Anything wrong with PS Audio DirectStream DACs?

I owned for a few years the PS Direct Stream Dac, sold it and bought a Lumin X1. Night and day difference in sound quality! I am now running it direct to my tube amps. Very pleased with the performance.

ozzy

PS Audio sold many Direct Stream units and as I recall there was a long waiting list.
Because so many units were sold, the more will eventually show up on the used market.

I also think PS sells their units at the initial prices to recoup there research and development cost.
Once that is complete, they start marking them down in price. However, that is just my opinion.

The firmware upgrades have been significant, and more are sure to come.

I will say this about PS Audio they do stand behind there products. I had a P10 power fail due to something I did, and they still fixed it for no charge.

With my Direct stream, I am using a iFi micro–USBPower and a iFi Purifier conditioner. Both of these items improve the sound quality and are relatively inexpensive.

Mattnship,Your test of the PS Direct Stream was with the original firmware. The latest "Pikes Peak" is a very significant improvement over the original release. And Sabai makes a good point about the amount of time to break in.

But, I am sure that with extra money a better Dac can be obtained. It's just a matter of how much too spend. Myself, I was reaching financially to get the Direct Stream.

As the digital tech continues to advance I'm sure I will also advance. But until then the PS Direct Stream with the "Pikes Peak" firmware is very satisfying.

I am using a BSG Qol from the Direct Stream which adds quite a bit of gain to my Amp.

IMHO, The Direct Stream with the latest firmware is all that!

ozzy

I dunno instead of having to upgrade to a mk 2 version etc. as other companies charge, the PS Direct Stream firmware upgrades are free!
Free is always a good thing!

ozzy

audiotroy,

I think you missed the essence of my point...

ozzy

Compared to the Lumin X1? it is multiple times better than the Direct Stream Dac.
BTW, I was also able to sell my preamp, cables etc. which made the cost difference affordable.

ozzy