PS AUDIO PERFECT WAVE MKII

I second Ricred1's comments. I was using an Audio Research LS-25 with the PWD Mk II, it definitely sounded better that way. Now with the DirectStream it's more of a toss up. For me the big difference was the PWD had a rather high output requiring me to run the volume in the 40-60 range which was compromising the sound. With the DirectStream the overall output level is down slightly plus there is an option for an additional 20 dB of attenuation. This works great with sources that vary in their output. The DirectStream also has a much larger bit depth and you can lower the volume to 50 (maybe less) without any loss of data, on the PWD it was more like a volume setting of 70 where there was data loss.

Great responses so far. The preamp/direct question seems to be one of those things that can be very unpredictable and influenced by impedance matching and many other factors. I'm willing to bet that the MKII > Amp can be bettered by a very, very fine preamp but in my situation it's not a margin I'm willing to pay $5-10k to explore.

I used it with a preamp, which I much preferred. Amp-direct, the DAC sounded a bit shrill and the soundstage collapsed. Even Paul McGowan, the head of PS Audio, who initially claimed amp-direct sounded best, ended up buying an Aesthetix Calypso and concluded that his system sounded much better when that preamp was inserted between the PW2 and his amp.

It all depends on your preamp, system synergy and personal taste. Personally I much prefer with my VAC SigMKIIa pre in the chain when I had a PWDMKII.

My brother has a DirectStream and is using his McIntosh preamp in the chain.

Also if you are using a preamp, turn volume on the DAC to 100% for best results. Volume control is in digital domain so truncating bits if not 100%