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  1. #1
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    PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Haven’t heard much about this DAC lately? Do you guys still love it? If you were spending comparable dollars would this be the DAC you’d purchase? Why or why not? Thanks.

  2. #2
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Huh? It's probably the most talked about DAC on the planet.

  3. #3
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    PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by RDSChicago View Post
    Haven’t heard much about this DAC lately? Do you guys still love it? If you were spending comparable dollars would this be the DAC you’d purchase? Why or why not? Thanks.
    They ditched their dealer network because of a few bad apples. They will regret it IMO. GOOD Dealers are hard to find and GOOD dealers are consultants in the end. 99% of my calls go like this: “Mike, I’m looking for a new DAC, what do you recommend?” Then I ask a number of qualifying questions. Guess which DAC will no longer be on my recommended list to these callers or customers in the store? They think people are calling and saying “I want to buy the PS Audio DAC.” Wrong! Almost never happens.

    As for the DAC, I just received some PS Audio email pretending they were having a big secret special sale. Seems like many others got it too. Funny, their big sale price is still way more than what some dealers were selling it for. It looks like the DS is being sold off and phased out from the sound of the email.

    I think a Hugo TT2 or Aqua La Voce S3/La Scala are better DAC’s.


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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  4. #4
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Love my Aqua La Voce S3! Thank you Mike!
    George
    -----------------------

    Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers

    Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolators | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner

  5. #5

    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    I think the reason PS audio is selling direct is because the big discounts from non authorized dealers were hurting the reputation of the brand.
    I would expect they will be selecting authorized dealers at some point in the future. Getting back to the original oost, the direct stream is a
    excellent DAC, all you have to do is google the reviews and yes it just had an update. I would recommend you try it, they have a money back
    guarantee .

  6. #6
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    non-authorized dealers, really? what makes you think that?

  7. #7
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    PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    non-authorized dealers, really? what makes you think that?
    He’s correct about the discounting. Authorized and non-authorized. They had some real jerks as dealers and they paid the price.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  8. #8
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    How do non-authorized dealers get stock to sell?

  9. #9
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    How do non-authorized dealers get stock to sell?
    From unscrupulous authorized dealers. There’s one who does it all the time. Try getting warranty support if you buy from an unauthorized dealer. You’ll be screwed.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  10. #10
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    If the unauthorized dealer (or anybody else) has bought from authorized dealer the warranty should be valid for all subsequent purchasers during the warranty period. To be an unauthorized dealer you need to source stock outside the normal distribution chain, right? That's not happening here...

  11. #11
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    If the unauthorized dealer (or anybody else) has bought from authorized dealer the warranty should be valid for all subsequent purchasers during the warranty period. To be an unauthorized dealer you need to source stock outside the normal distribution chain, right? That's not happening here...
    Wrong. The receipt for warranty purposes must come from the authorized dealer.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  12. #12
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    the authorized dealer gives a receipt to everybody he sells to, whether end user or reseller...what's wrong with that?

  13. #13
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    the authorized dealer gives a receipt to everybody he sells to, whether end user or reseller...what's wrong with that?
    ALL dealer agreements strictly prohibit selling to other dealers. That’s what’s wrong.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  14. #14
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Oh, such an arrangement sounds like a restriction of trade, which would be illegal in some other markets.

  15. #15
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I think a Hugo TT2 or Aqua La Voce S3/La Scala are better DAC’s.
    I would also consider the T+A DACs as being better. When I bought mine I was directly considering the PS Audio and Mike directed me towards the T+A. So very happy that he did!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  16. #16
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    Oh, such an arrangement sounds like a restriction of trade, which would be illegal in some other markets.
    So are distributors who are strict on “no discounting”. But you know the rules going in and you follow them. If you don’t like the rules, sell something else. It’s about everyone working together to ensure brand integrity. No one wants a situation where $250,000 speakers are being sold for $19,995.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  17. #17
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    PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    I would also consider the T+A DACs as being better. When I bought mine I was directly considering the PS Audio and Mike directed me towards the T+A. So very happy that he did!
    For sure Randy. I didn’t want to address the discussion of whether the PSA DS is a good DAC or not. It’s all very personal on that level. Around that price point, I like Lumin T2, T+A DSD512, Aqua La Voce S3 and Chord Hugo TT2. The Hugo TT2 being the one you can buy and really take up to a whole new level if you later add the M-Scaler. The T+A that really goes up to a whole new level if you feed it everything converted to DSD512. Bring a powerful computer for that! The Lumin being the Swiss Army Knife of digital. “It does it all” - Roon, MQA, DSD, etc. The Aqua having the ladder DAC magic like MSB.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  18. #18
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    The T+A that really goes up to a whole new level if you feed it everything converted to DSD512. Bring a powerful computer for that.
    This is true, you definitely need a good solid computer to do this right. So figure in at about $2000 to get a computer that is very up to the task, M.2 storage, gold power supply, etc. Works wonders for sure.

    And as Mike states, a lot of personal preference here. If you do not like the idea of working with a computer or have other preferences the other choices that Mike mentioned are also excellent!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
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  19. #19
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Mike, Is the Chord Qutest DAC the same DAC as in the Hugo?
    Main System: Analog - Linn LP12, Origin Live DC motor and Controller, SME V arm, Benz Ruby H 2 cartridge, Wright Sound preamp. Digital - Intel NUC I-7, 16 gig ram, Jriver media center 24, Wyrd4 Sound 2V2 SE Dac, Fathom Hard Drives.
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    Wire - T G Audio, Shunyata, Synergistic Research , Audioquest, Lewis silver foil, Duelund, Transparent.

  20. #20
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    Re: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike B. View Post
    Mike, Is the Chord Qutest DAC the same DAC as in the Hugo?
    Don’t know. Chord is very secretive.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

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