I was running and enjoying my Perfect Wave Tansport into a Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2 SE for several years using the I2S interface. Recently, I found myself downsizing/selling much gear so I tried the Stellar Gain Cell DAC and two M700 monoblocks. With the I2S, digital from the PWT is much improved (depth, dynamics, warmth, musicality) and iTunes streaming from my MacBook Pro is likewise improved. So there's a comparative listening experence for you.
77 responses Add your response
I’d like to stir up this thread in hopes of more comments. Everyone who has contributed has praised the company and I have no doubt about that. But I was interested in more comparative listening comments. How does their DirectStream DAC or the Jr sound in comparison to other DACs. Has anyone done comparative listening? For example, compared it to the Mytek Brooklyn or Manhattan II? Or some of the dcs DACs, which are way more expensive. Or? |
I have had a PS Audio Direct Stream Jr for 6 days, and I am INCREDIBLY IMPRESSED. It is Fantastic ! I also have a power conditioner which seems to be doing well, although I was a little disappointed when I saw the "Made in China" under the conditioner. I usually strive to have all of my audio equipment to be Made in USA..... I have 30 days to return the conditioner if that is what I decide....not sure what I am going to do about that. I feel it is fine, but its been in the back of my mind since I saw it. In conclusion, the DS JR sounds AMAZING worth every ounce of hype in my opinion. Although I have had some issues with Tidal being slow; I dont believe this has anything to do with PS Audio. I feel confident that if it is discovered that PS Audio products are contributing to the problem they will do what they can to fix it. I so far have only come across one other person having this Tidal issue so it looks like PS Audio has nothing to do with it. If you buy PS Audio, you wont be disappointed....just make sure you break it in. My DSJR sounded pretty mediocre when I first turned it on but it has changed DRAMATICALLY in the days I have had it. Sounds glorious. Mine has been on not stop since it arrived last Saturday, except for a 4 hour break I gave it after 4 days straight running. TD |
I'm on the bandwagon. My Wadia 850 bit the dust about a year ago and did a lot of research before settling on the DSJ/PWT combo and I couldn't be more pleased. I thought my Wadia couldn't be replaced at a reasonable price point. I was wrong and the PS Audio combo is just fantastic. I love my 850 but I'm hearing things I never heard before! I have no trouble recommending PS Audio to anyone. |
My foray into PS Audio began with their GCHA headphone amp which I still have and use. That lead me to their Digital Link III. Then their trio C100 integrated. For me, the fact that their equipment can last so long, sound so good, at incredible value speaks to the quality of what they build even on their value line. The ice amp module finally failed on the C100 and PS Audio, being who they are, let me trade in the C100 at a msrp for a Directstream Junior DAC. Already being a fan, they now have a customer for life. My next purchases will be the BHK pre and amp. Looking forward to seeing the team at Axpona again this year! |
I am a recent PS Audio fan(atic) and could not be happier. After upgrading my speaker from B&W 802D2's to the Focal Maestro Utopia's, my DAC was the weak link....it's wasn't too long that I now have the PS Direct Stream DAC, Memory player, LANRover in my system and any day now my Krell FPB-300cx will be replaced with a set of the PS Audio BHK300 mono-blocks......I am all in, it is not hype - their stuff sounds amazing and their customer service is spectacular. Kudos to Paul and his commitment to excellence all the while treating his employees and clients with dignity and respect. |
I've owned Toyotas and BMWs (my red '75 FJ40…man…), and to say Toyota is anything but a brilliant company that's been around forever is strange. Ever drive a BRZ? I have. Costs a fraction of anything BMW makes, and although I don't own one I appreciate 'em…I drive an older 3 series BMW and a BMW designed (new version) turbo Mini, but I utterly respect Toyota as does anybody who works at BMW (I've know some of those guys). Also, Toyota and BMW are working together on a 300K supercar. I also think PS Audio makes great stuff, which I have to mention as otherwise this post wouldn't belong here. |
I have a pca-2 pre amplifier and it beats the hell out of Naim 282 pre for what matters sound quality.. Its worlds more emotive. I believe their products to be outstanding after listening to them at dealership in the UK.. Vocals piano nuances in the depth of soundstage and the whole digital experience is very organic and emotional 'with all the dynamic range of my turntable £6,000 worth of Linn Lp12 with ekos se (that ironically runs through a PSAudio power supply) ' because it lends itself to any quality source. Yes matches Linn better than Naim as I believed it would. I have not bought a Ps Audio digitaly enabled DSD source yet. But hope to very soon as they sound incredible,, I have the above running through Leak Tl12' s and I have MF DAC Computer and Spendor S6E speakers. I emailed Ps Audio recently and their friendly manner was as pleasing as their product. I heartily recomend this company,, |
I want to add my four cents worth as well. Except for my speakers (obviously), my entire system is PS. that includes the BHK 250 amp, the BHK pre, the DSD and the DMP. Plus the P10 and all their cords. i have been into audio since the mid 70's and have heard and owned a ton of gear. at this point, i really feel like i am married in that i really do not even consider any other competing products. Their quality control, customer service, bang for the buck sound, USA made, etc. make them the king of the hill in my opinion. Someone mentioned that Paul trashed other gear and in all my 15 plus years buying their gear, and reading his posts, the only brand i remember him talking bad about was Bedini and that was well deserved from what i gather. otherwise he is very respectful and often complimentary towards other lines. |
Though I rarely post on any forums, I too am compelled to assign accolades where they are due. My first PSA unit was a P10 power plant. What it did for my system was not subtle. I now own three P10's, two utilized in my 2 channel setup and the other in my home theater. The only components in my 2 channel system yet to be supplanted by PSA are a pair of Parasound JC-1's. I have a Directream DAC Sr., BHK Pre, and a PWT (having trouble justifying a new DMP since I rarely play cd's). I've heard a lot of systems with far more expensive components than mine, yet when I settle in and listen again at home, my ears reassure me of the wisdom in choosing PSA components. |
I am a subscriber to Paul’s videos on YouTube, have been for a while, and although some talk about big improvement using expensive cables, I usually like what he says! He seams like a down to earth good man, and if I lived closer I would not mind listening to their system, love the playlist he put out, am listening to Mari Kodama on my Graham Audio LS 5/9 as I am writing this, beautiful playing and great sound quality. |
I stumbled upon Paul McGowan's YouTube Vids which caused me to re-invest (?) myself in my already wonderful music system. Replacing my Audio Research Transport was no easy parting, but the PS Audio transport took everything to a new level. I am awaiting delivery of my new ( used ) PS DAC on Monday to experience the magic of I2S connects between the two, the streaming benefits, and to continue the adventure into musical "nirvana" . Re-discovery on my music library awaits . I see PS mono blocks in my future also . PS = Perfect Sound , Professional Service, Passionate Staff, Prominent Style , Powerful System ! No Hype ... IMO |
Paul McG wrote in a thread at PS Audio.com concerning this thread: ”Thanks, guys. Yes, with the exception of Sprout and the Dectet, everything we build we build here and source most of the parts here as well. We use vendors from Kansas to California for circuit boards, though most of the metal work is done in Colorado. We’ve got 38 wonderful people working hard to make these products for you right here in the good old USA. I would encourage anyone in the area to come by and visit. While I know most companies in our business might be a little standoffish of unannounced visitors, you’ll find us quite the opposite. Come on by and watch your products being made and see where they are designed and listened to” |
I can echo the posts above regarding PS Audio. I own, and love, their P10. (bass not flabby in the slightest, btw) I own, and absolutely love, their Stellar M700 monoblocks which I use as front and center channel for my HT with a Stellar S300 for the rears. I replaced my McIntosh MC205 and haven't looked back. I own, and love to an absurd degree, their Directstream DAC. Red Cloud firmware has finally brought digital to the level of musicality of my excellent vinyl rig, which I never thought would happen. Their service is top notch. Their enthusiasm for their products is genuine. Their product line is ever expanding with an upcoming server/streamer and BHK phono preamp (and Stellar phono pre). So yeah, I'm a big fan of a well run American company which manufactures here. Not much hype to that. |
Yes, it was their Dac that caught my eye too, I like the way that it is software upgradable. Have not had separates before, I like to have a simple system as possible, therefore have been looking more into Luxman and Accuphase integrated amps, that are well made and get good reviews, must say I like that looks of them too ;-) also my speakers don’t need that much of power, how do you guys like the headphone output on the pre amp ? |
Gryphongryph my recent purchase of PS Audios Direct Stream Memory Player and Direct Stream Dac senior wasn’t motivated by any hype I read about these components . While being aware of PS Audio over the decades I never had any interest at all in thier components however that changed when I listened to PS Audios source components at a dealer .i learned more about them and then arranged to audition them in my home . Having owned players from EMM Labs & Esoteric ,PS Audio is the best digital playback I have owed so far and with the recent firmware update , I am absolutely thrilled with the Direct Stream components,. |
My first PS Audio purchase was the DSJr, and it was a transformative experience. Using an old Cambridge Audio CD player as transport into this DAC was amazing. Even the wife took notice! Upgraded to DSD and DMP. Like other posters, I cannot believe the incredible SQ of my 30 year old CDs. I know a $6K DAC is generally not purchased for streaming services, but man-o-man does the DSD blur those lines in SQ between streaming and other sources. Have since purchased the BHK amp and pre. Every call and e-mail, both pre and post purchase, was promptly handled by a knowledgeable and friendly rep. Their customer support is top shelf for sure. Audio gear, computer or widget, as a consumer I look for companies that have top quality products and support after the sale. PS Audio is in that select group for me. And Made in USA and a 30 day in home audition. Not many out there with those attributes. And they invite you to drop in and visit if you're in the area. I'm not a Kool-Aid drinker but am a big PS Audio fan. |
A big, big PS Audio fan. Been buying from them since the late 90's and have owned various power cords, power ports, soloists, power conditioning (P300/P600/P5), power bases & a DS Jr. The free upgrades, trade in policies, customer engagement and service are top notch. I have routinely talked to the owner PM directly when needed. I am moving away form their power conditioning though and have removed from my 2 channel audio system (at a suggestion from John R at Audio Connection). First with a Wiremold strip and now with an AQ Niagra 1000. For an almost 20 year user of this technology it was fairly revelatory for me (improved flow, dynamics, liveness, etc). AQ is making a very nice product as an alternative to power conditioning. That said I still heartily recommend this company |
My Stellar Gain Cell DAC and factory refurbished Perfect Wave Memory Player just arrived today and the sound right out of the box is already noticeably more natural and vivid than my previous source, an Audiolab 8300CD. By the way, newer Audiolab gear, I've learned the hard way, is to be avoided at all costs. Nothing but trouble even if it does sound superb. |
I also live just around the corner from PS Audio in Boulder and (Johnkent3) I also recently purchased their new Stellar S300. I agree, it's a fantastic amplifier. I'm going back for the DAC/preamp too. PS Audio is a great place to visit...the vibe is good and both engineers and sales people are first class to deal with. Their listening room is a treat, as too is hearing the history of the speakers in there. |
The BHK Amps and Pre are excellent and to be applauded --I have not auditioned the DS Dacs but the kudos are noticed and are appreciated . The only product I would not touch are the Power Plants which can give floppy bass and squashed dynamics-they are not recommended. If Mr McGowan was kept away from the micr phone by his spin doctors--it would be welcomed--his spell and put down of competing products does not do him nor his company any favours. Team212 |
I own the DirectStream DAC and never dreamed a component with an MSRP OF 6k could deliver audio equal to or better than vinyl. This unit is SUPERB and heartily recommend. And PS Audio provides firmware updates at no charge and the latest update made a great DAC sound even better. I also own the P10 Power plant and this also has delivered a meaningful improvement to my system. The company has great phone support and as aside, I also auditioned the BHK Mono blocks and was duly impressed. |
I got their Stellar S300 a month ago...it's incredible...really. I didn't know an amp could make such a huge difference in sound and I was coming from a solid state luxman beast. I'm trading up for two M700 monos and their working with me, getting me a great deal. To say the least...I'm really stoked on PS audio |
I've been buying PS Audio components one by one ever since getting the DS Junior DAC when it first came out a few years ago. I guess I got hooked, I was so impressed with the sound. I've been progressively spending more $ on components as I've been upgrading to their gear, so I can't offer lots of direct sound quality comparisons to other gear in a similar price range, but I can say I've been very happy. Add one more compliment on to the pile of others regarding PS Audio's customer support. Paul's Posts and their Copper digital magazine are also good reads. |
They do the assembly in Boulder, the product forms are stamped here in the US as well. I did ask one of their techs if anything was manufactured in China, he said nothing is. That may not apply to their older offerings, but the amps/pre/direct stream flavors are all manufactured here. To add to other commentary, I had been a long time McIntosh owner, I dumped every piece after I demo’ed the amps. Had an issue with my Direct Stream Junior, the Network Bridge was dead on arrival, they sent me a return receipt. Once that was marked as “in transit” by FedEx, they overnighted a new one for a Saturday delivery, at no cost to me. That’s unheard of. |
I must confirm they have the best SUPPORT team and support ethic. Something is not right - they will make it right for you. They are great and their equipment is fantastic. I have BHK Preamp, BHK 250, DSD Dac running my POLK LSIM 707 speakers and very happy about the music I hear, excellent excellent equipment. They are a great company to be with. |
Jbuhl, you are correct that PS Audio just assembles (and repairs) at their facility, however a significant portion (can’t say all since I don’t know specifics) of the manufacturing is done in the US. Machinery is expensive and the more advanced equipment, e.g., CNC, must be run continuously to be profitable. As such for a small company such as PS Audio it is cheaper to contract this type of work. I should also also add my voice to those who heartily endorse Paul and his company. He is an outstanding guy and everyone who works at PS Audio shares his love of music and his enthusiasm for making wonderful gear at (what we consider) affordable prices. Absolutely recommended! |
I dont chime in on these normally but I do think PS Audio is worthy of praise. Two years ago I did a major upgrade of my system. I purchased the PS Audio BHK amp, BHK pre amp and the Direct stream Jr DAC. After some tweaking and getting my turntable cartridge and phono stage right I cant imagine a better sounding system. Audio nirvana. If you ever have a question it is easy to always get someone on the phone at PS Audio and they will spend as much time with you as you need. If you ever need assurance that Paul is serious about his business just look at their forums. He always chimes in. Build quality is very robust. I am a big fan of theirs. |
@gryphongryph My simplest digital set up so far. DAC direct to active speakers. Pitch black. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/6257 I do get hiss from the TT when volume level is high - I don’t think you can avoid that. |
@hk_fan curious to know which brands you consider “tried and true, blue chip”? For you where does innovation figure in to the tried and true equation? |
“Do you hear any hiss from your speakers when no music is playing, or does the music come from a pitch black background as they say ?” Pitch Black no hiss not even a hint. No hiss even with one ear stuck right over the tweeter. Up until I got my new speakers and active amp I would have told folks that a slight hiss with one ear right up against the tweeter was normal. |
As in most successful organizations/companies, the tone is set by the person to where the buck stops. Paul McGowan answers a question sent in by audiophiles/customers every day and posts a video of it on the PS website. It is all information based and he has the humility to admit that he is not an expert in all issues dealing with audio. He will tell you that in his answer and where you might look for an even more informed information. Another refreshing characteristic is that he will use as examples, instances in the past where he had it wrong and what or who enabled him to see the light on a particular issue. |
Yeah the way they can upgrade the dac is very compelling, I have tubes in my pre section on one of my integrated amps, and planned to get away from tubes in the future, also I have seen Paul recommend changing the tubes every year!! which seams a bit excessive. PS Audio seams to take good care of their costumers which they are to be applauded for, not many companies excel in that these days. |
