PS Audio Direct Stream

Emm labs has been doing what the DS claims since the beginning. Meitner and Emm utilize immediate DSD conversion and up sampling to process PCM and then convert to analog. Obviously Mr. Meitner is doing something right.

In DSD there are no filters needed and a myriad of other advantages to PCM (theoretically).

I currently own a PW2 and have a DS on order. From a technical standpoint, it has the ability to shine. Let's see....

If not, I'm going to Rowland Aeris personally. Jeff hit that one out of the park! But my curiosity for the DS is too much to hold back.

not until June. I didn't get in early enough. But they didn't seam to have a problem charging my card now for a (maybe) June delivery....

I have a friend whose opinions and preferences are pretty much identical to my own who is telling me to just buy the Rowland Aeris and not look back. I wish getting these uber-DAC's in for a solid audition was easier. At least PS Audio is good with that...

Ozzie: mines not supposed to come until early June. Sigh.

Cal3713 and French_fried : that is my exact dilemma. There are some serious contenders in the outboard USB to SPDIF converter category. 2 of the top choices are the Berkeley Alpha USB and the Empirical Audio Off Ramp 5. There are many others for sure, but in have narrowed my selection to these 2 if I went that route.

It does make sense that a dedicated external USB to SPDIF converter would do a better job then a built in board inside a DAC; just like an external phono stage is better then a phono card in a pre-amp. Not only will it isolate clocks, but it guarantees a more robust power supply and (theoretically) more accurate clocking. Mof course, many of the newer DAC's re clock their incoming signal so that part may be moot.

I am seriously considering the very well reviewed Concert Fidelity DAC-040 for red book only sources coming from my Core Audio mod'd Mac Mini. But the CF has no USB in so I would NEED one of the USB to spdif converters.
For now, I have decided to stick with a DAC that comes with a USB input. Once I chose one, I will definitely try adding a seperate USB to spdif converter to see if the sound gets better. Then I can try the CF unit as well.

Yes. I believe it retails for $8K-
Aeris retail is $9600-
Directstream is $6k-
OverDrive SE is about $8K- with options +/-

so even if I determine that its as good but just doesn't have perfect synergy with my system, its still a feather in the DS cap competing with DAC's at $2-4k more.

Thanks to Erik as well for posting that link.

Kana813:
In early June I will be running a comparison (personal, not connected with any publication) to decide my ideal DAC. Of course system synergy, and personal preference have so much to do with the final decision. But I have acquired some top tier DAC's and will gladly report my findings.

Incoming:
Lampizator Big6
Accustic Arts Tube DAC 2 mk 2
Empirical Audio OverDrive SE
Jeff Rowland Aeris
PS Audio DirectStream

I can't wait!!!

To be honest, I think the DirectStream is the underdog. But the guys from PS Audio claim it can play with the big boys; so let's see. I know the list is not top tier, mega dollar Wadia, MSB, DCS, Esoteric gear. But for red book CD and 16/44 files, I think what I have coming in is pretty much the best there currently is to offer.....

Just to avoid conflict.

I should correct that to say:
"Amongst" the best there currently is to offer.....

Drubin: your list is appropriate and comparable to the DS in many ways. Actually a much more appropriate comparison list then the one I created. I actually have a friend who might bring his Meitner MA-1 for me to try as well.

My goal is to audition higher level dac's that are sort of catering to red book and 16/44 files, not DSD or up sampled PCM. Most on my list are between $8K and $10k . I want to see if the DS can truly compete with bigger guns, as Paul M from PS Audio claims . In an interview, he said that his DS compared favorably (read "sounded better") then a $30K DAC they tried in their listening room.

I'll share my findings happily

Out of curiosity, how many songs do you guys usually use for your gear comparisons? I have a song list on Amarra with 15-20 songs and I actually think its too many truthfully. I'm thinking 5 well chosen songs would be much more effective Considering my 20 songs take about 2 hours to listen to, I find that my brain doesn't have the capacity to remember specific nuances of an earlier song by the time the later songs come .

Charles1dad:
I chose my DAC list based on each units strong reputation as a wonderfully musical piece of kit. Emotional and involving. I am sure that all 5, in the right system, with the right synergy, could produce best-in-show performance at RMAF. They are all going to be great, so my opinion will be based on my other gear, cables, room, accessories, etc.

But my system is pretty resolving, so I think its a good opportunity for others to use what I find....

Happy to answer any questions via this forum, PM or email.

There really is something to this Lampy obsession. They are wonderful DAC's!! I received my Big6 today and it's sound is simply breathtaking! The DirectStream is shipping June 2nd.

I don't want to hijack this thread. So....

For those interested in reading my comparison of:
Lampy Big6
PS Audio DirectStream
Jeff Rowland Aeris
Empirical Audio OverDrive SE
Possibly an Aesthetix Pandora Signature

Please :
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&&&/Absolute-top-tier-DAC-for-standard-res-R

It's a fun read and a fun experience!

Regards.

I wish he gave a list of "all" the other DAC's he has had in his room besides the uber $31k DAC.

That statement is sorta worthless without a list.

I get that the DS is 90% of the Diamond, and that's an impressive statement.

Everything I have read thus far suggests the DS only needs about 100 hours of burn in time (that's about 4-5 days) to reach full potential. This is important to me so that I can give the unit the best chance it has to shine.

Has anyone heard it needs longer?

Otherwise, I will burn it in for 7 days before I listen. That's about 160 hours.

I am pretty sure it's a 30 day return policy.
So I will chew up the first 20 days burning in.....

I better confirm the length of that return policy. ;)