Mcondon,
I note your comment about the PS Audio DS DAC not being "universally loved". Frankly, I have never seen a piece of gear that was universally loved because that means 100%. But I have rarely seen another piece of gear that has been as nearly universally acclaimed as the DS DAC has been. It has received wonderful reviews from almost all those who own it, that I have read about. And the DS DAC software updates give the user the opportunity to own a virtually new model with each version -- free of charge. I have never heard the Bricasti so I cannot comment on it. But I do own the DS DAC and am very happy with it. It far outclasses the EMM, Berkeley, Antelope, AMR, NAD and other DACS that I have owned. |
Mcondon,
I also note you have stated, "I doubt the Direct Stream will hold its value either, especially since it seems to get somewhat mixed reviews from people who have heard it or own it. It seems to need 1000 hours of break-in to sound its best ...".
Regarding DACs holding their value, can you name a single DAC that has held "its value" over a period of more than one year. Of course, it also depends on what you mean by "its value". Do you mean your purchase price, or the after market price 6 months or 12 months or more down the line, or something else?
Also, I have yet to read a mixed review from anyone who owns the DS DAC. And it is clearly stated by PS Audio -- and reaffirmed on many forums by DS DAC owners -- that break-in for the DS DAC requires 500 hours -- not 1000 hours as you have misstated. |
Fsmithjack,
Thanks for letting me know. I didn't realize this about Mcondon. Just as the Bricasti software improves its level so too does the software for the DS DAC. I am sure there will be improvements with DAC technology in the future, just as there have been in recent years. I am not on an endless quest. I have drawn the line in the sand except for room treatments and one other element. With my system at a very high level I see no need to keep on the treadmill anymore. I am very satisfied with what I have now.
I'll be interested in hearing your observations about the DS DAC vs. the Bricasti. I am very happy with my DS DAC and my system. I will not be selling it. I do my own DIY things and they elevate the system to a much higher level. This is the best bang for my audio buck at the present time. Buying a new component can improve SQ parameters but I achieve a lot with room treatments. I have enough detail, transparency, etc. with my system. I concentrate on sound stage and imagining with room treatments. |
Aolmrd1241,
Pike's Peak is not as good as 1.2.1 in my system. Perhaps future versions will produce a better result for me. |
Aolmrd1241,
I am aware some others feel the same way as I do. I am happy to have 1.2.1. I hope that a future version is more compatible with my system than PP. System dependence often comes into play. |
Fsmithjack,
I note your system lists 2 old Synergistic Research power cords and that your system is single ended. I wonder what the result would be if you listened to the DS DAC with high end power cords substituted for those old Synergistic Research cords, and if your system were balanced. Just a thought. What cables and cords were attached to the DS DAC when you were listening to it? |
Fsmithjack,
It looks like you have done a very thorough job with cabling to optimize the DS DAC and the Bricasti.
I live in a remote part of Asia so it takes a lot of money and effort to do the importing and exporting required to do extensive testing of cables and components. I have spent years at this and have settled on a very satisfying blend of cables to optimize my system. I use a combination of Shunyata and Elrod cables in series with my own DIY Furutech and DIY silver cables. I have been able to sell off many expensive cables and have ended up with greatly improved SQ.
My discussion of series cabling has been variously ridiculed and ignored on the Forum. It is too unconventional for most people to take seriously. Yet, it can work sonic miracles if you have the time, the patience and the money to develop such a project. The challenge is to discover a synergy that is superior to single cables. Otherwise, what's the point? I have worked on this for years and the sound is stunning. There is more than one way to skin a cat. Different strokes. |
Jon2020,
How does the Bricasti separate the boys from the men? Details please? |
Aolmrd1241,
I have reinstalled the Pikes Peak FW and all is very well now with this upgrade. |
Aolmrd1241,
A number of people have had problems installing the PP FW. I think there was some corruption of some kind somewhere but I have no idea what this might have been. I am just glad that things have finally worked out with PP. |
Zugisland,
Have you tried the DS DAC? |
Fsmithjack,
Have you heard the Berkeley Reference DAC? |
Fsmithjack,
Be patient and watch the after market. |
Fsmithjack,
For my ears the Berkeley Reference DAC is the DAC to beat at this point in time. |
Jon2020,
That was me with the Oscar Peterson and Nat King Cole CDs. |
Agisthos,
I'm sorry but the facts show that your statements are totally inaccurate.
1. This is from the Stereo Times review that lauds Paul McGowan and Ted Smith:
"... DirectStream represents a new benchmark in audio reproduction ..."
2. This is from John Darko's Digital Audio Review:
"... the DirectStream ... takes the listener to an altogether different digital audio realm both in its creative circuit design and its sumptuous sound ... I've put my money where my mouth is: I've purchased the DirectStream review unit ... I think that speaks for
itself."
3. This is from Vade Forrester's review in The Absolute Sound:
"ItÂ’s easily the best DAC IÂ’ve heard in my system, making digitally-recorded music sound better than IÂ’ve ever heard it."
4. This is from David Robinson's review in Positive Feedback:
"This is a brilliant design, with exceptional execution, and paradigm-setting sound."
5. This is from Art DudleyÂ’s review in Stereophile:
“… for those who've waited for a computer-friendly DAC that offers, with every type of music file, the best musicality of which DSD is capable, the PerfectWave DirectStream may be in a class by itself.”
6. This is from Karl SigmanÂ’s Audiophilia review:
“The DS is a game changer … The DS gets my highest recommendation; hats off and a bow to PS Audio.”
IMHO it is unfortunate you did not get your facts straight first before commenting on the DirectStream DAC. |
Jon2020,
It was a pleasure meeting you. I am working on DIY plug-and-play speaker tweaks that I may eventually commercialize. They were actually installed on the binding posts with Tommy's speakers. Before you arrived we did some A/B-ing and we both heard a big improvement in SQ. Maybe we can get together on our next visit to Singapore. I could bring them along for you to hear. |
Agisthos,
With all due respect, none of the quotes I have cited are taken out of context in any way, shape or form. Robert Harley did not write "one or two lines" that were positive in his review of the DS DAC -- that I am supposed to be "taking out of context", according to you. Nor did the other reviewers. Harley's review was a very positive one as were the others cited. Everyone can easily check the veracity of what I am saying by looking up these reviews via Google.
You stated, "The fact that DAC's only just above its price bracket are competing and beating is proof enough." Kindly name the names of the specific DACs you are alluding to that are "competing [with] and beating" the DS DAC and that are "only just above its price bracket" so that everyone here can evaluate your statements for themselves. |
Jon2020,
Thank you. I will let you know when we'll be in Singapore again. Probably sometime next year. I look forward to it. |
Fsmithjack,
Did you ever get to hear the DS DAC with the latest firmware? |
The Yale FW upgrade for the PS Audio DS DAC bring the SQ to a very high level. |
I heard the Bricasti M1 DAC a few months ago in a show room and I heard the Berkeley Reference DAC in a different show room. Two different systems. The Bricasti M1 was OK but I was impressed with the Berkeley Reference DAC. But now that PS Audio has come out with the Yale firmware for their DS DAC the gap is narrowed to such an extent that I would think twice and 3 times before jumping to a more expensive DAC.
PS Audio have done something exceptional with the Yale firmware. The 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 (Pike's Peak) FW pale in comparison. With Yale you have a whole new DAC at a superior performance level. PS Audio is planning at least one more firmware upgrade for the DS DAC.
As it now stands, the DS DAC is the best DAC value that I know of -- by a country mile. People have been dumping them on Audiogon in recent months. The DS needs 500 hours to break in. So, perhaps these folks were simply impatient, or perhaps the synergy was not there with their system. In any case, they did not wait for the Yale firmware. If DS DAC owners hang in there they will be handsomely rewarded, in my experience. IMO. FWIW. |
Coli,
Did you have a chance to listen to the newest Yale firmware upgrade? |
|
Nglazer,
Significant improvement. A no-brainer. |
Coli,
Sounds like a comment on a stock. The DS DAC with Yale produces amazing sound -- if your system is up to it.
Aolmrd1241,
Well put. |
Nglazer,
Yale beta does not shine a light to Yale. |
Fsmithjack,
It's a shame you did not wait for Yale. It was well worth the wait. In my estimation it may allow the DS DAC to rival the M1 and the Berkeley Reference. |
Bill_k,
I own the DS DAC. I have heard the Berkeley Reference DAC and the Bricasti M1 DAC in 2 different systems. I have not had the opportunity to do A/B testing with them in my own system. So, my observations have to be taken advisedly. Nevertheless, I was very impressed with the Berkeley. |
Fsmithjack,
There may be differing opinions on whether the DAC or the transport is more important. For me, it is the synergy that matters most. I have been using the PS Audio PerfectWave transport for years. I am very happy with it. I decided to go with separates after I went through the EMM CDSA SE fiasco with their flimsy, problem-ridden transport drawer that they charged customers $1500 to replace. Not a nice thing to do to customers who already paid upwards of $11,500 for the DAC.
Bill_k,
You're welcome. The ideal situation is to A/B different DACs in your own system, if possible. |
Nglazer,
You're very welcome. I am glad to hear you are happy with Yale. |
Has there been no response at all from Hegel? |
Sorry, my earlier post was posted to this thread in error. |
