I’m a lifelong “value” shopper, and for my budget that meant PS Audio was too expensive, even if I do think Paul McGowan is just great. But last year I decided to upgrade my DAC, a $300 Musical Fidelity V-90. I had auditioned that puppy against $1,500 DACs and kept it instead. Then PS offered the DirectStream with bridge for $4,000. OK, that’s more than most of the rest of my system combined (Rogue Sphinx, Magnepan .7s, Marantz 5005 CDP, Debut Carbon TT. In other words, if it makes Stereophile’s Recommended list or TAS gives it a great ranking, it’s likely something I’ll consider.)
But PS pays shipping both ways so you can try it out at home, so why not see what the fuss is about. I was really impressed and don’t regret blowing the cash on the DS. With it and Tidal, I can wallow in music all I can stand. And yeah, they release software upgrades every year or so, so I won’t be upgrading any time soon. I just bought the Power Plant 3 at their 20 percent off sale and traded in the V-90 for a $300 credit. I haven’t used customer service yet, but the whole organization seems to be here for the customer. And they seem to manufacture in the U.S. maybe as much as is possible given how much of the components come from overseas. So I’m a supporter.
But PS pays shipping both ways so you can try it out at home, so why not see what the fuss is about. I was really impressed and don’t regret blowing the cash on the DS. With it and Tidal, I can wallow in music all I can stand. And yeah, they release software upgrades every year or so, so I won’t be upgrading any time soon. I just bought the Power Plant 3 at their 20 percent off sale and traded in the V-90 for a $300 credit. I haven’t used customer service yet, but the whole organization seems to be here for the customer. And they seem to manufacture in the U.S. maybe as much as is possible given how much of the components come from overseas. So I’m a supporter.