I've been reading a lot of very good reports of this Transport/DAC .
Has anybody heard it with high end kit?
Particularly interested in how good it sounds with SACD and Redbook discs
Don't like the transport. Compared it to Lampi transport (which, btw, unlike the dac I am not a fan of, I think it can get much better), but PS did not do as well. I would buy an Aurender, better SQ. If you want to play CD and keep costs low, get a CAPS style.
I've decided to give the the DSM and matching DAC a try
Loan units should arrive later this week, although the DAC will not have the Ethernet Bridge as it is not standard, but I am more concerned about its disc playing capabilities at this stage
Will post my impressions once it is up and running.
The DAC arrived on Thursday morning and together with the transport went into the system that afternoon (details in my profile) so able to report initial impressions.
I have the grey units which look good and the build quality seems good as well. The DAC is brand new and the latest model but the transport had had some play.Unusually the Transport/DAC connection recommended is with a supplied shortish HDMI lead which is what I have used together with Entreq Challenger 3V power cable and Entreq Apollo balanced i/cs so very straightforward.
Listened with no preconceptions or expectations and after only 15 mins play I was liking the sound. Listened more critically to a mixture of CDs and SACDS during the course of the evening and today - Abcko Stones Beggars Banquet, DSD remastered Stones Aftermath, Steven Isserls Dvorak Cello Concerto CD, Vanessa Fernandez SACD When the Levee Breaks, Dire Straits SACD Brothers in Arms and Kraftwerk OK Computer and now listening to Patricia Barber Modern Cool SACD,The sound has steadily improved on both CD and SACD, but have listened to more of the latter so far.
How does it sound? Very good and better than the resident DCS Puccini/Scarlatti clock. A natural musical and communicative sound with transparency, placement and timing, frequency response and transient attack all good. No discernible digital glare and a communicative sound.
I did debate with myself whether to try a home audition but no regrets so far. The sound is feeling right to my ears and a good synergy with the rest of the system.
I'll need to have a more extended listen before deciding but so far very enjoyable and IMHO certainly worth a home audition.
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