I see some PS Audio DSD Jr for sale and I am curious to get opinions from those who own or have owned these DACs, is this a still a good buy? Since it is nearly impossible to audition one in my home system I would need to buy used for around $2,000-$2,200. I understand there will be no more software updates. I do not have a CD player or transport that supports I2S. I also do not need to use the ethernet streamer option. I could but am happy using a high quality USB connection. Given that I would not be taking advantage of I2S or the streaming option is the DSD Jr still a competitive good buy compared to newer DACS that are improving technology all the time? Just curious on your thoughts. I do like a warmer sounding DAC, not super filtered but I prefer a more tube or analog sound to a bright sound.
The DSD Jr. Is an excellent DAC right out of the box. These days it is relatively inexpensive considering the quality sound it achieves. It will run the very latest software and last a long time. I wouldn’t hesitate. I own the Sr. And the Jr. and sometimes I think they Jr. might actually sound better. Sometimes.
It depends on what you are coming from of course. I used to have the Oppo standalone DAC which I thought was rather good - well, until I got the DSD Junior instead. It was a jaw-dropping difference. I have also had the opportunity to compare with the almost equally priced Mytek DAC, but the DSD is to my taste so much better. With Sunlight I cannot think of any DAC that will bring you more bang for the buck, especially as 2nd hand.
A note, I think that one can still download the older DAC Jr firmwares. Not pushing a purchase, just noting that you will have some tuning options. One forum member still likes Snowmass.
I bought “used”, a PSA DAC Sr because I like PSA’s service policy, especially the cost and added warranty they offer. Give them a call to get updated on it.
I upgraded to a DSJ from the GDAC about two years ago. It was a pretty large upgrade even though I liked the way the GDAC sounded. I do a little listening with the PST through I2S and it sounds amazing, but because I don’t have many discs, most of my listening is from a computer hooked up via USB. I use a nice Curious USB cable and I’m very pleased.
I had a Jr and it was one of the best values out there… That’s back when PSA still made them. However I heard (and please correct me if I’m wrong) that if you have a Jr and need service that is not an option? The boards are no longer made or available therefore any repair options are very limited…
I didn’t have it, but just from my impression of what I read here about heat, reliability and some other matters as well as SQ differences and if you don’t use the built in bridge, you can’t remove it, I’d recommend to wait for the DS II appearance and then buy a used DS I instead of the jr. Should be at a similar price level by then latest.
I don’t recall reading anything abut service issues, but it was stated the Jr was discontinued due to key parts no longer being available. You would think PS Audio would have had a supply of the discontinued parts for service. Perhaps James or Paul can confirm or deny this. I will say if one came along at the right price I might go for it for a second system.
I was thinking of grabbing one as well till I was told about the repair issue. I was on the phone with PSA but it was quite a while ago. Interesting to know what the status is…
I had a Jr. with Bridge along with a Sr. in a different system and really couldn’t tell the difference between the two. I disassembled and sold the system with the Jr. but otherwise had no issues at all and wouldn’t hesitate to own another one.
The Jr was a great sounding DAC. If I were buying one from a forum member or the like with a known history and it was a 2018,19 (I think those were the last years) then risk of any issues would be low I bet.
If push comes to shove, we can still repair them. Because of the price of the boards, when presented with the option to upgrade to the DSD instead, most folks jump on it.
Thanks for the message PerL. I have used a Chord Qutest (really liked to sound, lots of weight to strings and piano, full rich and pretty detailed) and I currently have a Ifi Neo that offers a lot of features for an economical price. It sounds pretty neutral but brighter and thinner than the Chord but pretty good. Maybe the DSD Jr would still be a big difference? It also offer a lot more options than the Chord. Thanks so much for your insights.
Thanks everyone for your feedback! Vert helpful first hand experiences and @jazznut great advice to wait a bit for DSII and see values on the DSD after that.