[DZetye]

Hello,
Currently using an Antelope Audio Zodiac Plus DAC and was wondering if I should switch to a Mytek or Yulong or Benchmark DSD capable DAC so I can add DSD files to my collection.  Right now I mostly have CD rips in FLAC lossless format and some 96/24 stuff but I wouldn't want to sacrifice the playback quality of those files by going to a cheaper, newer DAC just because it adds DSD playback since the majority of my music is ripped at lower resolution.  Any opinions?  I would really appreciate it if you shared your thoughts on this.  Especially those familiar with the Antelope Audio DACs.  thanks

[wisnon]

Schitt Loki allows you to add DSD for $149 while keeping your old  Zodiac Dac.

[Vincent Kars]

A very simple one: the DSD catalog is very limited.
Are you going to spend $$$$ on a DAC for a couple of downloads you might like?

DSD is a bit of a funny format.
Compared with PCM DSD has a bigger dynamic range and a substantially wider bandwidth.
The downside is the quantization noise. In case of DSD64 this noise creeps up close to the 20 kHz so inside our audible range and rises to a very substantial level.

[rklein]

A very simple one: the DSD catalog is very limited.
Are you going to spend $$$$ on a DAC for a couple of downloads you might like?

Hmmmmmmm....lets see...Classical, jazz, bluegrass, rock, etc....All genres available in DSD.  In addition, JRiver allows you to convert your RB/HiRez to DSD128.  I have an Exasound E20 MKIII and while PCM is pretty darn good (just a bit polite) this DAC is a monster with DSD128.

I am in absolute awe of the sound quality/information retrieval when this DAC plays back DSD128. 

Regards,

Randy

[hifial]

Two things.

First, may I suggest you check out the new DSD Platinum DAC by Antelope Audio that will be out any day now. It includes a new updated outboard power supply in a bundle price. The few times I heard an Antelope I was always impressed by the sound.

Second, I agree with rklein about the e20 MK III by exaSound. For the money it is about as good as you can get. I would also say it is worth getting the Clock Upgrade for $100. I had it both ways and the upgrade was well worth it.

Also like the Antelope it uses an outboard power supply that can be upgraded to improve the overall sound. Right now exaSound only has a prototype ($1000 expected) but you can use any brand. I will be trying a Paul Hynes shortly (in transit) and will report my impressions.

[geowak]

Schitt Loki allows you to add DSD for $149 while keeping your old  Zodiac Dac.

I second that suggestion. Schiit Audio has the best option for me, in an ever changing world of DAC's and digital gear. I don't have the thousands of dollars to get the best DAC solution every year or two. Schiit allows me to upgrade the card, at a fraction of the cost that a new DAC or DSD would be. Plus, I think these guys now what they are doing, been into digital for a long while.

[wisnon]

The only thing about Schitt is that they declare their opposition to DSD. This could imply that their implentation does not have their full conviction...though I dont think that is the case, being professional and all.

[rklein]

Also like the Antelope it uses an outboard power supply that can be upgraded to improve the overall sound. Right now exaSound only has a prototype ($1000 expected) but you can use any brand. I will be trying a Paul Hynes shortly (in transit) and will report my impressions.

+1 on the Hynes/E20.  I am using the Hynes SR3-12 with a DIY'd umbillical cord with the E20 MKIII and it sounds great.

BTW,  I was able to hear the Chord Qute up at Ted_b's (still can't get over how Ted has his system so f**king dialed in!!) anyway... the Qute was absolutely stellar with PCM but just too laid back and polite on DSD material.

Regards,

Randy