Hey guys, thought I would share my result of a mini blind test.
Just got my PS Audio DSD DAC MKii and wanted to compare it to my previous PS Audio DSD Jr DAC. As a bonus, my friend also brought his Marantz CD player over because we wanted to see if the CD version would sound better than the Qobuz stream.
First, my impressions on the DSD DAC MKii. I perceive more detail than the DSD Jr, blacker backgrounds, and a deeper soundstage. I was curious if another audiophile friend would find the same findings. I, of course, hypothesize that he will be able to tell the difference between the two and consistently pick out the same improvements between the two as I find them not to be all that subtle.
Methods:
- I was the one to change the cables from DACs
- Input was via USB, output was to my preamp via XLRs
- The only thing changing between tests was the DAC
- DACs were volume matched with a pink noise track and handheld dB reader prior his arrival
- He did not know which DAC I was starting on, and the order was changed per song
- We used around 3-4 tracks (we couldn't go longer based on time)
Results:
1. We started on the MKii. The track was Alma on the album ALMA by Paolo Fresu. He preferred the first DAC here. He stated that the soundstage was wider and deeper on the MKii but also heard more edginess to the flugehorn. He did not mention anything about a blacker background here. Clear preference to the DSD MKii
2. Started with DSD Jr here. Pastorale in C minor (Aria) on the CD The Jacques Loussier Trio Plays Bach. Preference here was to MKii for soundstage and clarity once again. He said the MKii was more enveloping of a soundstage.
3. Here we played several piano tracks from Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV988. Its an older recording that used a single microphone in a church. It was the first time I had heard the tracks. Generally not super well recorded but interesting regardless. Here he said his preference was the Jr. He said that it sounded more 'vinyl' and that the MKii was more clear but he liked the 'vinyl' sound more. Interesting because I have only heard a few vinyl tracks and don't own it myself so can't really understand what he meant. But interesting that he thought the MKii was still clearer
Unfortunately that was all we had time for before switching over to his CD player - Marantz HD CD1
Here we listened to the same tracks on 3 and the clarity was immense to both of us. Not double blinded here but we both looked at each other in aww of how much better it sounded. Almost makes me want to get a CD player now haha. But I don't think I could move away from playlists and all tracks available on demand.
Ive got another buddy coming over tomorrow and I plan to give him the same test (no CD player). Hopefully a bit longer to increase my n.
I thought some might find this useful on here!
Cheers,
CCK
Just got my PS Audio DSD DAC MKii and wanted to compare it to my previous PS Audio DSD Jr DAC. As a bonus, my friend also brought his Marantz CD player over because we wanted to see if the CD version would sound better than the Qobuz stream.
First, my impressions on the DSD DAC MKii. I perceive more detail than the DSD Jr, blacker backgrounds, and a deeper soundstage. I was curious if another audiophile friend would find the same findings. I, of course, hypothesize that he will be able to tell the difference between the two and consistently pick out the same improvements between the two as I find them not to be all that subtle.
Methods:
- I was the one to change the cables from DACs
- Input was via USB, output was to my preamp via XLRs
- The only thing changing between tests was the DAC
- DACs were volume matched with a pink noise track and handheld dB reader prior his arrival
- He did not know which DAC I was starting on, and the order was changed per song
- We used around 3-4 tracks (we couldn't go longer based on time)
Results:
1. We started on the MKii. The track was Alma on the album ALMA by Paolo Fresu. He preferred the first DAC here. He stated that the soundstage was wider and deeper on the MKii but also heard more edginess to the flugehorn. He did not mention anything about a blacker background here. Clear preference to the DSD MKii
2. Started with DSD Jr here. Pastorale in C minor (Aria) on the CD The Jacques Loussier Trio Plays Bach. Preference here was to MKii for soundstage and clarity once again. He said the MKii was more enveloping of a soundstage.
3. Here we played several piano tracks from Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV988. Its an older recording that used a single microphone in a church. It was the first time I had heard the tracks. Generally not super well recorded but interesting regardless. Here he said his preference was the Jr. He said that it sounded more 'vinyl' and that the MKii was more clear but he liked the 'vinyl' sound more. Interesting because I have only heard a few vinyl tracks and don't own it myself so can't really understand what he meant. But interesting that he thought the MKii was still clearer
Unfortunately that was all we had time for before switching over to his CD player - Marantz HD CD1
Here we listened to the same tracks on 3 and the clarity was immense to both of us. Not double blinded here but we both looked at each other in aww of how much better it sounded. Almost makes me want to get a CD player now haha. But I don't think I could move away from playlists and all tracks available on demand.
Ive got another buddy coming over tomorrow and I plan to give him the same test (no CD player). Hopefully a bit longer to increase my n.
I thought some might find this useful on here!
Cheers,
CCK
