angst46 Posted May 3, 2017 Share Posted May 3, 2017 (edited) SOLD Item: PS Audio Directstream DACLocation: Perth WA.Price: $5,200 negotiable. Plus shipping. New price $8,295Item Condition: excellent, a very good 9/10.Reason for selling: I have purchased an Esoteric K1 single box unit and no longer need this DACPayment Method: - Cash, PaypalExtra Info: This is PS Audio's latest Directstream model and was purchased a little over 12 months ago. It still has the protective plastic sheet over the piano-black finish top plate, it has always been handled with cotton gloves and is in pristine condition. It comes with all the original packaging including a protective outer shipping box. This is a superb DAC that I used for my music server as my previous Esoteric did not have a USB input. I had to go to substantial lengths to supersede and it sounds fantastic with the new PS Audio Directstream Memory Player. I auditioned a Memory Player recently and they are a great combo. Below is all the relevant product information and specifications for the Directstream DAC. DirectStream DAC – Pure DSD done right Introducing DirectStream, one of the most remarkable DACS ever built. Hand written, discrete, perfection based conversion that uncovers all the missing information hiding in your digital audio media for all these years. CD’s, downloads, high-resolution PCM or DSD based media are expertly upsampled in the DirectStream to ten times DSD rate and output as pure analog directly into your amplifier or preamplifier. Classic PCM based DACS, including many of today’s DACS that can also process DSD, tend to cover up some of the subtle musical details buried deep within digital audio music; a problem inherent in their architecture. DirectStream solves this problem by employing a pure DSD single-bit approach for both PCM as well as DSD media. This means that your entire library of music can finally reveal all the music and subtle low level details buried deep within its core. Imagine going to a recording studio and listening to a master tape of any recording made. This is the experience DirectStream provides its owners who enjoy a renewed sense of enjoyment and discovery when listening to everything in their library: CD’s, downloads, DSD. Pure 100% single bit DSD based D to A Converter Most of today’s sophisticated DACs are IC based instruments using off-the-shelf-chips that are Multi-bit Sigma Delta based designs. While these are relatively simple to design and produce, they don’t often give the best results sonically. Because they are one-chip systems compromises are made in their architecture that found in DirectStream’s custom based architecture. DirectStream takes both PCM and DSD, upsamples the data and converts to single-bit DSD and then outputs pure music regardless of input format for the data. The results of this design can be heard in increased musical information presented to the listener at every opportunity. Purely passive output stage Most modern DACs use some form of active tube or solid state output stage to amplify, filter and drive the DACs output. DirectStream takes a different approach: passive. In one of the simplest, elegant and musically correct executions of an output stage, high speed class A video amplifiers are used as the final switch for the single-bit, double DSD output of DirectStream; feeding a high performance passive audio output transformer. The transformer is specially designed to act as both the galvanic isolation between the DAC and the outside world as well as the primary low pass filter required to present a perfect, low distortion, low noise output signal. When you listen to DirectStream you never are accosted by added bright, hard glare in the music as happens with many active designs. Instead, clean, pure music flows from the DirectStream directly to your preamplifier or power amplifier. Resolution perfect volume and balance controls Designer Smith perfected a 100% bit-perfect volume and balance control that’s built into DirectStream, enabling users to control the output level when feeding directly into a power amplifier or preamplifier. That the volume control is completely bit-perfect means there is no loss of resolution for any volume setting, a feature unique among the majority of DACS in the world today. The ability to eliminate the preamplifier in the system without any resolution loss is a major benefit to DirectStream’s outstanding musical performance. Physical Unit Weight 22 lbs [13.5 kg] Unit Dimensions 14” x 17” x 4” [ 36cm x 43cm x 10cm] Shipping Weight 31 lbs [19 kg] Shipping Dimensions 20.5”x 24” x 10” [52cm x 61cm x 25cm] Power requirements Input Power Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz Power Consumption 30W Digtial audio inputs I2S(2), Coax, XLR Balanced, TOSLINK, USB, Network Bridge slot Sample Rates I2S,S/PDIF, and USB — 44.1kHz to 192kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64, DSD 128 TOSLINK – 44.1kHz to 96kHz 16bit, 24bit Analog Audio Output Connector RCA/XLR Unbalanced /Balanced (X2) Output level, low 1.41 Vrms(+5BV)/3.15 Output level high, maximum 2.81 Vrms (+8dBV)/5.3 Vrms (+12dBV) Output Impedance 100?/200? Frequency Response 20-20KHz +/- 0.25dB THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale) <0.03% Output Stage Passive audio transformer, fed by high current, high speed analog amps producing double rate DSD. Data Handling Format PCM or DSD Sample rate (PCM) 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz Word length (PCM) 16b, 18b, 20b, 24b Data rate (DSD) Standard (2.8MHz) or Double (5.6MHz) DoP on all inputs as well as raw DSD on I2S inputs Input jitter reduction effectively 100%, residual immeasurable. No input PLLs, FLLs. Input Processing 170MHz Signal Processing 50MHz Synchronous Upsampling, all inputs 28.224MHz Digital Processing S/N ration >146 dB Digital Volume Control Zero loss of precision Analog Conversion method Delta Sigma (DSD) Single-bit double rate I2S Digital Input Connector HDMI Format PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as raw DSD on I2S inputs USB Digital Input Connector USB “B” Type Format PCM or DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM) Transfer mode Asynchronous Edited May 8, 2017 by angst46 Price eduction 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdoot Posted May 5, 2017 Share Posted May 5, 2017 Love this DAC. FYI, your specs are slightly outdated – a software update introduced support for 352.8kHz DXD over USB and I2S. I played some on mine via USB yesterday. GLWS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankn Posted May 5, 2017 Share Posted May 5, 2017 And Huron software update is just about to be provided..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angst46 Posted May 5, 2017 Author Share Posted May 5, 2017 Yes it is a excellent machine. I have the last software update installed so I will see if I can modify the listing. All the best, Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john70 Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 (edited) On 2017-5-3 at 2:50 PM, angst46 said: Item: PS Audio Directstream DACLocation: Perth WA.Price: $5,200 negotiable. Plus shipping. New price $8,295Item Condition: excellent, a very good 9/10.Reason for selling: I have purchased an Esoteric K1 single box unit and no longer need this DACPayment Method: - Cash, PaypalExtra Info: This is PS Audio's latest Directstream model and was purchased a little over 12 months ago. It still has the protective plastic sheet over the piano-black finish top plate, it has always been handled with cotton gloves and is in pristine condition. It comes with all the original packaging including a protective outer shipping box. This is a superb DAC that I used for my music server as my previous Esoteric did not have a USB input. I had to go to substantial lengths to supersede and it sounds fantastic with the new PS Audio Directstream Memory Player. I auditioned a Memory Player recently and they are a great combo. Below is all the relevant product information and specifications for the Directstream DAC. DirectStream DAC – Pure DSD done right Introducing DirectStream, one of the most remarkable DACS ever built. Hand written, discrete, perfection based conversion that uncovers all the missing information hiding in your digital audio media for all these years. CD’s, downloads, high-resolution PCM or DSD based media are expertly upsampled in the DirectStream to ten times DSD rate and output as pure analog directly into your amplifier or preamplifier. Classic PCM based DACS, including many of today’s DACS that can also process DSD, tend to cover up some of the subtle musical details buried deep within digital audio music; a problem inherent in their architecture. DirectStream solves this problem by employing a pure DSD single-bit approach for both PCM as well as DSD media. This means that your entire library of music can finally reveal all the music and subtle low level details buried deep within its core. Imagine going to a recording studio and listening to a master tape of any recording made. This is the experience DirectStream provides its owners who enjoy a renewed sense of enjoyment and discovery when listening to everything in their library: CD’s, downloads, DSD. Pure 100% single bit DSD based D to A Converter Most of today’s sophisticated DACs are IC based instruments using off-the-shelf-chips that are Multi-bit Sigma Delta based designs. While these are relatively simple to design and produce, they don’t often give the best results sonically. Because they are one-chip systems compromises are made in their architecture that found in DirectStream’s custom based architecture. DirectStream takes both PCM and DSD, upsamples the data and converts to single-bit DSD and then outputs pure music regardless of input format for the data. The results of this design can be heard in increased musical information presented to the listener at every opportunity. Purely passive output stage Most modern DACs use some form of active tube or solid state output stage to amplify, filter and drive the DACs output. DirectStream takes a different approach: passive. In one of the simplest, elegant and musically correct executions of an output stage, high speed class A video amplifiers are used as the final switch for the single-bit, double DSD output of DirectStream; feeding a high performance passive audio output transformer. The transformer is specially designed to act as both the galvanic isolation between the DAC and the outside world as well as the primary low pass filter required to present a perfect, low distortion, low noise output signal. When you listen to DirectStream you never are accosted by added bright, hard glare in the music as happens with many active designs. Instead, clean, pure music flows from the DirectStream directly to your preamplifier or power amplifier. Resolution perfect volume and balance controls Designer Smith perfected a 100% bit-perfect volume and balance control that’s built into DirectStream, enabling users to control the output level when feeding directly into a power amplifier or preamplifier. That the volume control is completely bit-perfect means there is no loss of resolution for any volume setting, a feature unique among the majority of DACS in the world today. The ability to eliminate the preamplifier in the system without any resolution loss is a major benefit to DirectStream’s outstanding musical performance. Physical Unit Weight 22 lbs [13.5 kg] Unit Dimensions 14” x 17” x 4” [ 36cm x 43cm x 10cm] Shipping Weight 31 lbs [19 kg] Shipping Dimensions 20.5”x 24” x 10” [52cm x 61cm x 25cm] Power requirements Input Power Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz Power Consumption 30W Digtial audio inputs I2S(2), Coax, XLR Balanced, TOSLINK, USB, Network Bridge slot Sample Rates I2S,S/PDIF, and USB — 44.1kHz to 192kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64, DSD 128 TOSLINK – 44.1kHz to 96kHz 16bit, 24bit Analog Audio Output Connector RCA/XLR Unbalanced /Balanced (X2) Output level, low 1.41 Vrms(+5BV)/3.15 Output level high, maximum 2.81 Vrms (+8dBV)/5.3 Vrms (+12dBV) Output Impedance 100?/200? Frequency Response 20-20KHz +/- 0.25dB THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale) <0.03% Output Stage Passive audio transformer, fed by high current, high speed analog amps producing double rate DSD. Data Handling Format PCM or DSD Sample rate (PCM) 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz Word length (PCM) 16b, 18b, 20b, 24b Data rate (DSD) Standard (2.8MHz) or Double (5.6MHz) DoP on all inputs as well as raw DSD on I2S inputs Input jitter reduction effectively 100%, residual immeasurable. No input PLLs, FLLs. Input Processing 170MHz Signal Processing 50MHz Synchronous Upsampling, all inputs 28.224MHz Digital Processing S/N ration >146 dB Digital Volume Control Zero loss of precision Analog Conversion method Delta Sigma (DSD) Single-bit double rate I2S Digital Input Connector HDMI Format PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as raw DSD on I2S inputs USB Digital Input Connector USB “B” Type Format PCM or DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM) Transfer mode Asynchronous Could be interested in this & messaged you but no reply. Edited May 21, 2017 by john70 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhakPak Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 Is this one a PWD2 that was converted to a DSD? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhakPak Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 (edited) On 05/05/2017 at 2:09 PM, frankn said: And Huron software update is just about to be provided..... "just about" requires some ample interpretation. Edited May 21, 2017 by WhakPak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankn Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 All good things come to those who wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rand129678 Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 16 hours ago, WhakPak said: Is this one a PWD2 that was converted to a DSD? Could be wrong but the conversion kit is only internals, not the external case. This case has DirectStream on the front (bottom right). So this is a DirectStream (I think). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angst46 Posted May 22, 2017 Author Share Posted May 22, 2017 Sorry about the late reply I have been indisposed due to hospitalisation. This is NOT a kitted out older model and it is not grey market It was purchased new from Douglas Hi Fi in Perth and receipts can be provided. Douglas are looking into whether there s any transferable warranty. It is as new. All the best, Steve 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotJ Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Interesting, the back panel still says perfectwave. There's no change between the 2 models? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angst46 Posted May 22, 2017 Author Share Posted May 22, 2017 Sorry about the late reply I have been indisposed due to hospitalisation. This is NOT a kitted out older model and it is not grey market It was purchased new from Douglas Hi Fi in Perth and receipts can be provided. Douglas are looking into whether there s any transferable warranty. It is as new. All the best, Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angst46 Posted May 22, 2017 Author Share Posted May 22, 2017 17 hours ago, john70 said: Could be interested in this & messaged you but no reply. Hi John Please see reply below if you did not receive PM. All the best, Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angst46 Posted May 22, 2017 Author Share Posted May 22, 2017 7 hours ago, WhakPak said: "just about" requires some ample interpretation. "just about"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angst46 Posted May 22, 2017 Author Share Posted May 22, 2017 Hi WhakPak Does "just about" refer to something I can help you with? All the best, Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john70 Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I did PM you Steve but no answer to my question so maybe you are not sure so I will put it out here as follows:- "I currently have the Sony HAP Z1es which I can load all my CDs & Hi REz files into and stores them. It outputs in DSD to my system though balanced or RCA. I have been looking at something like this as an upgrade to the above but I have always wondered how it gets the music files I have. As they are all on a USB hard drive can I plug that into a USB input on the Directstream and play them ok?. If not then how can I play them. " Anyone know the answer to this?. And thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhakPak Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 51 minutes ago, angst46 said: ...This is NOT a kitted out older model and it is not grey market It was purchased new from Douglas Hi Fi in Perth and receipts can be provided. I thought so. It was just unusual to see that DirectStream DAC sticker on the back of the chassis. Normally they go on upgraded units. But upgraded units don't end up with DirectStream printed on the front facia, which yours has. Very unusual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhakPak Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 50 minutes ago, angst46 said: Hi WhakPak Does "just about" refer to something I can help you with? All the best, Steve PS Audio told me a few months ago that Huron will be released in 2 weeks. Last week they told me it will be a few more weeks. Hence why "just about" requires some interpretation, because it might be just about one week, just about one month, or just about something else.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhakPak Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, angst46 said: ..Douglas are looking into whether there s any transferable warranty. As far as I know PS Audio warranty applies to original and subsequent owners. If the product purchase was registered in "MyPS" on the PS Audio website you'll get a warranty count down timer starting at 3 years from date of purchase. Edited May 22, 2017 by WhakPak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhakPak Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 1 hour ago, hotJ said: Interesting, the back panel still says perfectwave. There's no change between the 2 models? Upgraded units keep the same chassis, but are identified as upgraded units with a DirectStream DAC sticker on the back. The IR sensor on the front is different between the 2 models. Apart from that they should be the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angst46 Posted May 22, 2017 Author Share Posted May 22, 2017 Thank you very much for all the input with your posts, very helpful. I had trouble finding out about the warranty as the dealer has never had model sold on during the warranty period. This unit is registered and has received the upgrades. Perhaps someone can help clarify whether DSD files on a hard-drive can be run into the Directstream? I have played hirez from a thumb-drive but not a hard-drive. All the best, Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankn Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Reading the on-line writeups by Absolute Sound / What HiFi etc. I would be pretty sure it will work, but I think you will benefit from turning off the DSD engine in the Sony otherwise it is outputting DSD128. The Directstream will process DSD128 but I suspect it would be better to let the Directstream do its thing from the regular output. You should post the question in the PS Audio Forum for a definitive answer - Ted Smith the Directstream designer/guru regularly reads/posts on the forum. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angst46 Posted May 22, 2017 Author Share Posted May 22, 2017 Thanks very much for your post I have always found PS Audio, both Paul and Ted very helpful. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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