyness. I haven’t given up on the MK ll being my end game DAC. Guess I ultimately just need to suck it up and try it in my own system someday.
I read this Mk II review now and yes, it’s not good, given how „bad“ reviews can actually be.
But he listened to tiny KEF speakers, boostingbthe bass with Roon‘s EQ, judging bass performance. Oh my, what can we expect from reviews at all nowadays.
That they used those KEF speakers for the review was questioned by many here. It certainly makes sense that they would have used speakers of higher resolving power considering the higher end speakers that Stereophile undoubtedly has access to.
Paul, you’ve said many times that PSA prices are based solely on material costs (ie, component costs and other direct costs that go into the products (that is, a function of BOM)).
The DSD1 had a list price at discontinuance of $6k, while the gold dac has a current list price of $4k. So if your statement about material costs and list prices is accurate, we can assume that the DS1 had much higher-cost parts (fully 50% higher based on list price (the inflation over last year or so only serves to make the comparison more lopsided)).
So even with these much better quality component parts and Ted’s magic programming with maybe a dozen software updates, DS1 still cannot beat gold dac with a mere off-the-shelf dac?
Can anyone give some input on the filters for this DAC? Manual recommends filter 1 and redbooks have been sounding very very good with this setup: Transport > i2s > DAC > filter 1. In regards to hi rez pcm and DSD, is this same filter recommended? I remember back with the PWD that there was an “auto” filter which would auto switch to the appropriate filter depending on source. Going to tag the big guy here to get his input @Paul
To your ears, maybe it does maybe it doesn’t. To someone else’s ears, maybe it does maybe it doesn’t. Not everyone gets along with the sound of the DS. Maybe they get along better with the Gold. Pointless argument, really.
