[jt25741]

Hi All,

I recently received a PS Audio Digital Link III to try.   I am very curious as to anyone's experience with with unit.  In particular, how it compares with the competition(Lavry, Benchmark, Aqvox, Stello, etc....).     Any comments would be most appreciated since I have not heard the others. 

I'm hoping it is needing of burn-in as the sound right now is hard and somewhat bright(definately not warm --yet, but getting better).

Best Regards 

[jmourik]

JT, can you give an update on the psa dliii?

jan

[jt25741]

JT, can you give an update on the psa dliii?

jan

Hi Jan.   The sound has mellowed out considerably.    I needed to do a cable swap -- the Cardas Golden Cross sounded much worse than the Coincident CST IC with this unit.      I do not know how it compares with the other current favorite DACs....curious to read someone elses impressions. Overall I am impressed with its performance and am looking forward to finding the right cable/synergy -- but getting closer.

Let me know if you'd like some more feedback.

Good listening!

[jmourik]

Thanks JT!

I've got an Squeezebox 2, and am looking to either get a dac or the Transporter. Not sure yet. DACs on my  list are the PSA, Lavry DA10, Benchmar DAC1, or maybe the Stello DA100. Hard to figure out which one will suit my taste and my system (Rotel RB1090 -> B&W 803).

jan

[jt25741]

Wish I knew the answer too.   Try and get more than the PS on money-back guarantee -- and return the loser.  Let us know as well.

I am using a SB as well...love it.  Note that Transporter was very well reviewed in this month Stereophile.   Therefore, if you go the Transporter route you could be in great shape.    Maybe a Transporter/PS test would be good...since you can return either on 30 day statisfaction guarantee.

Best

[jmourik]

Yeah, the thought has crossed my mind. How long did it take PS to ship their DAC? I might do that, order both and compare. No need to spend an extra 1K if not needed!
One thing I like about the TP is that you could hook it up straight to a power amp. Same for the Lavry and Benchmark.
I bought Stereophile yesterday. They seem to like the TP. Too bad there's not too many reviews out there about the PSA!

jan

[jt25741]

Yeah, the thought has crossed my mind. How long did it take PS to ship their DAC? I might do that, order both and compare. No need to spend an extra 1K if not needed!
One thing I like about the TP is that you could hook it up straight to a power amp. Same for the Lavry and Benchmark.
I bought Stereophile yesterday. They seem to like the TP. Too bad there's not too many reviews out there about the PSA!

jan

The PS units were seriously backlogged...nobody had them around the holiday time when I ordered mine.    So it took 1 month to arrive from Audio Advisor(same 30 day thing they offer).  You can also check some others such as Musicdirect who offer simular return policies.        For me, ordering from AA was cheaper since I had no sales tax(PS taxes in CA from where they ship), and shipping was free at the time too.

Be carefull about direct connecting an amp with the Transporter.  If I remmeber correctly,  it attenuates entirely in the digial domain, much like the Squeezebox(this can eat into your audio resolution).    Lavry is one that I know that has an analog attenuation circuit -- and a very high quality one which using single resistor shunt to ground.  Perhaps Benchmark too, but am unsure....    If you want to use the Transporter to an Amp, you may want to use some good quality attenuators -- such as the ultimate attenuators from tweakaudio etc.... -- but this drives up the price and complexity  -- which the Transporter is attempting to reduce without an external DAC.

Jim

[tomjtx]

The Transporter (TP) has adjustable attenuation jumpers on the inside for it's RCA analog outs.
By seting the proper attenuation you can use the digital volume control at a high enough level that wont degrade sound quality. The Slim forums have a lot of info on that
 If you want to use the XLR outsyou do need external attenuation as in the Endler and others.

I loved my LavryDAC10 but I sold it after I got a TP. I thought the TP was a bit better.

 I also liked the TP more than the Bolder modded SB with expensive PSU.

I thought Wes Philips Stereophile review was right on the money. The TP comes very close to the AyreC5.

[jmourik]

I loved my LavryDAC10 but I sold it after I got a TP. I thought the TP was a bit better.

Tomjtx,

I think a couple more people say that on the Slim forum. A bit better. Same for Benchmark vs TP, TP is a bit better. I'm trying to figure out if "a bit better" plus the nice looks of the TP are worth the $1000 extra

jan

[Bucky]

I recently spent a couple of hours comparing the DLIII and the Benchmark.  I don't remember the source or amp, but I do remember we were listening on a higher end B&W floor standing speaker.  The Benchmark was more detailed in the mid range and high frequencies.   The benchmark did a better job of resolving complex instrument passages in music.  The DLIII was warmer and was clearer in the bass region.  So I guess it depends on your listening tastes.  I would not buy either of them new.

[jmourik]

So what's your favorite, Bucky?

jan

[Bucky]

Favorite... I don't know.  I personally would not buy either of them.  I like the Stello and the Audio Zone DAC (not sure if this one is still made, I went to their website and didn't see it) at around $1K.   

[jmourik]

Which Stello? I think the DA100 looks pretty nice: http://hifi500.com/product/da100.htm . I've never heard it though...

jan

[Bucky]

DA220

[jmourik]

Oh, DA100's big brother...

This review, http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/benchmark_dac1.htm of the Benchmark says this however:

I found the sonic differences between these two DACs to be exceedingly slight -- to the point of not existing at all. Whenever I thought I could hear a substantial difference, I toggled back and forth between the two DACs, and too many times I found myself unsure if I could actually hear any differences, or I'd contradict my findings when I switched to another piece of music. As I listened, I came to understand that any buying decision that involves these two DACs won’t be based on sound quality. Rather features, aesthetics, and perhaps price will rule the day.

Hmmm.. Difficult!

jan