The DirectStream DAC is the hottest thing to come of PS Audio since forever. Stereophile Recommended Component 2015 Stereophile Product of the Year Finalist 2015 The PerfectWave Transport is a ground breaking product that removes all digital sound limitations retrieving everything from your CD collection without any jitter or sonic loss. However, compared with the DS-PW (by this time I was using the DS's latest firmware, v.1.2.1; see "New Firmware," below), there was no contest: the DS-PW simply communicated more detail, with more three-dimensional images and more finely nuanced microdynamics. Good tactile qualities also characterized the DirectStream's way with Mahler's Symphony 1, played by the Budapest Festival Orchestra under the direction of Iván Fischer (from Channel Classics CCS SA 33112). Presented the same sequence of zeros and ones, the DS was able to reproduce sounds that were more plausibly the result of real instruments being played by real musicians, with better differentiation among instruments. Technical Editor, Stereophile, Convergent Audio Technology SL-1 Renaissance, www.stereophile.com/content/new-firmware-measurements, California Audio Labs Sigma D/A processor, Spectral SDR-2000 Professional D/A processor, Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler upsampling digital processor, Métronome Technologie AQWO SACD/CD transport and D/A processor, AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB D/A-headphone amplifier, dCS Bartok D/A processor/headphone amplifier, Wilson Audio Specialties SabrinaX loudspeaker, Pass Laboratories XP-32 line preamplifier, Counterpoint Natural Progression NPS-400 power amplifier, The FTC Proposes Eliminating Its "Amplifier Rule", Acoustic Geometry Room treatments (before & after), My current and likely the last home audio setup, Recording of February 2021: Newvelle Records Season Five, Recommended Components: Fall 2020 Edition. Digital Sources: Intel NUC computer with SSD drive running Roon Optimized Core Kit; PS Audio DirectStream DAC. james45974. Using my USB cable, I was able to listen to WBGO on the net, but I could not listen to WKCR because Windows Player and Real Player gave me error messages ! Built in Boulder When you are unwilling to compromise performance even a little, choose the DirectStream DAC. Preamp: ARC SP-9; PS Audio GCPH Amps: Almarro 318B; NAD 325BEE (used as amp) Speaker cables: Belden 9497 and Mogami After hooking them up I went out and bought myself a roll with bacon and egg. The high-resolution disc formats of DVD-Audio and SACD failed to catch on, and I stayed with CDs. I'm considering a PS Audio DirectStream DAC to replace my Auralic Vega and while I appreciate all of the work you put into this review, I find that it is not so much a review of the PS Audio DirectStream DAC as it is a review of the PS Audio DirectStream DAC PLUS your special sauce. Without that option it costs US $5,999. Introducing DirectStream DAC, both Stereophile and Absolute Sound’s Product Of The Year. The sound was free from digital edge, and offered not only great color in the trumpet and reeds, but excellent force and touch in Lenny White's and Jack DeJohnette's drumming and in Don Alias's congas. The PW's design—it reads and rereads the disc's data until it's bit-perfect, and uses a substantial buffer so that the DAC is sent data relatively free of jitter—sounds very sensible to me, though some may argue that it approaches overkill. As you were able to listen to WBGO via your Internet connection and the PS Audio DAC, this suggests your set-up is correct. I also found the mechanical functions of the Memory Player to be flawless. So I put a CD (one of Reference Recordings' orchestral recordings) on repeat, and left the DS on but turned off the power amplifier, a McIntosh Labs MC275LE. Compared with the Ayre Acoustics CX-7eMP: My CX-7eMP was returned to me a week or so before the review of the PS Audio gear was due, so I was able to make some comparisons. It was worth it: with the HiFi Tuning Supremes, the DS-PW combo ascended another rung of clarity. I'll assume that the first sample's mechanical noise and subsequent demise were a matter of sample variability—and audio manufacturers know that if anything is to go to wrong with one of their products, it's going to be a sample sent to a reviewer! I use usb and toslink onthe directstream - i am guessing this wont be an issue on the lampi ? Rather, it pointed to the need for greater care in optimizing my computer settings—greater, that is, than the level of care required by most PCM-only USB processors, the relative simplicity of which had lulled me into a false sense of expertise. For example, in Clark Terry's performance of "Pennies from Heaven," from the Chesky Records Jazz Sampler & Audiophile Test Compact Disc, Vol.1 (Chesky JD37), before using the DS-PW I'd been only vaguely aware of the sound of Victor Gaskin's double bass in the background. This precision instrument is unrivaled in sound quality and features. If a DAC other than a DirectStream is used, or if the DMP–DirectStream connection is not made with I2S, the playback will be of the PCM-CD layer." I need someone who knows audio and PCs ! ... ps. Replacing the fuse requires removing the top of the case—no task for the fainthearted. I called P S Audio to help with downloading the software and fired up the DAC. Optional mit Streamingmodul Bridge 2. I was already impressed by the DirectStream's ability to play music more compellingly than most D/A converters of my experience; here was the refinement that put its sonic presentation in the first rank, as well. Not affiliated with any company selling audio, music, or related services. When the DirectStream DAC arrived here at my place, directly from Scot’s abode, it had the recent firmware version known as Torreys already installed (and already so last season). I could easily live with the Ayre CX-7eMP—but having heard what the PS Audio combo can do, I don't want to. We reviewed an early version of this DAC several years ago, and found it to be an excellent performer. Part 2: PS Audio DirectStream DAC as brought to you by Huron. To get a handle on the update, I went back to Beck's "Lonesome Tears"—and was pleasantly surprised by a very audible increase in texture and touch. Thank you for the link. Power Amplifiers: Pass Laboratories XA60.8, PS Audio BHK Signature 300 (all monoblocks). Handwritten, discrete, perfection based conversion that uncovers all the missing information hiding in your digital audio media for all these years. Listening at matched levels through my Convergent Audio Technology SL-1 Renaissance preamp vs direct connection, I went back and forth at least a half-dozen times, trying to decide which was better—which should give you an idea of how close the sounds were. Heard: PS Audio DirectStream DAC ($5999), P20 PowerPlants (2@$9999/each), P15 PowerPlant (1@$7499), AN3 loudspeakers (price TBD), and AC Series cables; BHK Signature preamp ($5999), Stellar phono preamp ($2499), and Signature 300 Monoblocks ($7499 each); VPI HW40 turntable ($14,999); Mac Mini. Ditto my other gears. John's lead vocal was realistically punchy and present, but lacked the excessive bite I've heard through other gear. Yet it was only when listening to the file through the DirectStream that I found myself physically responding to the music, nodding vigorously in response to the piece's many emotional peaks. PS Audio: PS Audio - Dectet - PS Audio -Direct Stream DAC - PS Audio - Stellar Serie - S 300 Endstufe - PS Audio - BHK 250 Signature Stereo-End I was struck by the claim, made by PSA's CEO, Paul McGowan, that the processing done by the DS—which converts all digital signals to DSD before converting them to analog—results in superior playback of CDs. But here we are, and if you, the reader, are like so many others, you'll go the end and find that this goose chase resulted in quite the … 20% MwSt. A local PS Audio dealer kindly lent me for a few days their demo units of the DirectStream DAC ($5995) and its companion, the PerfectWave Memory Player CD/DVD transport ($3995, hereinafter called the PW). He said that they would ship me a new unit the same day, and that I was to return the broken one. Conclusions The two DACs are virtually identical, and that’s not an accident; PS Audio has a program for updating existing PerfectWave DACs by converting them to DirectStream DACs. Optimizing the DirectStream DAC: The first way to optimize the performance of the PS Audio DS—and, alas, the only one that's free—is to give it enough break-in. But I was somewhat bothered by its ultimate lack of resolution with data capable of higher-than-CD resolution, which I suspect lay behind AD's finding the processor to sound "a bit rounded off" and lacking in immediacy. What’s remarkable is the fact that PS Audio has more components listed in the 2017 Stereophile Recommended Components list than any other manufacturer. Part 1: PS Audio DirectStream DAC as brought to you by Torreys. The Catch. How many DACs can make that claim? I'm staying with CDs—and, of course, LPs. Said to have 80% of the performance of the DirectStream plus a built in bridge for $3,999. I have an old Dell from 2004. Not only did it play all CDs without a hitch, it was absolutely quiet—unlike the first sample, which had made some mechanical noise (though not the loud purring that had afflicted the Ayre) when playing discs. Stereophile - Herb Reichart - Holo May KTE DAC Review Stereophile - Atkinson - Measurements - Holo May KTE DAC Audiogon Forums - Holo May DAC Thread Audio Science Review - Measurements By Wolf - Holo May KTE DAC Audiophile Style - Forum Thread - Holo May DAC PS Audio Forum - Holo May KTE DAC vs DirectStream DAC Super Best Audio Friends … Stereophile A+ and product of the year, with rave reviews across the board. What about the PerfectWave? I managed it for the DS, but the PW refused to open; it took Ronald Hung, Toronto Home of Audiophile's highly competent and very patient technician, more than half an hour to do the job. Time will tell if and when these levels of performance, flexibility, and luxury will become available for less than $6000. But today, for those who've waited for a computer-friendly DAC that offers, with every type of music file, the best musicality of which DSD is capable, the PerfectWave DirectStream may be in a class by itself. Stereophile Robert Deutsch. Versand. The PW seemed to act synergistically with the DS, enhancing the latter's ability to retrieve the maximum amount of sonic information, and sounding even less "digital" in the process. A specialized DSD-based DAC plus a high-power amplifier The DirectStream Power Plant 20 is the biggest of three Power Plant siblings: the P20 ($9999), P15 ($7499), and P12 ($5999). 2 Wochen Farbe: 7.595,00 EUR inkl. I'm also resistant to using the computer as a music source. This is a review and detailed measurements of the PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream DAC. Upgrade your PWD I or II to both Stereophile and Absolute Sound magazines’ product of the year, the new DirectStream DAC. If you set the PS Audio via USB as your PC's default sound device, are you able to listen to things like YouTube using your Web browser? This unconventional design, even as it does all manner of violence to the heart of the purist with all of his “do nothing to the signal” whining, just kills it. This DAC also distinguishes itself by offering audiophiles a constantly evolving, continuously upgradable alliance with PS Audio’s aggressively musical house sound.” – Herb Reichart, Stereophile This unconventional design, even as it does all manner of violence to the heart of the purist with all of his “do nothing to the signal” whining, just kills it. In addition, when he quotes me as saying in our review that "In many ways PS Audio's DirectStream DAC measures superbly well but..." and says "What? One product that particularly intrigued me was PS Audio's PerfectWave DirectStream DAC (which I'll call the DS from here on). And yet, listening to familiar recordings, recent as well as some from the early days of CD, I heard more musical detail from them than I previously had. Ayre Acoustics' CX-7e CD player came on the market in 2002. The kit is easy to install and all the tool necessary are included. "Wer den Schwerpunkt seines High End-Systems auf der digitalen Seite des Musikspektrums ansiedelt, aber klanglich höchste analoge Ansprüche stellt, kommt an diesem PS Audio kaum vorbei....mit integrierter Digital-Vorstufe ein absolut highendiger Gipfelstürmer. One of these was a 1986 recording of Dvorák's Symphony 9, with Christoph von Dohnányi conducting the Cleveland Orchestra (Decca 414 421-2), whose CD booklet bears a banner proudly proclaiming it a "Digital Recording." I called P S Audio to help with downloading the software and fired up the DAC. Some good some bad. I've compared this DAC to a wide variety of world class DACs, including the Bricasti M1 SE, and Mytek Manhattan II, and preferred it for its warmth and musicality. The DS DAC is quite heft with a textured matt finish: Other than a power button, you have the touchscreen to use for all other functions. PS Audio uses the HDMI input in a nonstandard way, turning it into an I2S connection, which separates the clock and datastream signals, and is what PSA recommends for best sound. www.stereophile.com/content/new-firmware-measurements, California Audio Labs Sigma D/A processor, Spectral SDR-2000 Professional D/A processor, Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler upsampling digital processor, Métronome Technologie AQWO SACD/CD transport and D/A processor, AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB D/A-headphone amplifier, dCS Bartok D/A processor/headphone amplifier, Wilson Audio Specialties SabrinaX loudspeaker, Pass Laboratories XP-32 line preamplifier, Counterpoint Natural Progression NPS-400 power amplifier, The FTC Proposes Eliminating Its "Amplifier Rule", Acoustic Geometry Room treatments (before & after), My current and likely the last home audio setup, Recording of February 2021: Newvelle Records Season Five, Recommended Components: Fall 2020 Edition. Its treatment of any digital material, regardless of format, is quite astounding — even MP3s and Internet radio sounded vibrant and exciting. Fully FPGA based and software upgradeable, DirectStream is unmatched for both PCM and DSD digital audio files.

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