A lot of hype about PS Audio, deservedly so ?

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,.

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 ? 

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. 

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”

To the OP:
The answers to yours questions are:
Yes, Yes, and Yes.
I am very fortunate that an audio company PS Audio exists and right in my back yard.
Paul sends out a daily dialogue to patrons every day, which CEO does that on this planet. 

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     

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.

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 have always had mostly big box stuff. I purchased PS Audio Stellar Dac/Pre Amp and Stellar S300 Amp to drive my Tannoy speakers. I can honestly say I didn't know what a true difference an upgrade could make. Very happy with PS Audio!!!
Scott

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. 

The accolades are warranted if any company offers an excellent product at an excellent price, backed with excellent customer service.

If any's interested, from a dealer standpoint, PS Audio is a fantastic company.  Not only do they build incredible products, they truly do care about their customers!  The DirectStream DAC is one of the best selling products I have, and rightly so.

hi Taylor,   thanks for writing.   they are truly a phenomenal company

Wondering if anyone here uses the BHK 250 and the Signature BHK pre with bbc class speakers., my speakers are 87db into 8 ohm and I often play at low volume late at night and would like a system that has good resolution and musicality, without always having to turn up the volume.

It's the same reason I prefer Toyota/Lexus over BMW.

Let's talk about that BMW pedigree when it comes to sell a 10 year old BMW vs a 10 year old Lexus.  ;)

Prefer Mercedes to BMW but will take a 10 years old BMW over newer Toyota/Lexus any day.

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'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.

another ps audio fan here.  I have the ps audio p5 power regenerator and it has totally changed my system for the better.  I also have the perfect wave dac and perfect wave memory player.  All very nice equiptment.

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.  

@jzaz +1 Lucky you getting the BHK 300s! Paul McGowan is one of the nicest guys in audiodom.

So nice to see positive enthusiasm here on the forum. PS Audio is obviously doing a great many things right.

Dave

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'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.

have you ever used the Wadia DAC in combo with the PS transport ? 

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’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 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. 

I have a PS Audio GCP-200 as a pre and a Cambridge Audio Azur 851W as a power and I was think to replace the Cambridge with a PS Audio GCA-250 Stereo System 2-Channel Dual Mono Power Gain Cell power Amplifier. I don't know if I am doing right or not since the Cambridge is very well built machine and sound fantastic. I don't know if this PS Audio Stellar are just a bologna. When you look the construction inside make me feel bad sometimes, too empty.I hope this company don't do the same like OPPO did and left us.

I've got a BHK Pre amp coming this week. Next month I'm probably going to order a pair of M700 amps. Maybe...just maybe a BHK 250 instead....we'll see

Very Nice Positve Vibe Thread.A breath of fresh air from other threads that get nasty quick.I watch Pauls Videos and he sure seems be genuine and a heck of a nice guy.I could see buying with confidence from PS Audio in the future.

I'd like to see PS Audio and I need to go see my 2 Brother In Laws out in Beaver Creek anyway.It looks to be a 2 hourish drive.Or,convince them to drive over from Denver after touchdown.But,I have been invited by them for years and still haven't went so,there is that.

A two hour drive in the western US is a trip to the grocery store for most folks...🤪

Better grab everything you need when grocery shopping is a whole day job that's for sure

I'm considering getting a pair of Stellar M700 amps because of all the positive reviews and the comments in this thread. The thing I have a little reservation about is the quality of the power supplies in their components. Several people have commented about significant improvements of PS Audio gear with the addition of the power regenerator. With a well designed and built power supply, the incoming AC power should have minimal impact on the performance.

Here's my enthusiastic vote for PS Audio. Every experience I've had with the company has been positive. They make great products at a reasonable price, and their customer service is second-to-none. Paul McGowan is a gentleman and straight-shooter, very old school in his ethical business practices and friendly attitude. If only every audiophile company was this customer-centric.

Excellent  and very effective marketing strategy.