PS Audio Direct Stream

I may start a new thread on this, but is it true that this new breed of DACs, like this PSA DirectStream, and the new Chord DACs, are fairly impervious to the quality of the server feeding it? That seems to be an underlying impression I'm getting from reading reviews and comments on these units. This would make it a lot easier on those of us searching for the best computer rig to serve as transport. I hate the idea of spending 4-5k or more on just a computer disguised as a hi-end transport, but I want an all-in-one-box solution (rip,download, store, play) and I can't build one myself. If these new dacs render the server quality somewhat irrelevant, than there is no need to spend great sums on the server side.

Initially PS Audio's claim was that all DS inputs sounded the same. They later reported a significant sonic difference with the USB input depending upon the specific USB cable being used. There are not many DS units in the field yet to be able to determine whether the quality of the server makes a substantial difference or not. Stay tuned as reviews and user comments are likely to be coming soon.

Thanks for the additional comments.Still waiting for some owners opinions.I did not see in print that the usb was a better connection. Where did you get that info?

Just to clarify my comment - I never stated that the USB connection was better than the others, only that the quality of the DS output varies when using the USB input depending upon the USB cable being used.

Emm labs has been doing what the DS claims since the beginning. Meitner and Emm utilize immediate DSD conversion and up sampling to process PCM and then convert to analog. Obviously Mr. Meitner is doing something right.

In DSD there are no filters needed and a myriad of other advantages to PCM (theoretically).

I currently own a PW2 and have a DS on order. From a technical standpoint, it has the ability to shine. Let's see....

If not, I'm going to Rowland Aeris personally. Jeff hit that one out of the park! But my curiosity for the DS is too much to hold back.