UPDATE:
First off, I ran the ODSE direct to my amps using the Final Drives. ODSE set with the recessed switches to activate the volume control and adjust the output to match amplifier direct. Wired - ODSE XLR out to Final Drive XLR in (all gains on the FD set to 0db) and FD XLR out to Merrill Veritas XLR in. Everything was set properly (confirmed with Steve) but even with the volume control knob activated and on its most counter-clockwise position (supposed to be zero output) I was still getting a decent amount of volume through the speakers; moderate listening level I would say. Loud enough to hear from 2 rooms away with all doors open, but soft enough to have a conversation in the room. The volume knob did make the music louder when rotated clockwise, so it was clearly activated and functioning. I contacted Steve several times and he was always responsive and helpful. To be honest, I'm not sure whats going on.
I turned the volume knob up to about 9 o'clock on the ODSE (which set a reasonably loud listening level equivalent to my normal level) and sat down for a listening session with the attitude that, although the volume compatibility issue was confusing I was not causing any damage to anything and when set to the proper listening level it would still represent the sound as it normally would for a ODSE/FD direct to amp set up.
Without going into detail, I preferred running the music through my pre-amplifier. It sounded very very good without the pre-amp and I think that it would probably best most inexpensive pre-amps. But I have now run several DAC's direct and I always prefer the sound when running through a pre-amp. In all honesty, I was heavily jaded in the direction of wanting to like the FD as it would have given me the ability to sell my $$$$$ pre-amp and redirect that money elsewhere. Alas, I still need my trusty Criterion.
I welcome Steve to chime in here, as I can't say for sure that I am giving the ODSE/FD direct to amp a proper audition with the strange volume issue. It may sound better if the volume incompatibility issue was resolved. But logically, as nothing sounded overdriven I assumed the volume pot is misaligned or the DAC provided a bit too much gain, or I have no idea and I'm just making it up as I go…. lol. I just want to be fair and not misrepresent Steve's products.
I can say that the ODSE still sounds fantastic running through my pre-amp and sucks me into that happy place moments after I start listening.
Next was my 400-420 hour listen of the Rowland Aeris. OK, let me restate that; I didn't listen for 400 hours, I listened AFTER is has been running for 400 hours… hehe. Burn in appears to have a rather dramatic effect on the Aeris as I have read and been told. With 400+ hours on it, the Aeris is losing it's brighter highlights and becoming increasingly complex in its presentation. The bass has actually become a bit less controlled, which is weird but I have heard that the highs and lows waver until it stabilizes at 700+ hours. Its soundstage is truly opening up and becoming more vast and more accurate in its image placement. At 400 hours I am, however, starting to define some consistencies in its voice. It presents a complexity to the music that no other DAC I have heard offers. What I can't tell is whether it is pulling things out that others can not, or creating artifact where none truly exists. For now, I will tuck it away and continue to burn it in for it's final 280'ish hours and run a final comparison.
At this moment in time, I am STILL enjoying the absolutely beguiling ODSE. It does not have the complexity of the Aeris, nor the masterful recreation of tone and texture that the Aeris is starting to display. The Aeris will, when fully broken in, clearly control lower frequencies more definitively and have a wonderful, expansive soundstage. But the ODSE is a black hole - you can't turn it on and start listening and not get sucked in. It's like getting hugged by the right girl, you don't feel the arms or the body or the breath on your neck (although they are all there and rather enjoyable), you just close your eyes and sink into the utter magic of the moment. IF the Aeris blossoms and develops this quality, then it will be the best DAC I have ever heard. Guido, Csmsart, and many others are telling me it will. We shall see…..
FINALLY - many have been waiting for the arrival of the PS Audio Direct Stream. Well it has arrives and here we go….
Build and appearance - It is, pretty much, the identical unit to the PerfectWave II. The only perceivable different, other then the different name silkscreened on the front, is that the PW2 has a flat rectangular light next tot the touchscreen and the DS has a round light. Other then that, they are the same. the touchscreen itself has a simpler layout and way less options. It identifies input (PCM or DSD) and resolution of the input. The touchscreen is very responsive and the entire unit is crafted to very high standards with exceptional parts and build quality throughout. The back is well laid out. The power switch is far enough away from the PC slot to allow use of thick, aftermarket cables (like the Shunyata Zitron Alpha digital) and the USB and XLR connectors were solid and secure. I chose silver and it looks very nice. It is heavy and feels like a proper high end kit.
Upon plugging it in, the USB was immediately identified and it started playing music without issue or incident. I left the volume output on the DS at 100% and thats where it will stay. I may try running it direct to amp if I decide to keep it, otherwise I will do the entire audition running it through my Criterion using the same exact XLR and USB cables I have been using all along.
First impressions - I know everyone is telling me to burn it in for 500 hours (20 days). I will start that process asap. I did set it up and listen as I am very curious. After doing this with the Aeris, I know that first impressions are essentially worthless. My first reaction was that I didn't hear anything that I was missing when listening through my other DAC's. The hype suggested that I will hear magic that doesn't exist with any other DAC. Well, not yet…. My second reaction was that this DAC will be much better then the PW2, even out of the box that is obvious. It definitely has potential and can rub elbows with the other DAC's I am playing with. Other then that, it was too warm in the mids, bright up top and utterly misguided on the low end. It sounded as if I had a layer of plastic wrap around my head (which I almost wished I did at some points). BUT, as I said, it is brand new and needs many many hours of break in.
I will admit that I am skeptical of the Direct Stream competing favorably with the ODSE or the Aeris as the later two are SO good! The DS is $6K retail. The Aeris is almost $10K retail, and the ODSE is about $7500- retail without Steve's occasional show discounts. But Steve doesn't need to mark up the ODSE to cover advertising/marketing costs which add a LOT to the PS Audio and Rowland kits. I would imagine the ODSE would be about $10K retail if he was a bigger firm and had the marketing/advertising overhead that the big guys spend…
I will keep an open mind though, I promise, and just tell you what my ears hear.
That's it.
fin
