The specifications for the ZDSD state the playback format accepted is WAV. My music is stored as AIFF.  The music streamer I use has an SPDIF output so it doesn't matter what format the music files are stored in.  Is that correct and I can use the ZDSD as a DAC with my music streamer?

Yes, I use my ZDSD as a DAC most of the time, streaming from my computer. It works very well in this capacity.

Thanks for the feedback.  That's what I thought, just wanted to verify.  I'll be putting my order in for a ZDSD this week. I'll be comparing it as a DAC to the the Modwright Transporter I'm using, which has a 6SN7 tube output stage with tube rectified power supply.  Using its SPDIF output into the ZDSD will bypass the nice tube output and the internal DAC.  But the ZDSD's better DAC chips plus Steve's transformer coupled output stage I expect to sound as good or better.  And, I will then start recording all my LPs.

I will Stone.  Have read everything you and others have written here about the ZDSD, and recall you have plans to record LPs I think.

But so far you have been just enjoying the ZDSD as a DAC, which you interestingly prefer over a long list of other DACs.  Including the PS Audio DS, which after much research but no listening I concluded must be the one to own.  I even transcribed to Word docs two of McGowan's & Ted Smith's videos describing the technology, just so I could better understand what they were saying.  But the price puts me off a bit, so based on what you and a few others have said here, I'll give the ZDSD a try.

However yesterday almost changed course and almost bought a PS Audio DS with Bridge 2 for $2,995 off Audiogon.  Seemed like a steal at the price with the Bridge 2, which alone retails for $899.  But it was sold before I could decide, and in retrospect I'm glad someone else bought it.

Hi Jeff, all the DACS I've booted from my Listening Room are good DACS as you know. For me though, their is more "right" about Steve's Output Stage, going on for me. Especially, tonal balance with bass definition. My preference.

If you do go for the PS Audio DS....do get it from a reputable Dealer selling it on AudiogoN. I don't know if their is any transferable warranty for it. If their is not-shame on PS Audio-that is a red flag. Most don't do transferable warranties on circuit/mother boards. But, they should.

Plus, pay no more than $2500 or $2995., with the Bridge as you noted. That DAC is not worth a penny more. Plus, this allows you to flip it on AudiogoN stating its history....with no loss or little loss of your $$.

PS-yes, I do plan on recording some LP's this winter. You might beat me to it though. Please do and let us know (if you decide on the ZDSD).

Exactly, some people around here have thin skins about DACS. I tell it like I hear it. I probably will go hear The PS DSD DAC, at a CDApS meeting in a few months with Pikes Peak or whatever the latest is.....Lonely Raven owns one.  I might end up with one too....at $2795., eventually as well.

Plus, people will not talk up a $1700 DAC when they bought a $4500 to 6k one (and made a big mistake for Redbook anyway).
Steve, likes to poke fun at the Audio weenies~especially with his killer output from the ZDSD for PCM from Transport and my SD cards. But, then, I prefer high end Cables..... . Go figure.....but they usually shut people up....after I demo.

But, remember it is a System.....I pull the best out of Steve's for PCM, with my gear and I am willing to hall it 5 hours away to show it off and see if it can be beat. But, also learn something in the process..... .





Listening Room:
Room Treatments from Michael Green & Home Brew

Sony as Transport (DVP-NS57P)/Sandwich weighted for Isolation
Illuminati D-60 Digital Coax IC

Shunyata Ztron Alpha Digital power cord....coming for ZDSD!
Decware ZDSD DAC / Recorder (@ -20 Ref Level, 0.0 Input volume and @ 16/176.4)
{also @ kept/-20 Ref Level & -.5db or -1.0 Input volume Level}

WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030
Decware CSP3 w/Jupiter Caps (NOS/Platinum/Telefunken 6922/E88CC .....for Input Tube)
**********************************************
10 of 10 for Input tube & 8 of 10 voltage for Output tubes
Volume adjustment used at 0 to 50%
**********************************************
WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030

Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier
***NOS/Platinum/Ediswan's CV2492/6922 in my A12 an B12 positions***
ZMA adjusted at 50% to 90% of Volume

***************************************************
Kimber Select KS6063 Speaker Cable 8ft WBT-0681-Ag Spades
***************************************************
Acoustic Zen Adagio - Black Pearl (Modified)

REL T5 SUB, Neutrik connection from ZMA
{30Hz @ 35% of volume~0 Phase}
Auralex Subdude II

Acoustic Zen Adagio's x-over's Modified/Full Range with Mundorf MCap Supremes-single Cap to each Tweeter/4.5k cross
(Gutted: 3kHz/18dB/Octave, Linkwitz/Riley Crossovers....with all crappy parts = gone)

XLO Pro Power Cords to CSP3 an ZMA
PS Audio P3 Power Plant / Pangea AC-9SE from wall to P3
(Transport, ZDSD an CSP3, Regenerated/120 ~ Multiwave off...ZMA on High Current Output)

1) To make the assertion that one can't make a decision whether they like a DAC, when having listened to it for over 120 hours is just ludicrous and asinine. So you know where you can put your 600 hours plus, Lon.  

2) I will hear the PS DS again at the MN Audio Society.... . I doubt my opinion will change of it.

3) For the price and properly used; the ZDSD exceeds higher price spreads. So, to use the framing:"But I'm certain for the price...", is also asinine on your part.

Your whole post is what seems assinine to me. I made a perfectly reasonable, respectful post and you come back with a 12 year old's response. Ridiculous.

I know it's not a tube stage. It's still voiced the way Steve wants things voiced and I haven't prefered that way in the past. Why would I want to repeat disappointment? I'm allowed my preferences and decisions as much as you, and I posted because a) someone was considering the DS and I thought I would express my happiness with it as you express yours about the ZDSD, and b) you were inferring I am "thin-skinned" about DACs, and I'm not and expressed why I am not excited about the ZDSD, but you sure are exhibiting some thinness.

Aren't you the one raving about "giant slaying" abilities of your components? It is therefore not assinine to say "for it's price."

Grow up. You don't own this board, or this thread, and I am not the one making derogatory posts. I wasn't even addressing you.

Sometimes I wonder if you even read what I write. Bye.

I'm thinking that I can make some money from this disagreement!
'The "Rumble at the 'Fest" 2015. It will only cost you one tube per viewer!


 

Okay....okay, break it up - break it up here now.  :D

cease and desist
cease and desist

I'm taking my lead from the Pope, for now on. Man of Peace, no matter what your beliefs.

Peace and enjoy this great hobby!