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crkelly91
4
Aug 29, 2018
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I'm looking for a really nice Dac. Is this worth the money? How does this compare to the PS audio Dac?
ElectronicVices
2940
Sep 6, 2018
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crkelly91Been looking at several options in this (and higher) price points. Haven't bought any of them yet so here is a solely feature/spec based assertion. (Assuming you mean the GCDAC and not Directstream)
1) Do you need analog inputs/pre-amp capability? If so the PSaudio has analog balanced and unbalanced inputs this LKS does not.
2) Both use Sabre Architecture chips, PSaudio doesn't cite which one on their website however. This LKS uses the current generation's ESS flagship 9038Pro.
3) Digital volume control on LKS, "Gain Cell" control in the PSaudio... could be a load of garbage but is an interesting idea. Reviewers seem to applaud the GCDAC for it's pre-amp capabilities, partially for volume control implementation.
4) LKS appears to do native DSD over USB with a namebrand USB receiver. PSaudio can use DoP over usb but requires I2S input for native DSD (which both units have by the way).
5) The PSaudio GCDAC does have an FPGA chip in the chain it's just not the DAC, it's a filter/former/blah blah. They do use FPGA chips in their Directstream DAC's and provide additional functionality because of the use of FPGA (adding features/updates over time to the DAC chip itself).
6) PSaudio GCDAC has a built-in headphone amp, if you don't already have a solid state amp it would be a nice addition.
Both are interesting to me as well and I don't think you could go wrong as long as you choose the right feature set. If analog inputs aren't needed and you aren't anal about DSD then I would save the cash and pickup this guy (LKS). I've had separate theaters and stereo setups in the past and plan to probably do so again in the near future so the PSaudio comes out a bit ahead for my personal use case. The home theater bypass is also a nice integration option with an existing home theater.
1) Do you need analog inputs/pre-amp capability? If so the PSaudio has analog balanced and unbalanced inputs this LKS does not.
2) Both use Sabre Architecture chips, PSaudio doesn't cite which one on their website however. This LKS uses the current generation's ESS flagship 9038Pro.
3) Digital volume control on LKS, "Gain Cell" control in the PSaudio... could be a load of garbage but is an interesting idea. Reviewers seem to applaud the GCDAC for it's pre-amp capabilities, partially for volume control implementation.
4) LKS appears to do native DSD over USB with a namebrand USB receiver. PSaudio can use DoP over usb but requires I2S input for native DSD (which both units have by the way).
5) The PSaudio GCDAC does have an FPGA chip in the chain it's just not the DAC, it's a filter/former/blah blah. They do use FPGA chips in their Directstream DAC's and provide additional functionality because of the use of FPGA (adding features/updates over time to the DAC chip itself).
6) PSaudio GCDAC has a built-in headphone amp, if you don't already have a solid state amp it would be a nice addition.
Both are interesting to me as well and I don't think you could go wrong as long as you choose the right feature set. If analog inputs aren't needed and you aren't anal about DSD then I would save the cash and pickup this guy (LKS). I've had separate theaters and stereo setups in the past and plan to probably do so again in the near future so the PSaudio comes out a bit ahead for my personal use case. The home theater bypass is also a nice integration option with an existing home theater.
output555
95
Dec 1, 2021
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ElectronicVicesHaving owned several hi-end headphone amps, I can attest to the PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell's excellence. In many ways it's an endgame headamp.
ElectronicVices
2940
Dec 2, 2021
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output555I actually ended up without a dedicated DAC in the 2 channel rig. I put together a Rogue RH-5 (pre and HP amp duties), Bel Canto Ref500M (x2) with a Marantz SACD 30n as my digital source, speakers are Dynaudio Special 40's and primarily use my Hifiman HE-6se. The Rogue is fantastic with my planar HP's but is a bit on the "warm" side of the neutral divide with stock tubes.
(Edited)
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