PS Audio DirectStream Senior DAC silver, fully loaded Bridge - II, all options Windom

PS Audio's very best, top of the line DAC with every option and upgrade!  One-owner, originally purchased from factory as a PerfectWave - II DAC, then upgraded with the $3,000 DirectStream upgrade kit to a fully loaded DirectStream Senior DAC with the latest $900 Bridge - II, all software and hardware options/upgrades are included.  Unit in very good condition, and loaded with latest Windom software package and all (full MQA, Tidal (including Masters), Spotify, Qobuz, VTuner and Roon Endpoint) available upgrades!  Aside from some scuffs <see photos> on top gloss-black lid, unit is like new.  Conservatively rated 8.5/10 only for the scuffs on top lid.  Fully tested with DirectStream Memory Player / D'Agostino electronics / Magico speakers for several days.  This digital to analog converter's sound is state-of-the-art.  Includes power cord, remote, batteries, owner's manual, and original factory double box, with air spring suspension inner box system.  Also included is a Shunyata Venom 12 AWG power cord and 3 Nordost Sort Kone AC footer system, total of over $550 in extras.  Price includes PayPal and/or AudioGon Express Checkout fees, shipping, insurance - everything to your door.  I have over a decade and hundreds of 100% positive feedback and ship the same day I receive payment.  Herndon Audio can accept AudioGon Express Checkout, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, check in the mail, etc. 
<from PS Audio>

Pure DSD done right

Just released! The latest operating system update, Windom. Transform your DirectStream, yet again, with this stunning new OS and add MQA and Tidal with the optional Bridge II.

Introducing DirectStream DAC, both Stereophile and Absolute Sound’s Product Of The Year. Handwritten, discrete, perfection based conversion that uncovers all the missing information hiding in your digital audio media for all these years. CD’s, downloads, high-resolution PCM or DSD based media are expertly upsampled in the DirectStream to twenty times DSD rate and output as pure analog directly into your amplifier or preamplifier. Classic PCM based DACS, including many of today’s DACS that can also process DSD, tend to cover up some of the subtle musical details buried deep within digital audio music; a problem inherent in their architecture. DirectStream solves this problem by employing a pure DSD single-bit approach for both PCM as well as DSD media. This means that your entire library of music can finally reveal all the music and subtle low-level details buried deep within its core. Imagine going to a recording studio and listening to a master tape of any recording made. This is the experience DirectStream provides its owners who enjoy a renewed sense of enjoyment and discovery when listening to everything in their library: CD’s, downloads, DSD.

The start of the 30-year war

In 1981, music was reproduced exclusively on analog-based turntables and tape decks with limited dynamic range.Despite the very listenable music coming through those grooves, the audio world wanted more: greater dynamic range, lower noise, extended frequency response. No wonder that when, in 1982, Sony and Philips announced they had achieved “Perfect Sound Forever,” music lovers around the world waited in eager anticipation of analog’s promise finally fulfilled. Unfortunately, those early CD’s sounded less musical than analog. In some cases, much worse. The launch of the PCM-based Compact Disc would set in motion a 30-year war amongst Audiophiles, decimate the analog format, cover up subtle musical details for decades and turn the music and audio industries upside down–and not necessarily in a good way. There had to be a better way to fulfill the promise of analog’s century of dominance for sounding like music and PCM would not be it. That answer is DSD.

Fundamentally better

The poor results of the first CD’s might not have been a problem if Sony and Philips had waited another decade, passing over the classic PCM delivery system in favor of PDM (DSD). The problem is the PCM decoding process itself: whether a classic ladder-DAC or more modern multi-bit Sigma-Delta type, most PCM playback processors mask some of the subtle cues in music. Fortunately, music’s details have been more faithfully recorded than we ever suspected, but the cover-up of those recorded details has been with us for more than 30 years. Happily, the missing musical information is still buried deep within our audio libraries–waiting to be revealed. In order to extract everything hidden in PCM recordings, a completely new processing method is needed.

Pure DSD is the answer

Put DSD into DirectStream, you get DSD. Put PCM (how CD’s are recorded) into DirectStream, you get DSD. DirectStream converts all digital inputs, including PCM, to pure 1-bit DSD, in an elegantly-simple path. In the process, the PCM feed becomes more linear, less edgy, and never-before-heard musical details are released from all digital audio recordings. Billions of CDs and high-resolution downloads worldwide will gain new life, and be saved from obsolescence. There’s a notion floating around high-end audio circles that DSD may be nothing more than a passing fad. In fact, we would suggest the opposite may be true. PCM based music decoders are nearing the end of their lifecycle in favor of a significantly more musical sounding format, DSD.

A better format

DSD is a high sample rate single-bit format while PCM is a lower sample rate many-bit format. DSD sample rates are 64 times higher than those used to create CDs and the output of a DSD stream can be placed through a simple filter to produce pure analog ready to feed your audio system. PCM, on the other hand, can produce great sounding music but to do so requires a very complex and technically daunting conversion process to produce something you can play on your system. Sometimes the simplest path is the best sounding one. DSD is a far more analog-like encoding and decoding process than classic PCM. In fact, most modern A/D converters (used to make the recordings) are DSD based already and that movement is growing. There are millions of PCM based recordings that will be in our libraries for years to come, but with the introduction of DirectStream, you no longer need listen to them with a PCM based processor.

The secret is in its simplicity

Take a look at this comparison diagram: on the top is a block diagram of one of the best PCM-based processors in the world. Notice the circuitous path taken by the audio data stream to the output of this converter. Then look at the pure simplicity of the DirectStream. The PCM processor’s tendency to mask music’s subtle details is largely due to its complex needs, and the technical requirements of PCM processors.

Converting PCM to DSD

Converting PCM to DSD can be an easy exercise using any number of computer software programs. Converting PCM to DSD properly, and in such a way as to reveal missing details in the music, is a serious technical challenge. To handle this properly DirectStream utilizes 66-bit fixed-point FIR filters, eliminates headroom issues common to PCM, flattens noise response in the 20-100kHz region, uses coefficients optimized for best sound rather than faster processing speed and optimizes hardware-specific operations not possible in software. Unlike other processors available today, DirectStream unifies all inputs (PCM or DSD) at 20 x DSD, then uses a true single-bit double-rate DSD core engine. True DSD core engines (compared to the standard multibit Sigma-Delta converters followed by random lower quality multibit converters) offer advantages in simplicity, linearity, and in analog-like overload characteristics that avoid PCM’s hard clipping� potential and a PCM processor’s propensity to mask subtle details.

Pure 100% single bit DSD based D to A Converter

Most of today’s sophisticated DACs are IC based instruments using off-the-shelf-chips that are Multi-bit Sigma-Delta based designs. While these are relatively simple to design and produce, they don’t often give the best results sonically. Because they are one-chip systems compromises are made in their architecture that found in DirectStream’s custom based architecture. DirectStream takes both PCM and DSD, upsamples the data and converts to single-bit DSD and then outputs pure music regardless of input format for the data. The results of this design can be heard in increased musical information presented to the listener at every opportunity.

Purely passive output stage

Most modern DACs use some form of active tube or solid state output stage to amplify, filter and drive the DACs output. DirectStream takes a different approach: passive. In one of the simplest, elegant and musically correct executions of an output stage, high-speed class A video amplifiers are used as the final switch for the single-bit, double DSD output of DirectStream; feeding a high-performance passive audio output transformer. The transformer is specially designed to act as both the galvanic isolation between the DAC and the outside world as well as the primary low pass filter required to present a perfect, low distortion, low noise output signal. When you listen to DirectStream you never are accosted by added bright, hard glare in the music as happens with many active designs. Instead, clean, pure music flows from the DirectStream directly to your preamplifier or power amplifier.

Resolution perfect volume and balance controls

Designer Smith perfected a 100% bit-perfect volume and balance control that’s built into DirectStream, enabling users to control the output level when feeding directly into a power amplifier or preamplifier. That the volume control is completely bit-perfect means there is no loss of resolution for any volume setting, a feature unique amongst the majority of DACS in the world today. The ability to eliminate the preamplifier in the system without any resolution loss is a major benefit to DirectStream’s outstanding musical performance.

Simple, direct signal path with only one master clock

Typical high-end DAC designs use more than one master clock as you can see in the drawing we provided on the Overview page. There are often separate clocks for USB, Audio and others, causing major headaches for system designers trying to synchronize the clocks. DirectStream obviates the problem by basing the entire design on one master clock of extraordinarily high quality. Used is a low phase noise, low jitter clock designed for DirectStream by Crystek. Using this advanced approach the need for synchronization is eliminated, jitter levels are reduced and music is delivered with a clarity rarely heard.

Immunity to jitter from sources

Sources have always had a major impact on sound quality with DACS. Transports, computers, CD players, cables all make a significant impact on performance into a typical DAC. This problem has been significantly reduced with DirectStream. Now, for perhaps the first time, sources of just about any quality and jitter level sound nearly identical. For example, you can take a cheap $30 DVD or CD player’s digital output, connect with DirectStream and have sound quality unthinkable for such a poor source. Performance levels no longer are dependent on the quality of source or connections; certainly not to the degree they have been in the past. Yes, cables and sources still make a difference, but with DirectStream that difference is reduced to nearly background noise. Whatever you use to play or stream your music now sounds as good as it gets.

Asynchronous high-speed USB

DirectStream can match up to either a computer or a home network. If a network connection is desired, there’s is the optional Network Bridge available that slides right into the rear panel of DirectStream and adds an additional input. You can also connect directly to your computer via USB. USB communication, if handled properly, can have every sound quality advantage of a dedicated CD transport or Network Bridge. DirectStream provides a fully synchronous 24-bit 192kHz path for USB based audio. Using a good quality USB cable between DirectStream and your computer, like a quiet MAC Mini, provides an instant media server that can be controlled through any number of handheld devices like an iPod, iPhone or Android using a 3d party controller program. Your music can be managed by iTunes, Bit Perfect, Pure Music or Ammara for ease of use.

Polarity inversion

A handy feature on DirectStream is the polarity (phase) control. This touch screen option (available on the remote as well) allows users to select normal or inverted phase for every input and for every performance. Sources and music have no standard for absolute polarity, a fact easily demonstrated by switching polarities on the as the music plays. Many Audiophiles mark their discs in phase and out of phase and are very careful to select the proper phase before playing each disc. Some CD players and sources themselves invert phase so that a disc you believe is inverted actually is correct played on a specific device and incorrect on yet another. To fix this problem you can assign each input on DirectStream to switch to the proper polarity when you activate that input. Touching this control is the same thing as reversing the loudspeaker connections of both loudspeakers (+ to -) at either the amplifier or speakers. All live acoustic music is in absolute phase but some recordings may accidentally be made inverted and should sound more realistic and pleasant when you correct their phase with the switch.

Play directly into your power amplifier or preamplifier

DirectStream offers the ability to play directly into either your preamplifier or power amplifier through either its balanced or single-ended outputs. You can select the optimum gain setting through DirectStream’s setup menu to match your amplifier and loudspeaker’s sensitivity. If you choose to go through a preamplifier, it’s easy to set DirectStream at maximum level (or any level you wish) to match the preamp’s gain. But should you choose to eliminate the extra electronics of the preamplifier, DirectStream is more than capable of driving the power amplifier directly. DirectStream’s unique zero-loss volume control maintains full resolution bit-perfect performance at any volume setting from the lowest to the highest levels.

Hear more than you ever imagined from CDs

DirectStream converts everything to DSD, even PCM before delivering the music to your system. This approach, coupled with careful design, low jitter and a simple and direct signal path has the benefit of uncovering details buried in the music you may not have realized are even there. CDs come alive with subtle details that were never apparent with your older DAC; details you never knew even existed. CDs sound more like high resolution audio than you ever imagined, closing the gap between higher resolution PCM and DSD copies. No longer do you need to consider replacing your current CD library because once you hear what’s truly on your discs, you may not need to consider upgrading to a higher resolution copy at all. Yes, it is that obvious and significant.

DirectStream is the culmination of one man’s quest for perfection coupled with one company’s search for the same. Principal designer Ted Smith put more than seven years of work into designing what he hoped would be a new standard for musical reproduction without any audible problems. Five years into the development process he wanted to evaluate DirectStream’s performance against the very best in the world and turned to the principal SACD mastering engineer, Gus Skinnas for help. Gus, who has personally mastered many of the SACDs in the world and worked directly with Sony designing and building both the state-of-the-art Sonoma DSD mastering system and the Super Audio Mastering Center, invited Ted to bring over his prototype DAC to compare with the very best the world of high-end professional mastering equipment had to offer. Ted wasn’t disappointed and Gus was blown away at what he heard. The prototype bettered anything Gus had in the studio for mastering and on the spot decided to call his friend, Paul McGowan, CEO of PS Audio. At Gus’s urging Paul met with Ted at the Mastering studio, heard the DAC and Paul immediately signed Ted on to PS Audio’s team to build this creation into a PS product. Two years of working with PS Engineering, hundreds of hours in the listening room by Paul McGowan and Arnie Nudell (founder of Infinity Loudspeakers), many hundreds of hours more of tweaking, tuning and care lavished on the product and the results are here today in DirectStream. DirectStream is one of the most worked on, labored over and perfected pieces of audio instrument in the world today. It is capable of uncovering details in your recordings you never knew existed. DirectStream represents the best in American ingenuity, craftsmanship and care. DirectStream will enjoy worldwide recognition and local handcrafting in Boulder Colorado.

DirectStream is built in the United States by hand. Local manufacturers use sophisticated PCB building machines to populate and test the multi-layer boards used in DirectStream. It takes a number of companies and a lot of skill and equipment to build something this sophisticated. From high tech x-ray technology to place the FPGA IC on the board, to automated pick and place machines to add parts in just the right spots, each of the four PCB’s used to build a DirectStream are built, tested and delivered to our Boulder Colorado facility by handpicked US vendors. The chassis of DirectStream is a metal sculpture that is by far the best we’ve ever built. A combination of aluminum and steel, DirectStream weighs in at 20 pounds of elegance and beauty. The top cover is a hand painted, hand polished piano black high density material that has been lavished over for hours. And has the look and feel of a fine Steinway piano. The PerfectWave series is assembled, programmed and tested at our production facility in Boulder Colorado. There is a measure of pride of workmanship that goes into every one of these PerfectWave products and it shows from the moment you open the unit up and plug it in. This is one gorgeous piece of equipment and just the beginning of the most beautiful natural sounding audio equipment you have ever had the privilege to own.

Globally recognized, locally handcrafted.

Physical

Unit Weight22 lbs [9.97 kg]Unit Dimensions14” x 17” x 4” [ 36cm x 43cm x 10cm]Shipping Weight31 lbs [14 kg]Shipping Dimensions20.5”x 24” x 10” [52cm x 61cm x 25cm]

Power requirements

Input PowerModel specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60HzPower Consumption30W

Digtial audio inputs

I2S(2), Coax, XLR Balanced, TOSLINK, USB, Network Bridge slot

Sample Rates

I2S, and USB -- 44.1kHz to 352.8kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64, DSD 128
TOSLINK – 44.1kHz to 96kHz 16bit, 24bit
XLR (AES/EBU)S/PDIF (coax)-- 44.1kHz to 192kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64

Analog Audio Output

Connector RCA/XLR Unbalanced /Balanced (X2)Output level, low0.282 VRMS Balanced 
0.141 VRMS Single EndedOutput level high, maximum2.818 VRMS Balanced
1.414 VRMS Single EndedOutput Impedance100Ω/200ΩFrequency Response20-20KHz +/- 0.25dBTHD&IM @ 1KHz (full scale)<0.03%Output StagePassive audio transformer, fed by high current, high speed analog amps producing double rate DSD.

Data Handling

FormatPCM or DSDSample rate (PCM)44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHzWord length (PCM)16b, 18b, 20b, 24bData rate (DSD)Standard (2.8MHz) or Double (5.6MHz) DoP as well as raw DSD on I2S and USB inputsInput jitter reductioneffectively 100%, residual immeasurable. No input PLLs, FLLs.Input Processing170MHzSignal Processing50MHzSynchronous Upsampling, all inputs28.224MHzDigital Processing S/N ration>146 dBDigital Volume ControlZero loss of precisionAnalog Conversion methodDelta Sigma (DSD) Single-bit double rate

I2S Digital Input

ConnectorHDMI FormatPCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as raw DSD on I2S inputs

USB Digital Input

ConnectorUSB “B” TypeFormatPCM or DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM)Transfer modeAsynchronous

Ready to Take One Home?

Choose Color and Network OptionsChoose an optionSilverBlackSilver with Network Bridge IIBlack with Network Bridge II Silver 

The PerfectWave Network Bridge II brings network connectivity to your DirectStream or PerfectWave DAC. Based on UPnP formats, Bridge II can be controlled with any UPnP controller and is able to connect over your home’s Local Area Network via Ethernet (Cat 5). Connect a NAS, computer, JRiver, whatever you have to your PWD or DirectStream.

And Now, full MQA, Tidal (including Masters), Spotify, Qobuz, VTuner, and Roon ready.