PS Audio DirectStream DAC

Reviews of the DS in TAS and Stereophile September issues.

Anyone read them?
 
I haven't received TAS, but the Stereophile review is nice. While $6k is, to me, a lot of money for a DAC, it is less than what Berkeley wants for their new DAC. To be honest, I am unsure how to take this review. On one hand, it seems to be a positive review, but then again I get the feeling that while good, the DAC could be better, at least for $6k.
 
BlueFox said:
I haven't received TAS, but the Stereophile review is nice. While $6k is, to me, a lot of money for a DAC, it is less than what Berkeley wants for their new DAC. To be honest, I am unsure how to take this review. On one hand, it seems to be a positive review, but then again I get the feeling that while good, the DAC could be better, at least for $6k.
Click to expand...

That's how I read it too.
 
Mike said:
That's how I read it too.
Click to expand...

well if you read the measurements by JA, he does note he is bothered more than once by a few things : lack of resolution with data capable of higher than CD resolution sounding a bit rolled off then he noted is was bothered by the PS Audio poor linearity at low freq but he closed with " But the engineer in me doesn't like to see it " whatever that means.:weird:

Reviews got to read between the line too much in these mag's.
 
jap said:
Aesthetix Pandora Signature w/VC. Replaced the stock tubes with Gold Lions.
Click to expand...


With that Dac, I can see why you are not impressed. I thought the DS was poor of DSD but quite resonable with PCM.
 
Has anyone compared the DirectStream to one of the Wavelength DACs, the Cosecant or Crimson in particular?
 
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. The upgrade radically improves both the measured and sonic performance of the device. It also helps redefine the state of the art in digital audio, again.

When we launched DirectStream this spring, we called it "a totally new approach
to processing digital signals", and said it would "change viewpoints regarding
ultimate sound-quality while simultaneously offering greater value than any contender for state of the art."

In the months since then, DirectStream has lived up to its claims. In fact, it’s received more praise and accolades than any product PS has made in four decades of pushing the edge of the art.

-Stereophile Recommended Component, Class A+
-The Absolute Sound Golden Ear Award
-6Moons Blue Moon Award
-AudioStream Greatest Bits Award
…and rave reviews from Positive Feedback, Stereo Times, Bit Perfect, Gus Skinas, Steve Hoffman, and many other knowledgeable folks.

How is DirectStream different from all those other DACs that are out there?

First, its design is different: DirectStream converts all input signals to DSD. PCM, DSD, whatever the input, the output is DSD. By doing this, we greatly reduce the amount of processing the signal undergoes, shorten the signal path. The result is improved clarity, resolution and presence that exceeds others in the field on both DSD and PCM recordings.

Second, DirectStream’s construction is different. DirectStream doesn’t use an off-the-shelf processor chip like most other DACS in all price ranges.

Instead, DirectStream’s architecture is based upon a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that is infinitely reprogrammable and updatable.

Obsolescence has become…obsolete

DirectStream is one of the few devices in high-end audio that can be fully upgraded by downloading and installing new firmware.

The firmware upgrade that is immediately available for DirectStream is the biggest single improvement yet. Overall distortion and noise are reduced. The sound is more stunningly lifelike: as good as DirectStream was before, now it’s better. A lot better.

The upgrade to firmware version 1.2.1 is available right now to all DirectStream owners and users for free Owners can download the firmware from PS Audio’s website.

The latest version of DirectStream will be playing in the PS Audio suite (Room 550, the Keystone Suite) at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver, October 10-12. Also featured in the system will be the Memory Player transport and prototypes of the PerfectWave Amplifier designed by Bascom King, playing through Infinity IRS Betas set up by their designer, Arnie Nudell! Messrs. King and Nudell will both be present in the PS Audio suite during the show.

About PS Audio: Founded by Paul McGowan and Stan Warren in 1973, PS Audio
has a long history of offering innovative designs at affordable prices. PS has been an industry-leader in the fields of power-regeneration, phono preamplifiers, DACs and transports. PS Audio’s administration, engineering and manufacturing facilities are all located in Boulder, Colorado, and all core products are fully made in the USA.

PS Audio
Paul’s Daily Posts
PS Audio Community
 
Thanks Myles.

I am asking AL for his feedback too, as he has one...

Enjoy the show. Soooo jealous. It should be a great one.
 
I loaded it this morning at 430 am before I left for work. It works fine. I played two pcm and two DSD. So this comment is not from long term observation.
It lowers the noise floor and allows for more micro detail. This also helps in overall clarity of all the music. It also now plays DSD better than before a good thing I feel. The presentation seems more relaxed and no loss of staging or impact of low end. It's over all a good thing with DSD. Now pcm is now a little softer more like DSD so if one likes the softer Analog sound then it's good all around. Now for me I like my pcm as it is a little harder and I have liked the pcm of the older firmware for its pcm sound with PCM. This new firmware takes this away from me.
So it comes down to choice and mine is cheers to ted smith in making dsd a better sound
but PCM is now like up sampled PCM to dsd on the fly. Not for me
I like my coffee black at least with PCM. Also the DAC still
manitains its house sound and this is good I like it that way. Now I am sure some one here can explain my ramblings much better and I cannot wait for teds review. Also testing was done on one of my caps and win 2012 and AO in core mode. I think this firmware is a winner and love the fAct I can roll firmware and change sounds. It's like tube rolling without having to buy anything. This concept alone is fantastic and cheers to ted and Paul for designing it this way.
Al
 
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