streaming DACs around $4k

markalarsen,

May I know what other DAC/Streamer have you tried or compared before settling with PSA.

Some of my friends have tried PSA Direct Stream and ends up returning...they were unanimous in their assessment that it sounds sterile and lacks musicality.

For once I agree with audiotroy...they seem to have way too many upgrades compare to any other company I have known.

I'm in love with my PSA DS and Bridge II.  It's spooky good.

Also, Roon is like Leboski's rug: it really pulls the room together.

I had the Vault which I thought was good and just borrowed a PS Audio Perfect Wave with Bridge and I think it is awesome. Can anyone explain how the Direct Stream is different or better?

I upgraded the earlier Perfect Wave to the Direct Stream by replacing the internal circuit boards. My DAC still reads, “Perfect Wave Digital to Analog Converter.”  Internally it is a Direct Steam. Check out the PS Audio website for details. 

Call PS Audio’s technical department to discuss the differences. This conversion was too long ago for me to describe the differences. 

@https://forum.audiogon.com/users/lalitk

I also own a Bel Canto Black EX Controller/DAC. I, however, have not A/B them.