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Comparing Directstream 1 and 2

I have one more week left in my 30 day trial of the PS Audio Directstream 2. I’ve had some personal (medical) issues which have limited my listening. Also, even though I know better than to rely on reviewers’ opinions, I’m a little put off by the unusually negative review in Stereophile. My wife, who has better ears than me, has offered a couple of hours to compare my current Directstream 1 with the Directstream 2. Here’s my question: What order is most effective for the comparison? is it better to begin listening to my current 1 and then listen to the new 2 or vice versa? Going back and forth takes me a while —there are 5 or 6 cables to move—and my wife will get impatient so I won’t be able to do very many comparisons -maybe 2- with about 10 minutes in between for set up. I also would appreciate any other suggestions for this momentous comparison-what to listen to (we mainly prefer classical and soft vocal options), how long to listen before switching, and anything else that might help. Thanks,

brownsf
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deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
714 posts
 

@steakster is correct, it takes more then 10 minutes of listening, switch them for a full day of listening or even 3-4 days and then switch back. I also agree that you should at least raise some doubt as to which one you are listening to if you can't get a complete blind-fold test.

But do let us know what you hear/find. 

verendus
3 posts
 

I agree with what's been said.  A/B testing has its place, but if you have to go through A/B or blind A/B test to decide which is better, it's probably not worth the upgrade.  I've done some comparisons between MK1 and Mk2, there was no need to go through A/B'ing.  It was that obvious.  I was ready to upgrade using the trade-in, but decided to upgrade the transformer and VOCM mod.  And now the MK1 sounds as good as MK2.  If you already have MK1, I would highly recommend going that route instead of upgrading.  

jk_richards's avatar
jk_richards
127 posts
 

Here is a new thread discussing both.

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,922 posts
 

I agree don’t rush this.

listen to the old dac for a few days using your favorite playlist. keep the new dac powered on (this is the key so you’re switching to a DAC that doesn’t need to warm up)
switch to new dac use the same playlist. Keep the old dac powered on even if you are switching power cords that’s brief so no issues there. Listen for a few days. Then put the old dac back into rotation. If you notice some qualities that you’re missing and can’t live without, you’ve made your choice.

Talk to ps audio to get an extension on home evaluation. They should understand you’re dealing with unforeseen circumstances. If they don’t, you have also made your choice.

Audio stuff aside, I wish you quick recovery and good health. That’s the important stuff.

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