Opinions on PS Audio Direct Stream DAC (Mk 1)


PS Audio is clearing out factory refurbished Direct Stream DACs, the original version from 2014 or 2015, for about $1800. I'm wondering if I could get opinions on this DAC. It's old technology as far as digital goes, but it got nice reviews when it was new. It can do DSD64 and DSD128. It upsamples everything internally to DSD.

I'm interested in musicality and musical involvement, especially dynamics (macro and micro), accuracy of instrumental timbre and extracting the beauty out of the recording, low noise floor and high resolution.

magon

I owned the Directstream MK 1 and loved it.I traded it in for the MK 2.

The MK 1 is the greatest audio bargain you will ever find at 1800.00

I went from a Yiggy to the MK 1...and the MK 1 was in another league.

Build quality, every digital input you'll ever need, you can use it as a preamp if you choose. Fantastic remote for changing inputs from your seating position, or for adjusting the volume if your going directly into your amp. Great customer service...the list goes on and on.

This was a legit 6K DAC originally. I think you'll always maintain your value at 1800.00

If I was on a budget, I could live with this DAC for a long time.

Yes it's from the Music Room, although they said something about factory refurbished or authorized, forget which.

Anyway, I offered 1600 and they accepted...  Yes, returns allowed for small restocking fee!

You won’t regret it! It’s factory “refreshed”. Mine looks brand new even has plastic protective film on top lid. +1 @krelldog on all points. 

I have had the Direct Stream Mk 1 for about 4 years - I am always tempted to get something "better", but when I A/B with something in the 5K price range, it still shines. There are two DAC’s that I have heard better - the DAC in the Rowland Daemon (but can’t get it stand alone, nor could I ever afford it), and the Linn DAC - also in the $35K range. The best reason to purchase from PS Audio is they pick up the phone, you have support - something most companies / dealers are seriously lacking. I like the screen on the Mk1 - they took that off in the Mk2. The bridge works great too - but I am mostly using USB because the software is not very intuitive "mcontrol" - plus mcontrol does not support radio paradise in FLAC to my knowledge. For $1800 it is a STEAL.