Well, the fun begins in looking for a new DAC. Many great options out there, and if you choose a good one, your sound quality will improve quite drastically. You might not see it yet, but this is actually a blessing in disguise.
Trade it in for the new PMG DAC, then you can get into streaming, or sell your current streamer. More importantly, you will enjoy SQ improvement so much and you may get rid of your CDs too.
Thanks for the suggestion. But, 9k for the new version PS Audio DAC is a bit much.
That is an unfortunate truth, I went through four streamers and three DACs within a few years. Ultimately, I went for top-of-the-line components. Then suddenly I knew I was done. There is a level of SQ satisfaction, at least for me, made me realize that I am mostly done.
Well, hopefully, now that PSA is talking about active speakers.
The Stellar SolidGold DAC is also very good and you can sometimes find a used one for around $2000-$2300. If you go into the world of “Chi-fi” there is an almost endless number of decent and inexpensive choices -and many are using the same ESS Sabre chips. I especially like the Gustard DACs.
Contact PSA directly. They are accommodating and I think will help you with pricing. Eversolo dmp a6, dmp a8 and dmp a10 are also great options at 3 price points.
I think I will look into the Benchmark DAC3. It’s made in USA and has great specs. Plus, I already own a Benchmark stack, Ahb2 amp, LA4 preamp. I try to avoid Chinese-made goods, including Chi-Fi.
If you wanna stay with PSA you should check out the factory referb page. Or give them a call. I got lucky a few months ago on a DSD MK2 by calling and asking if they had any….
I’m with you there! Benchmark makes amazing products! I’ve been using the original, the Benchmark DAC1, for about 25 years now. It’s a real workhorse and has never failed me. I recently compared it to the PMG Signature DAC in some listening tests, and was very surprised --not quite the same but very close. Also, Benchmark had a demo system in a room at last April’s AXPONA in Chicago and (believe it or not) I thought it was some of the better sound of the show!
You could ask about repair of your DAC as well. PS Audio has repaired several components for me . . . I had to pay a few times but the cost was a LOT less than that for a new DAC!
I bet APS could fix your DAC and also do the Limited Edition upgrade at the same time.
I keep hearing about how good some of the Benchmark products are. I’d like to try their top tier amp one of these days.
Benchmark makes excellent equipment, originally known for pro audio/commercial applications.
Benchmark has always intrigued me but a nontransferable warranty cooled my jets some considering how well the product seems to hold its value.
TMR always seems to have preowned Benchmark available such as this DAC3