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  #51  
Old 05-14-2019, 07:02 AM
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Here is the link where Paul from PS Audio addresses the DirectSteam DAC volume level. Results will vary based upon your Pre Amp.

https://youtu.be/HdytsbrzjCA
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Last edited by Pyro; 05-14-2019 at 07:08 AM.
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  #52  
Old 05-14-2019, 07:31 AM
1KW 1KW is offline
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I watched the video and I also still hear a difference when the dac volume is 100% vs 85% but I am using a Mcintosh C2300 pre-amp. which has tubes inside so while it may be my pre amps fault due to the lower input from the dac it does make a audible difference. Mcintosh does not use a pot . The reason I use the pre amp is I still listen to vinyl and like having tone controls . Since I put this DirectStream dac in my system I’m starting to think digital is now better than my analog set up. DSD no matter what I play, everything comes out sounding more like SACD.
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  #53  
Old 05-14-2019, 07:56 PM
nfreemer nfreemer is online now
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David

How does Direct Stream DAC compare to the D1100? I remember about a year ago you were loving D1100 and even compared it to Esoteric K01 or K01X.
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  #54  
Old 05-14-2019, 08:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1KW View Post
Since I put this DirectStream dac in my system I’m starting to think digital is now better than my analog set up. DSD no matter what I play, everything comes out sounding more like SACD.
When I upgraded to SnowMass I thought the same thing for a number of months — now going back to vinyl I think that sounds better.

I think it's all in our heads.

Ron
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  #55  
Old 05-14-2019, 11:30 PM
1KW 1KW is offline
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David

How does Direct Stream DAC compare to the D1100? I remember about a year ago you were loving D1100 and even compared it to Esoteric K01 or K01X.
I did a comparison of the D1100 to the K03-X and it was close. What I found in the past year was I would go to my listening room less and less , have shorter listening sessions. You could say the passion was not there. Something was missing but I couldn’t put my finger on it. While the D1100 is a fine Mcintosh digital pre amp/DAC and I have no disparaging comments I just did not get into the music . I started to sell off my stereo components ie the Aurender N100h, D1100, Oppo 205 and finally my Sonus Faber Elipsa speakers . Lars mentioned he had 2 PS Audio Dac’s ,one was still sealed and he posted it for sale. I started reading about the DirectStream and decided to give it a try. From the moment I played the first song, the music made my jaw drop literally. This was a big surprise as I did not expect to hear so much detail and dynamics. Maybe it has something to do with the upsampling and conversion to DSD? There is magic in this DAC. I know this is a long answer to your question but the DirectStream sounds better than any other DAC I have heard including esoteric . Some will disagree and that’s ok. The esoteric has tremendous build quality , it is a top cdp and transport one thing to also consider , the company makes model changes often because the dac chips can not be upgraded the way PS audio does with software.

Last edited by 1KW; 05-14-2019 at 11:35 PM.
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  #56  
Old 05-14-2019, 11:33 PM
1KW 1KW is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poppyhome View Post
When I upgraded to SnowMass I thought the same thing for a number of months — now going back to vinyl I think that sounds better.

I think it's all in our heads.

Ron
Well your ears are in your head
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  #57  
Old 05-15-2019, 12:24 AM
JBT JBT is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1KW View Post
I did a comparison of the D1100 to the K03-X and it was close. What I found in the past year was I would go to my listening room less and less , have shorter listening sessions. You could say the passion was not there. Something was missing but I couldn’t put my finger on it. While the D1100 is a fine Mcintosh digital pre amp/DAC and I have no disparaging comments I just did not get into the music . I started to sell off my stereo components ie the Aurender N100h, D1100, Oppo 205 and finally my Sonus Faber Elipsa speakers . Lars mentioned he had 2 PS Audio Dac’s ,one was still sealed and he posted it for sale. I started reading about the DirectStream and decided to give it a try. From the moment I played the first song, the music made my jaw drop literally. This was a big surprise as I did not expect to hear so much detail and dynamics. Maybe it has something to do with the upsampling and conversion to DSD? There is magic in this DAC. I know this is a long answer to your question but the DirectStream sounds better than any other DAC I have heard including esoteric . Some will disagree and that’s ok. The esoteric has tremendous build quality , it is a top cdp and transport one thing to also consider , the company makes model changes often because the dac chips can not be upgraded the way PS audio does with software.

Well you were always Psyched out when you found out that the DAC chip in the D1100 is an older model. I bought the Yiggy on Dan's review and now it sits in my bedroom system. Great DAC. Thanks Dan!

I"ve gotten very interested in the new Primaluna Tube Dac and I"m waiting on the chance to take one home for the weekend. It's using a 10 year old Burr Brown chip. If I like it it'll be the new game room DAC. Very intrigued about putting it with a MC275, and C2200. An all Tube system.


But for me the D1100 will always be King. The sound stage is huge and super lush. The MDA1000 is a great Redbook DAC, the D1100 is a great streaming DAC! Enjoy your PS audio

Last edited by JBT; 05-15-2019 at 12:26 AM.
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  #58  
Old 05-16-2019, 09:12 PM
1KW 1KW is offline
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I have had the PS Audio DirectStream for around 2 weeks and feel it is pretty much broken in , this dac has taken the sound to a different level. Surprisingly the Mac mini acting as a Roon Server feeding this dac sounds like a perfect combination so I’m no longer looking for a replacement. I am still in the trial period of Roon but I am going to buy the lifetime subscription unless something else wows me in the next month,
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  #59  
Old 05-17-2019, 08:23 AM
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W9TR W9TR is offline
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David,
I’m glad you found a DAC ‘flavor’ that you are enjoying.

DAC’s are still evolving rapidly and having one that is upgradable is a great way to future proof your investment.

Enjoy your system in good health!

Tom
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  #60  
Old 05-17-2019, 01:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by W9TR View Post
David,
I’m glad you found a DAC ‘flavor’ that you are enjoying.

DAC’s are still evolving rapidly and having one that is upgradable is a great way to future proof your investment.

Enjoy your system in good health!

Tom
THANKS
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