How To

If your stereo or video system has a hum or buzz coming from the loudspeakers, there are several easy steps you can take to discover what the cause and cure will be. If you need a more extensive procedure, click here for the extended version. First, you should determine the type of hum you are dealing with. There are two basic types: 120Hz buzz, typically caused by ground loops, and 60Hz hum, typically a result of poor shielding, cable problems, or close proximity to strong magnetic fields. To determine which... Read more...

How to understand power cables

PCOCC single crystal construction and the Skin effect It’s important to think of the power cable as it relates to the current needs of the amplifier. The audio being played back places requirements on the amp and thus, a load on the power cable’s ability to allow current to flow from the wall. As the current flows through the cable the electrons will begin to flow around the surface of the conductor. This is called the skin effect. Skin effect is the tendency of an alternating electric current (AC) to... Read more...

How to get through firewalls for Bridge streaming

I have had a stable configuration driving NAS-based FLAC files to Bridge II in a DirectStream DAC. I switched computers and after cloning all of the JRiver Media Center settings, I still could not stream. This topic is intended to help others who might face similar issues with bad network firewall configuration blocking successful streaming to the Bridge or Bridge II. Step 1. Hard-wire your network. Do not attempt to use the bridge over Wi-Fi. This *might* work, but I have seen this mostly fail. Make sure the Bridge and... Read more...

How to roll tubes in the BHK

Tube rolling, the practice of swapping stock tubes that we designed the product with for a different variety to change the sound of a preamp or power amplifier is something we not only support but encourage. It's why we made it super easy on the BHK series to roll your own tubes. In the BHK preamp, you can select either 12V tubes of 6 and 7-volt variety with the simple change of a jumper. Here's how to do it. httpv://youtu.be/vIKGN8hQazI Read more...

How to unpack the P10, P20, BHK equipment

Unpacking our heavier and larger built equipment can be a challenge, but not if you know how. Plus, once unboxed, the packaging material can be more easily stored. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61XcCXErHKI Read more...

How to use Spotify Connect

With the latest Bridge II update it is now possible to stream music from Spotify directly from Spotify servers to the Bridge II installed in either a PerfectWave DAC or DirectStream and DirectStream Junior DAC. Download the Spotify app on your mobile device. Sign up for their premium service ($10 a month). Choose a song and then in the lower portion of the screen, you can select Available Devices. Choose and then you'll see a list of Available Devices. If your phone is on the same network as your PWD... Read more...

How to reformat a USB stick

Sometimes it is important to reformat a USB memory stick before using it for an upgrade on our products. PS products require USB sticks formatted in FAT 32. Follow these steps: For Windows WARNING: Formatting the USB device will delete all content on the device. For Windows Operating Systems Connect the USB storage device to the computer. Open the Computer or This PC window, depending on your OS version: Windows Vista and 7: Click Start Click Computer Windows 8/8.1: Type Computer in the search area from the Start screen Tap... Read more...

How to setup the Bridge II to stream MQA through Tidal

Using rear toggle switch on your DirectStream DAC or DirectStream Junior, power down your unit. Power unit back up. Update Bridge— DirectStream DAC: Select Bridge II as input then press the Network Button. Bottom of the screen will show available firmware update. Select update. DirectStream Jr: Long-press input button to enter setup-screen. Short-press input button until you see Bridge Update. Long-press input button to initiate Bridge II update. Download MConnect Control app for either your iOS or Android Device. Please note: you need to search for Mconnect control in the... Read more...

How To Make a $50 Pair Of High End XLR Cables

From enthusiasts who deny their contribution to those who spend thousands on them, cables are one of the more highly debated topics in audio. While building a system, this widespread skepticism and polarization can leave an audiophile scratching his or her head about how much they should spend. My opinion is that there are falsities on both extremes of the spectrum. In order to get the maximum performance out of your system, good quality cables are a must; yet, they don't need to break the bank. The most economical way... Read more...

How Do CD Players Work?

Most of us understand what a CD player is; a box we insert CDs and play them. But, what’s going on inside? How do they work? What are the basic elements of a CD player and why do Audiophiles not use them very often, preferring instead CD transports and DACs? Back to the beginning On October 1, 1982, Sony placed the first nail in the LP's coffin with its release of the world’s first commercial compact disc player, the CDP-101, in Japan. The launch signaled a new audio medium that... Read more...

How to build a simple music server

Building a dedicated music server from a Mac Mini, or even a Windows NUK, can be a snap if you just want to load your products and go. These instructions will walk you through the process of building a simple server. If you want to get more in depth, go here to read the extended version of these instructions. In a nutshell These are the quick steps we'll be taking: Purchase a Mac Mini computer (under $499) Purchase and install Bit Perfect from the Apple app store ($10) Load your... Read more...

How To Find and Fix Hum Extended

This is the extended version. There is a shorter 3-step version available here. Very few audio or video systems are dead quiet. There are usually always a few hum related problems. If your system has a bit of hum , is it the transformer or a ground loop? How do you determine the source of hum and what can you do about it? Sometimes hums and buzzes are quite obvious, sometimes not. The ‘hum noise’ usually comes in two flavors, a low non-irritating drone (50 or 60 Hz) or a... Read more...

How To Connect Your Speakers Properly

These instructions will walk you through the process of connecting up your system correctly. It is specific to the PS Audio ELAC Sprout system, but will also apply to any other speaker, amplifier, integrated, receiver setup. Use these guidelines for every system. Proper polarity Connecting loudspeakers to a receiver, integrated, or power amplifier is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind for best sound. Loudspeakers have a polarity to them, just like a battery does. You've seen the + and the - terminals on a battery... Read more...

How To Setup A Static IP Address

DHCP is the standard means of routers and devices to connect over a network. DHCP basically means network devices will automatically be assigned an IP address (specific location). Sometimes DHCP will not make an automatic connection in your network. If this happens, and your connection to PS Audio’s Bridge is severed then you can instead create a static connection to your Router. If using a Windows computer type Command Prompt in the search bar to open the command prompt window. Type ipconfig/all to see the network adapter settings: If you... Read more...

How To Update Bridge II

Bridge II is built into DirectStream Junior, and available as a network streaming option for DirectStream and PerfectWave DAC customers. Bridge II, with the latest firmware installed, can become a Roon Endpoint - making any of our DACs with Bridge II installed, Roon Ready. It can also work with the European streaming service Qobuz, and the internet radio service VTuner through the MConnect Control app (available for IOS and Android). Spotify Connect is now available as well and requires the Spotify App to be installed on your IOS or Android... Read more...

How to eject a disc stuck in the PWT

It is rare, but sometimes a disc can get stuck in the drawer of the PerfectWave Transport disc player. We've seen instances where two discs have been placed in the drawer by mistake, and other times it just happens. If, for whatever reason, a disc gets caught in the drawer and the touch eject function (on the front panel touch screen) is not working, there are two things you can do. The first is to turn off the rear panel power switch and reboot the PWT. As soon as the... Read more...

How to practice best grounding

In stereo systems of the highest caliber, ensuring proper grounding is critical. Hums, buzzes, ticks and pops can often be avoided by practicing proper, safe, grounding techniques. One of the worst offenders of good grounding practices is the cable TV provider. If there are any connections between your stereo system and cable TV, you might encounter seriously irritating buzzes that can only be solved in one of two ways. If you do run into hum problems when your cable TV is in some way connected to your stereo system, if... Read more...

How to play Tidal on Bridge II

Playing TIDAL from an Andriod device using mConnect is very easy. Simply press the browser button. The browser menu will open. Select your TIDAL account and enter your username and password. Then, Select the play to button. Then select the Bridge II. Allow the software to connect and select your file from the library. Playing Tidal from an Android device using BubbleUPNP This tutorial will guide you to play your Tidal account over the app BubbleUPNP to the Bridge 2. Please note that BubbleUPNP is currently only available to the... Read more...

How to install a Bridge

The PS Audio Network Bridge is a high resolution network connected streaming device. Used in a PerfectWave or DirectStream DAC and connected to the home network, music can be streamed directly into the DAC over CAT 5. Here are instructions for installation. Read more...

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