Can anyone tell me about the Presonus Central Station

[jas_kidd32]

I'm currently deciding on a DAC and at the moment the Presonus is one of my primary choice but there isn't a lot of information here on Head-fi other than Ferbose's review and his suggestions to other Head-fiers. Basically, I need confirmation that this unit is worth the money.

For those people who owns it or have heard it can u give me a idea of its sound quality of the headphone amp, DAC and preamp. The DAC is my main concern so how does this compare to other well known DACs?

 

[mjb]

I spent about 1 week with a brand new one, for which I paid $500 US. I was using HD650's with the stock cable and an M-Audio Transit/cheap Sony DVD player as transports.

I'd have to say that the overall feel (buttons, knobs, etc) feel kind of cheap, but still very sturdy (if that makes any sense). The 2 headphone amps have no problem whatsoever driving the 650, but I'd have to say it seems rather thin and flat, in a transparent way. The DAC didn't strike me as "wow", but it just felt very "accurate", that is to say, it felt like it was highly detailed but sort of lifeless. Given my own taste, I'd probably spend the $500 on a used gilmore lite v2 and a decent used CDP. I'd say that it is excellent for the price if you need a DAC and an amp. I wouldn't pay $500 for either alone, but for those who like the detailed sound...this price is a steal certainly.

My reference DAC is the DA10 and amp is either the DA10 or gilmore lite v2.

I've not heard a DAC1, but from what others have reported, I'd say the Central Station probably sounds very similar as a 1 box solution (minus the DAC1 jitter "immunity") but with a much more powerful amp. But again, I haven't heard the DAC1...so, I probably shouldn't have written that

Hope this helps.

mjb

 

[agile_one]

http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=155336

 

[Uncle Erik]

I bought one for $400 based on Ferbose's review a few months back, and am quite happy with it. I would make the same purchase again, too.

I will agree with mjb about it being transparent and accurate; I like those attributes very much. And yes, I am one of those people who likes a lot of detail. And I also think the AKG K-501 has about the right amount bass, just so you know where I fall in the Head-Fi spectrum.

I have it hooked to an optical cable coming out of an Intel Mac Mini and digital coax out of a Linux box. Both sound very good.

The other thing I really like about the Central Station is how, well, it IS a "central station." I've got a speaker/stereo setup, too, and everything goes through it. Couldn't be happier.

Three gripes:

1. I wish it had an on/off switch.
2. The blue knobs reflect light well and make it difficult to see where the white line is.
3. I wish it came in a non-rackmount form.

But I'm happy to put up with those things for the sound and functionality. They're superb.

 

[rincewind]

Quote:

Originally Posted by agile_one http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=155336

Well done... he knows about that already from the original post.

 

[agile_one]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rincewind Well done... he knows about that already from the original post.

Yes, my bad ... apologies, jas_kidd32, speed reading can be dangerous. Hope you find what you need. I do not own, nor have I heard the Presonus Central Station, so other than my original misguided effort of telling you something you already knew, I am of no help here.

rincewind, thanks for pointing out my error (I'm serious) - we all need to slow down sometimes.