Well, after 11 months of listening I had to finally admit defeat and order a new Benchmark DAC2 DX. The PS Audio SGC, while relatively satisfying, just wasn't pushing "all" of my buttons. I guess after 14yrs of owning the same brand dac, it secretly stuck to me. Funny thing is, even though this will be my 4th Benchmark dac, I'm pretty damn excited. And yes, it will be serving as my preamp as well.
Are you still using the Bluesound Node 2i as a digital streamer?
Yes, using the Node 2i. I really liked the SGC's functionality and it has great slam and fullness; but I think it comes at the expense of sounding a little out of focus, and not as articulate and detailed as the BM.
I'd like to know as well. Seems like a few people got the PSA Stellar Gain Cell preamp, loved it, raved about it, went quiet, then sold them.
I’m curious as well. I got caught up on all the postings about the PS Audio amp/pre and starting researching them and then it seemed like most were moving on to something else.
Well, I bought my SGC DAC from @Clipdat, and am extremely pleased. Blows away the Parasound P5 I was using. Soundstage is amazingly wide and deep, where as the P5 was very 2 dimensional. Best improvement to my system in quite some time. The elusive speakers disappearing that many talk about, is now a reality with my setup.
Assembled a new pair of Daytonaudio SSMB24 stands for the LSi9s. After listening to the stereo now for a while I've realized this is a more appropriate height for these speakers relative to my listening position.
Old stands were 31" high.
2ch rig:
Speakers: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
Preamplifier: Parasound P5
Amplifier: Vincent SP-331
CDP: Denon 1520
Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB
Benched: Parasound A23
I'd like to know as well. Seems like a few people got the PSA Stellar Gain Cell preamp, loved it, raved about it, went quiet, then sold them.
I’m curious as well. I got caught up on all the postings about the PS Audio amp/pre and starting researching them and then it seemed like most were moving on to something else.
It's like anything audio, personal tastes play a part. The SGC has a lot going for it, and I certainly understand its appeal---very visceral and exciting presentation, and I love the volume display and general functionality---but there were subtle elements missing from what I was used to in the Benchmark DAC. As I stated earlier, I've been running Benchmarks for over a decade, and that should have told me something.
The SGC DAC creams the Parasound DAC’s.
The preamp stage however I would imagine is closer matched to the p5’s.
I’m running the p6 with that new volume control. It’s presentation is less forward than the SGC but serves well for synergy in my setup. The detail is still there, just more relaxed.
Personal preference.
I considered the Parasound P6 VERY HARD, especially with it's upgraded DAC; but decided to go with the "devil I knew" (Benchmark) so I wouldn't have to try to unload a 2nd preamp at a loss.
So my statement above about the SGC beating the Parasound DACs was based on feedback I thought I had heard from trusted ears. Apparently I am misrepresenting that account because of the lack of evidence. My apologies.
There's just too many variables. I didn't particularly care for the sound of the ESS DAC inside the HINT 6 as I felt that it was inferior through my PMC speakers versus the dual Wolfson DACs inside the CXN V2. When I compared them on the Polk 703s, the difference was much less dramatic and the HINT 6 DAC was much more listenable.
On the NewClassic 200 that I'm currently evaluating, I am unable to reliably distinguish between it's internal Burr-Brown DAC and the CXN V2's DAC(s) while using the Elac speakers. I need to do further testing with the PMC speakers to see if they reveal a gap between their performance.
So basically what I am trying to explain is that system synergy comes into play heavily with a DAC's performance, and it's extraordinarly difficult to make a statement like "X company's DACs are better than X company's DACs."
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
System synergy and personal preference will determine how good a dac is; price, flowery speech, or mass hype don't. These points can sometimes point you in the right direction, but they aren't the sole qualifier.
How a dac chip is used in the circuit can have a bearing on how it sounds as well. In the past I've heard folks speak of such and such chip they disliked in xx dac but in xxxx dac that same chip was glorious. I've read this time and time again over the years whether it's Burr-Brown, Wolfson, Cirrus or ESS Saber.
Main System
Marantz AV8802A PrePro
Marantz MM7025 Amp rear surrounds
McIntosh MC7205 Amp center, ceiling and mid surrounds
McIntosh MC300 Amp front mains
Oppo 203 Bluray
Polk SDA-SRS with VR3 monastery crossovers
Polk FX1000 Mid surrounds
Klipsch RP-440C Center channel
Klipsch RP-15M Rear surrounds
SVS prime elevation ceiling surrounds
Rythmik F15HP sub
Samsung 8500 curved screen 65" LED 4K
Mac Mini Server
Office System
Musical Fidelity M6s dac/preamp
Oppo 103D Bluray
Polk SDA-SRS 2
Parasound HCA-1500A
Polk PSW 650 sub
Microrendu
Roku Ultra
Mac Mini Server
Playing musical chairs with some gear in systems. I took the Sonic Euphoria pre out of the main system and paired it with a pair of Ampzilla 2000 amps out of the home theater system to drive the Quad 2905's. The better 200 watt mono blocks have more than enough power for the Quads, so the passive pre works fine.
I then took the Sumo Athena pre from the Quad system and put it with the 845 tube amps driving my DIY horns. The active pre drives the amps harder and gets me better bass.
I also took the D-class from the Quad system and put them in the home theater system to drive the Jubilee bass bins. The amps work well for bass duty.
Living room: Clearaudio Champion II turntable, EAR 834P phono pre, Auralic Altair DAC/server, PS Audio Quintessence power, DIY 6H30 Class A Linestage, ASL AQ1006 845 DT MKII mono block amplifers, DIY Altec/JBL speakers, DIY Baltic birch rack Sun room: DIY Nelson Pass B1 w/Korg NuTube pre, Logitech Bluetooth, DIY EL34 amp, JBL C50 Olympus speakers with custom Smith horns, Mapleshade Samson rack Den: Onkyo TX-NR929 receiver, Oppo BDP-103 player, Panamax M5400-PM power, Behringer EP 4000 sub amp, Electrovoice DX-38 active, Klipsch Jubilee speakers, Martin Logan Cinema center, JBL SAT2 surrounds, Danley DTS-10 sub Dining room: Shanling CD-T1500 SACD, Sumo Athena pre, SST Ampzilla 2000 amps, Quad 2905 speakers
Comments
No worries, what is it they say? "Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery"
I would come hang out there if we were pals.
If your travels ever take you through mid Missouri, give me a shout. The Beer is always Cold and the Music is usually a tad bit too loud.
Invisible aluminum wireless Phazer speaker wire
Free Spirit Teleport Preamp (Literally brings the artists into your living room)
1.44 JW Flux Capacitor Mono Amps
I'd like to know as well. Seems like a few people got the PSA Stellar Gain Cell preamp, loved it, raved about it, went quiet, then sold them.
Vinyl: Fluance RT82 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Vinyl II: Audio Technica AT-LP120X USB * AT120Eb * ART DJ Pre II * Acrylic Turntable Mat
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * ROKU Streaming Stick + * Z-line Designs Elektra
Are you still using the Bluesound Node 2i as a digital streamer?
Vinyl: Fluance RT82 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Vinyl II: Audio Technica AT-LP120X USB * AT120Eb * ART DJ Pre II * Acrylic Turntable Mat
Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * ROKU Streaming Stick + * Z-line Designs Elektra
I’m curious as well. I got caught up on all the postings about the PS Audio amp/pre and starting researching them and then it seemed like most were moving on to something else.
Still cataloging the home library but it sounds pretty darned good with Tidal so far.
I am most likely going to end up with a Lumin U1 Mini for the 2 channel rig and will use the Aries Mini elsewhere/for LSAF.
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
Assembled a new pair of Daytonaudio SSMB24 stands for the LSi9s. After listening to the stereo now for a while I've realized this is a more appropriate height for these speakers relative to my listening position.
Old stands were 31" high.
Speakers: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
Preamplifier: Parasound P5
Amplifier: Vincent SP-331
CDP: Denon 1520
Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB
Benched: Parasound A23
It's like anything audio, personal tastes play a part. The SGC has a lot going for it, and I certainly understand its appeal---very visceral and exciting presentation, and I love the volume display and general functionality---but there were subtle elements missing from what I was used to in the Benchmark DAC. As I stated earlier, I've been running Benchmarks for over a decade, and that should have told me something.
The preamp stage however I would imagine is closer matched to the p5’s.
I’m running the p6 with that new volume control. It’s presentation is less forward than the SGC but serves well for synergy in my setup. The detail is still there, just more relaxed.
Personal preference.
On the NewClassic 200 that I'm currently evaluating, I am unable to reliably distinguish between it's internal Burr-Brown DAC and the CXN V2's DAC(s) while using the Elac speakers. I need to do further testing with the PMC speakers to see if they reveal a gap between their performance.
So basically what I am trying to explain is that system synergy comes into play heavily with a DAC's performance, and it's extraordinarly difficult to make a statement like "X company's DACs are better than X company's DACs."
Marantz AV8802A PrePro
Marantz MM7025 Amp rear surrounds
McIntosh MC7205 Amp center, ceiling and mid surrounds
McIntosh MC300 Amp front mains
Oppo 203 Bluray
Polk SDA-SRS with VR3 monastery crossovers
Polk FX1000 Mid surrounds
Klipsch RP-440C Center channel
Klipsch RP-15M Rear surrounds
SVS prime elevation ceiling surrounds
Rythmik F15HP sub
Samsung 8500 curved screen 65" LED 4K
Mac Mini Server
Office System
Musical Fidelity M6s dac/preamp
Oppo 103D Bluray
Polk SDA-SRS 2
Parasound HCA-1500A
Polk PSW 650 sub
Microrendu
Roku Ultra
Mac Mini Server
Village Idiot of Club Polk
I think you'll be happy with your new Rythmik. I have a pair of F8's and I couldn't be more pleased with their tone.
Has to pay a huge part.
You’ll be smiling from ear to ear for a month
Congratulations
PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
Rears Salk SuperCharged Surrounds
Source PSA PWT into NSD Supremo
Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
LCD Samsung LN46B750
Mains Salk HT2-TL
Center Salk HT2C
Pre Cary SLP-05
Wires WW & MIT
I keep telling myself I don't have room for a sub but if I were to submit, that one would be an excellent choice. Enjoy.
Invisible aluminum wireless Phazer speaker wire
Free Spirit Teleport Preamp (Literally brings the artists into your living room)
1.44 JW Flux Capacitor Mono Amps
I then took the Sumo Athena pre from the Quad system and put it with the 845 tube amps driving my DIY horns. The active pre drives the amps harder and gets me better bass.
I also took the D-class from the Quad system and put them in the home theater system to drive the Jubilee bass bins. The amps work well for bass duty.
Sun room: DIY Nelson Pass B1 w/Korg NuTube pre, Logitech Bluetooth, DIY EL34 amp, JBL C50 Olympus speakers with custom Smith horns, Mapleshade Samson rack
Den: Onkyo TX-NR929 receiver, Oppo BDP-103 player, Panamax M5400-PM power, Behringer EP 4000 sub amp, Electrovoice DX-38 active, Klipsch Jubilee speakers, Martin Logan Cinema center, JBL SAT2 surrounds, Danley DTS-10 sub
Dining room: Shanling CD-T1500 SACD, Sumo Athena pre, SST Ampzilla 2000 amps, Quad 2905 speakers
HT:Polk LSiM 706 LSiM 705's VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's||Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras| Marantz AV7704 | Sunfire TGA-7401 | Oppo UDP 203 | Sony PS4 Pro| Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | | MIT EXP 2's (Fronts & Center)
ManCave: Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro | Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's | Usher BE-616 Center | SVS Ultra Surrounds | SVS SB4000 Sub | SVS SB2000 Sub | Oppo UDP 203 | MIT Shotgun S3's | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life | Samsung 50" SUHD TV | Sony PS4
Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |
Office |Cocktail Audio X14 | KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |
Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |
Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's
Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs|SVS PB13 Ultra |Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 | Bluesound Node |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 |