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PS Audio Directstream DAC Gen1 - Black
PS Audio Directstream DAC Gen1 - Black

Product Description

In response to the incredible demand for our highly sought-after Directstream DAC MK2, we are delighted to announce that we have a collection of preloved Directstream DAC MK1 units.

At Audio Emotion, we consider it a true privilege to offer these units the opportunity to find a new loving home. We take great pride in our processes. Each unit undergoes a comprehensive inspection, ensuring its great condition.

Design

DirectStream converts every input signal, both PCM and DSD, to single-bit, high sample rate 20X DSD signal.

Use of a FPGA rather than an off the shelf DAC chip provides immense processing power, resulting in complete lack of digital glare, and allows the owner to download OS updates as they are released.

Application

DirectStream is the heart of a reference quality digital audio based system.

It handles all PCM sources up to 352.8 kHz, and DSD 64 and 128 (USB and I2S) and DSD256 (I2S only, with the Sunlight OS). Its zero-loss digital volume control allows it to be used as a preamplifier, directly feeding a power amp. Include the Network Bridge to stream Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify. Roon ready.

Technology

Class A+ Stereophile rated DirectStream DAC converts any digital input format from CDs, servers, and streamers, into a pure DSD format and outputs near-perfect analog directly to your power amplifier or preamplifier.

Whatever the format, sample rate, or the medium, DirectStream provides a pure output that fulfills the promise of high-resolution analog performance from digital sources.

DirectStream is the work of digital audio genius, Ted Smith. Unlike conventional DACs that rely upon off the shelf DAC chips, DirectStream is hand written onto a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

This allows far more precise and accurate processing of the digital signal, resulting in significantly better sound quality and upgradeability in the field. Every six months or so, Ted Smith's continual research into digital audio reproduction nets another breakthrough in performance.

DirectStream DAC owners are given it free in the form of a downloadable upgrade. In this way, DirectStream owners can be assured that their unit will continue to improve over time, and never become obsolete.

Hear whats been missing in your music for all these years. If you know the sound of music and instruments, and want to hear whats been missing on your discs, then this DAC is right for you.

Features

  • 100% DSD BASED D-A CONVERTER

  • UPGRADABLE VIA SOFTWARE RELEASES

  • VOLUME, BALANCE CONTROL BUILT IN

  • UPSAMPLES PCM AND DSD TO 20x DSD RATE

  • DXD SUPPORT

  • PASSIVE TRANSFORMER COUPLED OUTPUT

  • IMPROVES IMAGING + SOUNDSTAGE

  • DIRECT SIGNAL PASS WITH 1x MASTER CLOCK

  • HANDWRITTEN FILTERS, PROCESSORS, SAMPLERS

  • IMMUNE TO OUTSIDE SOURCE JITTER PROBLEMS

  • INCREASED DIGITAL HEADROOM

  • NO OFF-THE-SHELF IC-DAC CHIPS USED

  • UNCOVERS DETAILS USUALLY MASKED BY PCM PROCESSORS

  • 7x DIGITAL INPUTS

  • MQA + TIDAL READY WITH OPTIONAL BRIDGE II

  • FULLY BALANCED FROM INPUT TO OUTPUT

  • COLOR TOUCH SCREEN

Specifications - DirectStream DAC

Physical
Unit Weight 22 lbs [9.97 kg]
Unit Dimensions 14 x 17 x 4 [ 36cm x 43cm x 10cm]
Shipping Weight 31 lbs [14 kg]
Shipping Dimensions 20.5x 24 x 10 [52cm x 61cm x 25cm]

Power requirements
Input Power Model specific 230VAC 
Power Consumption 30W

Digital audio inputs

 I2S(2), Coax, XLR Balanced, TOSLINK, USB.

Sample Rates

I2S, and USB 44.1kHz to 352.8kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64, DSD 128 (I2S  DSD 256 with Sunlight update)


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, low 0.282 VRMS Balanced
0.141 VRMS Single Ended
Output level high, maximum 2.818 VRMS Balanced
1.414 VRMS Single Ended
Output Impedance 100/200
Frequency Response 20-20KHz +/- 0.25dB
THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale) <0.03%
Output Stage Passive audio transformer, fed by high current, high speed analogue amps producing double rate DSD.

Data Handling
Format PCM or DSD
Sample rate (PCM) 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz
Word length (PCM) 16b, 18b, 20b, 24b
Data rate (DSD) Standard (2.8MHz) or Double (5.6MHz) DoP as well as raw DSD on I2S and USB inputs
Input jitter reduction effectively 100%, residual immeasurable. No input PLLs, FLLs.
Input Processing 170MHz
Signal Processing 50MHz
Synchronous Upsampling, all inputs 28.224MHz
Digital Processing S/N ratio >146 dB
Digital Volume Control Zero loss of precision
Analog Conversion method Delta Sigma (DSD) Single-bit double rate

I2S Digital Input
Connector HDMI
Format PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as raw DSD on I2S inputs

USB Digital Input
Connector USB B Type
Format PCM or DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM)
Transfer mode Asynchronous

Specifications

Product Type
DAC
MPN
PSAUD-DSD-P
Brand
PS Audio
Condition
Used
Product Code
PSAUD-DSD-P
Weight
12kg

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In response to the incredible demand for our highly sought-after Directstream DAC MK2, we are delighted to announce that we have a collection of preloved Directstream DAC MK1 units.

At Audio Emotion, we consider it a true privilege to offer these units the opportunity to find a new loving home. We take great pride in our processes. Each unit undergoes a comprehensive inspection, ensuring its great condition.

Design

DirectStream converts every input signal, both PCM and DSD, to single-bit, high sample rate 20X DSD signal.

Use of a FPGA rather than an off the shelf DAC chip provides immense processing power, resulting in complete lack of digital glare, and allows the owner to download OS updates as they are released.

Application

DirectStream is the heart of a reference quality digital audio based system.

It handles all PCM sources up to 352.8 kHz, and DSD 64 and 128 (USB and I2S) and DSD256 (I2S only, with the Sunlight OS). Its zero-loss digital volume control allows it to be used as a preamplifier, directly feeding a power amp. Include the Network Bridge to stream Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify. Roon ready.

Technology

Class A+ Stereophile rated DirectStream DAC converts any digital input format from CDs, servers, and streamers, into a pure DSD format and outputs near-perfect analog directly to your power amplifier or preamplifier.

Whatever the format, sample rate, or the medium, DirectStream provides a pure output that fulfills the promise of high-resolution analog performance from digital sources.

DirectStream is the work of digital audio genius, Ted Smith. Unlike conventional DACs that rely upon off the shelf DAC chips, DirectStream is hand written onto a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

This allows far more precise and accurate processing of the digital signal, resulting in significantly better sound quality and upgradeability in the field. Every six months or so, Ted Smith's continual research into digital audio reproduction nets another breakthrough in performance.

DirectStream DAC owners are given it free in the form of a downloadable upgrade. In this way, DirectStream owners can be assured that their unit will continue to improve over time, and never become obsolete.

Hear whats been missing in your music for all these years. If you know the sound of music and instruments, and want to hear whats been missing on your discs, then this DAC is right for you.

Features

  • 100% DSD BASED D-A CONVERTER

  • UPGRADABLE VIA SOFTWARE RELEASES

  • VOLUME, BALANCE CONTROL BUILT IN

  • UPSAMPLES PCM AND DSD TO 20x DSD RATE

  • DXD SUPPORT

  • PASSIVE TRANSFORMER COUPLED OUTPUT

  • IMPROVES IMAGING + SOUNDSTAGE

  • DIRECT SIGNAL PASS WITH 1x MASTER CLOCK

  • HANDWRITTEN FILTERS, PROCESSORS, SAMPLERS

  • IMMUNE TO OUTSIDE SOURCE JITTER PROBLEMS

  • INCREASED DIGITAL HEADROOM

  • NO OFF-THE-SHELF IC-DAC CHIPS USED

  • UNCOVERS DETAILS USUALLY MASKED BY PCM PROCESSORS

  • 7x DIGITAL INPUTS

  • MQA + TIDAL READY WITH OPTIONAL BRIDGE II

  • FULLY BALANCED FROM INPUT TO OUTPUT

  • COLOR TOUCH SCREEN

Specifications - DirectStream DAC

Physical
Unit Weight 22 lbs [9.97 kg]
Unit Dimensions 14 x 17 x 4 [ 36cm x 43cm x 10cm]
Shipping Weight 31 lbs [14 kg]
Shipping Dimensions 20.5x 24 x 10 [52cm x 61cm x 25cm]

Power requirements
Input Power Model specific 230VAC 
Power Consumption 30W

Digital audio inputs

 I2S(2), Coax, XLR Balanced, TOSLINK, USB.

Sample Rates

I2S, and USB 44.1kHz to 352.8kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64, DSD 128 (I2S  DSD 256 with Sunlight update)


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, low 0.282 VRMS Balanced
0.141 VRMS Single Ended
Output level high, maximum 2.818 VRMS Balanced
1.414 VRMS Single Ended
Output Impedance 100/200
Frequency Response 20-20KHz +/- 0.25dB
THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale) <0.03%
Output Stage Passive audio transformer, fed by high current, high speed analogue amps producing double rate DSD.

Data Handling
Format PCM or DSD
Sample rate (PCM) 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz
Word length (PCM) 16b, 18b, 20b, 24b
Data rate (DSD) Standard (2.8MHz) or Double (5.6MHz) DoP as well as raw DSD on I2S and USB inputs
Input jitter reduction effectively 100%, residual immeasurable. No input PLLs, FLLs.
Input Processing 170MHz
Signal Processing 50MHz
Synchronous Upsampling, all inputs 28.224MHz
Digital Processing S/N ratio >146 dB
Digital Volume Control Zero loss of precision
Analog Conversion method Delta Sigma (DSD) Single-bit double rate

I2S Digital Input
Connector HDMI
Format PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as raw DSD on I2S inputs

USB Digital Input
Connector USB B Type
Format PCM or DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM)
Transfer mode Asynchronous
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PS Audio is now based in beautiful Boulder Colorado, with engineering, sales, marketing, production and administration facilities nestled up against the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

PS Audio is still family-owned and operated, a tradition they are proud of.

Products are engineered in-house from the ground up using some of the most sophisticated design and evaluation tools available. PS Audio are strong proponents of utilizing the latest technologies in service of building state-of-the-art high-value music products for their customers.

PS Audio's core products are all hand-built to investment level standards in their modern production facilities in Boulder Colorado. PS Audio is a proud employer of more than 30 local artisans who design, build and make their products available all over the world.

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www.psaudio.com

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Customer Reviews

PS Audio Directstream DAC Gen1 - Black

Item in Stock

Product Code PSAUD-DSD-P

Price Promise: If you find an identical item cheaper from one of our online competitors, tell us and not only will we match the price, we'll beat it by 10% of the difference! Terms and conditions apply, see more information about our price promise.

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Customer Reviews

Rated 5-Star
on reviews.co.uk

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on orders over £250

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