Excellent review! Very thorough. And a further illustration of just how subjective this hobby is.

Insane review.......

Wow, thanks! Curious how the new DirectStream DAC would figure into these comparisons. Sounds like the approach of this DAC, from a filter point of view, is similar.

It reads like an amazing DAC. That display dissuades me though being honest. Playing in Holo May KTE territory too which is far more attractive (subjective obviously), but I love the native DSD conversion and upsampling. Completely gets rid of the need for HQP and yet another device and power supply.

Thanks everyone! Hope it is useful in some way.

@theeclone - I have not really kept up with the new DirectStream mkII. It does seem to be using generally similar design philosophy (but we could also say the same about Meitner and EMM labs , Playback Designs, perhaps APL HiFi as well). I have heard complaints about hardware-based hum issues with the new DirectStream but I'm not sure how wide spread that really is.

@George Hincapie - Interesting how different people are, the display is actually one of my favorite bits about this device. Maybe because I'm getting old and appreciate the large, clear text... anyway I have heard the Holo Spring and May and generally hold them in high regard, but never managed to get any "proper" listening with them using familiar gear or my own system. So I can't comment specifically, but yes the May would clearly be another one to try when shopping in this price range.

@project86 Thanks, any opinions/comparisons on the DS mk1?

Is this like the Rockna Wavedream?

@theeclone I haven't used the original DirectStream in a while. It's a fine DAC in general but imho not really competitive with most in this roundup - I would take it over the dCS Bartok though!

@Jacobal I'm not sure what you mean exactly, but I did write my comparisons to the Rockna if you search for those. Both are excellent sounding DACs that I could happily live with.

You have the Wavedream???

@Jacobal a friend has a Wavedream Signature with the matching Rockna streaming device. I tried the combo at his place and later took the DAC home to my rig for a bit. It's an excellent DAC.

Was it better than this one?

@Jacobal Well ultimately I like the Cen.Grand better. You can read the review to find out why, I wrote several paragraphs about it.

Wow! What an amazing review.

Nice writeup !!
I posted a reply

Nice writeup!!
I posted a reply > Here <

Extremely impressive review. Thank you for taking the time and writing so well!

How does this compare with other DSD upsampling units that are more accessible, such as Sony TA-ZH1ES?

@Sanlitun I have only heard that Sony in the context of all-in-one DAC/amp, where I found it interesting but not really to my taste. I don't know how much of that unique signature translates when using the line out with a separate amplifier. But in any case despite having a unique sound and perhaps a nice synergy with certain headphones, I wouldn't consider it a top-tier device. Again, based on somewhat limited audition, so make of that what you will.

Great review John. Thank you for taking the time to share your 2 yr test and so thoroughly convey what you are hearing and how it pertains to your chain. I felt like I was listening besides you, no better compliment I can bestow. Congrats on finding your reference and being able to so intelligently explain the "whys". Being a Cen.Grand owner, I feel similarly about my DAC as you do, although they are not the same DAC per se. There seems to be a "house" sound that Cen.Grand has developed that pervades their lineup and your review accurately expresses that sound. Pics were great as always and the community should have no questions about comparisons. I think you got em all...