PS Audio DirectStream DAC-Silver

We're huge fans of the digital magic that the folks over at PS Audio weave. From the first moment we heard the Perfect Wave, we knew there was some black magic under the bonnet. Now with the DirectStream, PS Audio have taken it to another level, producing one of the most fluent music communicators we've heard in quite some time.

This isn't some cosmetic update, or an update for the sake of it - this is a wholesale revision to the product. We know this because you can purchase an upgrade kit from the Perfect Wave. After performing the upgrade, the only original parts you'll have are the chassis and the display panel. The entire guts of the system is replaced, every last bit from input to output has been redesigned to take advantage of the latest in FPGA audio tech, using a pure DSD DAC and a completely passive output stage.

Ofcourse, all the wizardry doesn't mean a thing if it sounds cold and sterile, but there is none of that here. Musical flows forth in a laidback and effortless manner. The space opens up like a window into a concert hall, letting music wash over you. All of this and about a dozen other hyperboles as well. Look - we really love this one OK. Its not cheap, but with DSD and slew of inputs including USB and I2S via HDMI, it's going to sort your digital needs for the forseeable future. This is without mentioning the optional network Bridge($999) that bolts in, which turns the unit into a fully fledged streaming device controllable from a tablet or phone app.

Own a Perfect Wave DAC?