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PS Audio's DSD Windom Firmware Update!

I've had a PS Audio DirectStream DAC for a while, snagged mine just weeks after it was introduced.  Each and every time they've provided a firmware update for this unit, I've downloaded and applied it, finding improvements every time.

Yesterday afternoon Scott McGowan emailed me to give me access to the Windom update, I see it's now available for download on the PS Audio website.

I downloaded and installed it last night and did a small sampling of some classical, jazz and rock and I think Ted hit it out of the park with this update!
ejr1953
cap's avatar
cap
46 posts
 
I concur . Its amazingly better .   from bass to vocals ! I would have thought I got new speakers its so much better
serhan62
14 posts
 
I purchased PS Audio DirectStream DAC in October with Windom and Bridge II installed. It took a bit of listening (running/ burn-in) to sound so special. I second your comments, and I am enjoying my music collection more than ever.

I noticed two things, and I wonder if any of you experienced these:
1. Bridge II makes Wav and Flac ripped to 44.1 / 16 sound so good I prefer them to most 96 / 24 downloads. It makes me wonder if this device was tuned to this specific format. However, 96 and 192 Khz formats do sound better through SPDIF coaxial cable. I do not have DSD files, yet.
2. Bass reproduction through Bridge II seems cleaner, tighter, and better defined than the SPDIF coaxial (I tested 4 digital cables to validate this observation)


porscheracer
132 posts
 
Actually, I think the Bridge II is terrible. It is also limiting. The max PCM rate is 24/192 while the max DSD rate is DSD64.

I much prefer using an ultraRendu versus the Bridge II. It sounds significantly better.
Post removed 
serhan62
14 posts
 
Actually, I have not experimented with LAN streaming of PCM files higher than 192/24 which my 7 years old Naim streamer achieved with a Burr Brown chip. However, PSA DirectStream DAC as a whole unit (inclusive of the Bridge II card and its massive power supply) sounds great with lower resolution files ripped from my CD collection and streamed via Naim Core on my home LAN. For me, this is as significant as installing a top Origin Live or SME tonearm on a turntable.
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