PS Audio DirectStream DAC

I have only listened to DSD since the upgrade, and find even more fine detail and soundstage enhancement. This dac has the MBL's really singing. Bass has tightened up quite nicely. This helped integrate the D'Agostino's solid bass performance to another level. I will report on PCM playback when I get time later this week.
This should make for a great shoot-out when I receive the new Berkeley dac.


Jerry-
 
Yes, I heard that DSD has been improved with this FW release. it almost certainly had to be though, as it was poor before. I am glad that PSA has stepped up and done more justice to DSD.
 
Myles B. Astor said:
Press Release
For immediate release
Media Contact:
Bill Leebens
LM&M, LLC
(941) 807-7880

PS Audio DirectStream DAC Redefines State of the Art—Again,
--And while we’re at it, we’ve eliminated product obsolescence. No, really.

Boulder, CO, October 26, 2014—PS Audio, manufacturer of fine audio components
since 1973, is pleased to announce a major upgrade of its revolutionary DirectStream DAC, free to its owners.
Click to expand...

October 26???? That is proactive. :)
 
I had a chance to listen to a few of my well known PCM favorites, and I too notice a bit of roll off in the frequencies above 1k. There was an engaging edge to the PCM playback that I really miss now. It could bite just a bit at times.......but was exhilarating at the same time. Now everything seems to be just a tad too smooth. DSD is two steps forward, and PCM is one step back......IMHO.


Jerry-
 
Jerry, that is exactly what my pal said. Well, at least you can roll firmware now!
 
More smooth? It was already smooth (even too smooth?). Oh I know Jerry and this won't sit well with him.

I think the new Berkley will be more to your liking Jerry.

I'm still determined to get you into a Lumin! :)
 
I don't agree.
I actually thought the previous version to be soft in the upper freq.
With the new firmware, there is much more air and slam with PCM. I am really enjoying the updated sound quality!
 
Jerry can roll firmware, so….no worries.
I will be rolling Tubes…vintage 45 globe triodes and plenty of recti choices:
 
FIRMWARE rolling is akin to tube rolling!

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Myles B. Astor said:
Wasn't able to get you answer.

Did pick up however for review, the new Mainframe Music Processor music server. Should be here just before or after RMAF.
Click to expand...

From PS Audio?

They're suppose to have their new hybrid amp on didplay at RMAF.
 
Mike said:
More smooth? It was already smooth (even too smooth?). Oh I know Jerry and this won't sit well with him.

I think the new Berkley will be more to your liking Jerry.

I'm still determined to get you into a Lumin! :)
Click to expand...



Actually, the DSD performance alone, makes the DirectStream a keeper. But I would love to have the "earlier" PCM voicing. Guess after getting the Berkeley, I can choose which format I want the DirectStream to be best at !!!! Definitely nice to have a choice.
 
JDLaudio said:
Actually, the DSD performance alone, makes the DirectStream a keeper. But I would love to have the "earlier" PCM voicing. Guess after getting the Berkeley, I can choose which format I want the DirectStream to be best at !!!! Definitely nice to have a choice.
Click to expand...

You need to hear the S1.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Jd .

Ya know I got knocked for saying the dsd got better and PCM got worse . Nice to read someone else hears it that way. I honestly do not know why they just cannot get them together . What we need here is a simple firmware rolling from the main screen or perhaps from the chip kept incerted in the back . It could hold many firmwares. Another cool feature would be a striped down FPGA frimware . Anything that can improve the sound is fine by me.

Lastly myles I would loan you like my DS for a review . I would very much like to set you up for one.
 
JDLaudio said:
Actually, the DSD performance alone, makes the DirectStream a keeper. But I would love to have the "earlier" PCM voicing. Guess after getting the Berkeley, I can choose which format I want the DirectStream to be best at !!!! Definitely nice to have a choice.
Click to expand...
I'm really looking forward to your impressions on how the Berkeley Reference compares to the DS both with PCM and DSD files. Particularly since Berkeley claims that their system provides superior sonic performance with DSD files even though it requires their conversion to 176.4 PCM for playback. Will converted DSD files still have the sonic strengths that many of us find with DSD?
 
Al - no, the Berkeley Reference DAC does not support DSD file playback either directly or via DoP. I agree with you the DoP is still actual DSD, it just transmits the DSD data in a PCM format. The Berkeley comes with JRiver software and they advise to convert your DSD files to 176.4 PCM either in real time or by file conversion for playback with their DAC. That's why I'm curious as to how it will perform with converted DSD source files, compared to other DACs that handle DSD files directly.
 
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