I'm not sure how my internal DSD add on in my big 7 compares to the stand alone unit but I have to say I'm really impressed. My first DSD experience was purchasing Beck's Sea Change from Acoustic Sounds a few weeks ago. After a couple tracks, at low volume I messaged a friend and said I just had my best music listening session in my life. ( recorded music that is). I'm very familiar with that album and have heard most every format. And yes it's VERY good in all of them, confirming that the mastering is the what is most important. But when all the stars are lined up....good content, great mastering, and then a DSD recording -- it really took it to the next level. I have since obtained some other DSD recordings, although I have not had another magical night like the first, I now see the potential in the format. I expected it to be more hi-rez, whatever that means, like better resolution and clarity, but thats not it. It was really smooth and warm, not too warm, but comfortable and natural. I said to myself that first night that it was perfect sounding.
I'm not sure what I'm praising here because my experience is limited. Whether it's the DSD format, the Big 7 or the, DSD module in my Big 7 but something was very special in the mix.
