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DirectStream DAC MK1

DirectStream DAC MK1

Factory refreshed units will have cosmetic blemishes.
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 PS Audio, 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 by our expert technicians, ensuring its great condition. Factory refreshed units may have cosmetic blemishes. Furthermore, we conduct thorough functionality tests to guarantee its optimal performance. To provide you with complete peace of mind, we offer a one-year guarantee. For more information about our factory refreshed warranty details, please see our warranty page here: Warranty and Returns – PS Audio.
Regular price $2,999.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $2,999.00 USD
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  • 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 what’s been missing in your music for all these years. If you know the sound of music and instruments, and want to hear what’s been missing on your discs, then this DAC is right for you.

    • 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
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    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 20.5”x 24” x 10” [52cm x 61cm x 25cm]

    Power requirements

    Input Power Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
    Power Consumption 30W

    Digital 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 (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 100Ω/200Ω
    Frequency Response 20-20KHz +/- 0.25dB
    THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale) <0.03%
    Output Stage Passive audio transformer, fed by high current, high speed analog 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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