PS Audio Direct Stream

As noted above, three magazines gave the PS Audio DirectStream DAC an outstanding review.

However, it still brothers me that the DirectStream converts all inputs to 10 x DSD, and then uses a true single-bit double-rate DSD core engine to prepare the signal for output. In other words, it is performing many calculations on the source file for output. I suppose I should forget about the technical stuff in the DirectStream DAC and just judge the DirectStream by how it sounds.

In any case, I am still very happy with my Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC and see no reason to think about replacing it. I am still fascinated by the DirectStreams’s technical design and its use of DSD technology.

Does it really sound as good as the reviewers say it does?

I dont like its DSD playback at all and that is putting it nicely. PCM is quite good.

Hgeifman,

You state "I suppose I should forget about the technical stuff in the DirectStream DAC and just judge the DirectStream by how it sounds."

And then you state "I am still very happy with my Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC and see no reason to think about replacing it."

So what's the point of all this?

I've had the DS now for 4 months or so, lot of hours on it, been thru the first and second firmwares, and I think the sound is show stoppingly amazing. I love the improvement on Redbook cd's, and SACD iso kills. The DS startded out good, but with TONS of burn-in it REALLY sings IMO.

I must report the new DS firmware update 1.2.1 is so good it's like a new DAC upgrade but for free.