That matches my observation, except that what you hear as „warmth“ without the Super 3 is what I hear as less definition, control, speed, focus and 3D. But it sounds „warmer“ as you say…too warm for me, also after the unmodified DS. The Super 3 got it right again for me.
I don’t disagree entirely though I think the lesser definition, control, speed, focus and 3D to me is not great actually, just the other side of subtle, and since I don’t just listen to “great” recordings but a lot of other recordings for the music, it may be of lesser concern to me, and even a benefit. I have the Super3 back in place, but it has a sort of silvery character, or maybe gray character that I wish was just a bit less so, that’s the tiny bit of warmth I would like. I think cabling might influence that, and I’ll explore further with power cords to the unit, I don’t think I’ll pursue the cable between Super3 and DSD as I think I need a custom one, which I have, built by the former owner.
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Give a try for Ghent Gotham dc cable with Farad and it will make it sing like never before. All that negative character you now hear will go away and will show how good Farad actually is.You can order it with matching connectors ,and pretty cheap too. I know as I have Farad level2 copper dc cables and Gothams. Always felt that there is something wrong with Farad but Gotham dc is the cure. Power cables also have great effect ,I use BAV and no need to look further.
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I’ve tried the BAV cable. … doesn’t do it for me. I’ll look into Ghent,thanks.
Lon, look at NRG Custom cables the .5 is what I use for amps and regenerators and the .1 for sources. Real good quality and sound good. By the way I agree on the BAV’s not a knock but they are easily bettered as PC’s.
Thanks. I have a number of cables on hand and don’t feel I can afford to start buying more. I’ve swapped about five on hand possible cables to the Super3 lately and the one that I think fits the bill the best is a trusted “oldie”–the PS Audio xStream Premier SC. I think that what is unsettling me a bit, keeping me from total satisfaction, is probably the link from the Super3 to the DSD. Though there are so many ways I can tune my system from “riding the gain” to P15 modes and settings to isolation feet and tube-rolling that I’m still going to play around with those for now before venturing another cable buying venture.
Well, this is not about my next upgrade. It’s about a friend’s next upgrade.
He borrowed my DSD. He wants to buy one. I’m urging him to wait for the new one to become available.
He loves the DSD and I’m a bit worried about getting it back anytime soon.
In the meantime, I’m using his Denafrips Pontus 2. For the $1800 he paid for it, it’s quite good.
Like the reviews say, it feels built like a tank; beautifully done. But I really miss the refinement of my DSD’s sound. No comparison in sq.
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I’m waiting for the new one, but only because I expect at that point that the prices of used samples of the current model to decrease in price slightly. 
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Since I just sold my Schiit Freya+, I’m hunting for a new preamp. Something without tubes, and am currently focusing in on the QUAD Artera Pre.
Unique “QUAD” styling, clean, simple, and of course, the QUAD heritage to back it up.
I know, I know, for about the same money, I could get a PS SGCD. I already had one. It has a built-in DAC, which I don’t need, plus the PS remote used to mess with my TV all the time which was a major nuisance.
Anyway, that’s most likely the direction I’m going, unless some other preamp pops up that I’m not aware of yet.
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Playing with some cables today… this one has ground in center. Next one I’ll try some shielding outside with a drain.
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What is the idea behind this test?
I did an experiment with copper foil as conductors.
The impact on the sound was really big though.
But it just wasn’t right.
I’m a big fan of the Artera range. It’s been very successful. The styling was a pretty important update, but a lot of the technology is good old Quad, the Artera Stereo is much the same as the Quad QSP. My last component system was based around a pair of QMP. Their skill has always been to make superbly accurate hifi with cheap components to offer great value.
I heard a full Quad system (ESL2912, Artera Play, Artera Stereo) about 4 years ago. Fantastic. They had a prototype streamer, but Rob Flain (their customer services guy) told me they were having problems with it and it doesn’t seem to have been released.
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This one is for phono pre &/or preamp.
I’m looking to find the right balance of removing / mitigating as much of the full RF spectrum without choking the life out of the music.
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Thank you for that, sir! That’s the best information I’ve received yet about the Artera Pre.
I just looked it up and I suspect one of the reasons for doing the pre was to bring back the Tilt Control, a very clever form of DSP they invented 40 years ago. It pivots around 700 hz and there is a bass control. There were many calls to bring it back. See what it’s about here:
Designed in the same Quad HQ in the UK, manufactured in IAG’s world class factory village in Schenzen. The power supply sounds like the one in the Audiolab MDAC+, a brilliant machine.
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I’ve read a lot of good things about that Tilt Control feature, but honestly, it’s something I’ll most likely never use. But I’m sure I’ll mess around with it a little bit.
Not really an upgrade yet
My system goal for 2021 was to settle on a phono stage to swap in and out with my Klyne, which I will always keep, but does require the removal of the cover to manipulate 4 banks of ten dip switches every time you want to tweak something or mount a different cart
I’ve had a few in the past year and ultimately decided on a Luxman EQ-500. Was leaning towards tubes and wanted versatility and greater functionality and of course it comes with top of the line Luxman sonics
The others, not including the EQ-500:
PSA Stellar: Great versatility, not great remote/user interface, good build, bad LED’s, very quiet, punchy presentation, overall a solid performer with huge bang for the buck benefits
Modwright PH 9.0X: Loved the looks and functionality, very quiet at all gain settings, sounded smooth, fairly dynamic, solid bass. For some reason, we never bonded. I sold it to a local guy who was looking. Easy to sell as I bought it before the significant price increase and I reflected that in the sale price
I also have the Klyne (best of the bunch by far) CI PEQ-1/AC-15, the Pass (line) Curl (phono) designed Nakamichi CA-5…
Anyway, The EQ-500 is not in stock at my dealers (I want new) and has a 90-120 day lead time so they gave me a demo E-250 for use until the 500 arrives. A different animal, SS vs tube, the entry level LUX. Just got it in this afternoon so no impressions yet, but it looks sweet paired with my CF-80 and all of the controls have a solid, tactile feel
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Pretty.
Well, the QUAD Artera Pre has been ordered!
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