PDA

View Full Version : New Dac day tommorow.



Gazjam
01-10-2019, 19:52
Well, it’ll sound like one anyway!
:eek:

Next upgrade for the FPGA firmware for my PS Audio Directstream drops tommorow.
https://www.psaudio.com/products/ds-series-dac-snowmass-upgrade/

This’ll be the third time the Dac’s firmwares been upgraded since I took ownership of it, and each time it’s been a significant step up.
For a Company to continually support and provide free upgrades to a product it released 5 years ago is pretty great.
A big factor in why I picked one up in fact.

Will install it tommorow evening, just a shame works gonna get in the way during the day...damn.

struth
01-10-2019, 19:56
Keep us posted mate..

Gazjam
01-10-2019, 20:02
Aye!

struth
01-10-2019, 20:08
Aye Aye Capt. [emoji57]

Gazjam
01-10-2019, 20:26
https://media.giphy.com/media/a69VzlsvTZxq8/giphy.gif

brian2957
01-10-2019, 21:02
:)

Lawrence001
02-10-2019, 05:59
We are going public with our newest free DAC firmware update tomorrow but thought I’d share it with you before then. This update, named Windom, sounds astonishing. My dad, Paul, and I just gave it a final listen on the DirectStream this morning. Wow!!

Maybe you’ve noticed that we’re producing more videos lately. Well, we put a really fun one together where we coaxed my Dad and Ted Smith to the top of a mountain and filmed a great interview about DACs, FPGAs, and DirectStream. It’s definitely worth the watch:. https://www.psaudio.com/windom/ *and*the link to the firmware update is on this page, too.

If you have any questions about the DirectStream DAC or the Windom update, just let me know.

Have a great rest of your week and thanks for being part of the Hi-Fi Family!


Scott McGowan



Sent from my POT-LX1 using Tapatalk

Gazjam
02-10-2019, 11:53
Lunch hour here at my desk and I've been reading on the PS Audio forum peoples reactions to the new firmware and how its changed the Dac again.
Crikey, can't wait for the school bell to ring so I can get home!

Installed it this morning and left the dac running, see how I get on tonight.
Had a good listening session yesterday with Brian of this parish, so the sounds still stuck in my head, so can compare.

Batty
02-10-2019, 12:00
My new DAC is due to arrive on Friday.
Denafrip Ares II.

struth
02-10-2019, 12:06
Lunch hour here at my desk and I've been reading on the PS Audio forum peoples reactions to the new firmware and how its changed the Dac again.
Crikey, can't wait for the school bell to ring so I can get home!

Installed it this morning and left the dac running, see how I get on tonight.
Had a good listening session yesterday with Brian of this parish, so the sounds still stuck in my head, so can compare.

what model is your one gaz again.??

Gazjam
02-10-2019, 16:57
what model is your one gaz again.??

Grant,
Its the big daddy, the Directstream Snr.

struth
02-10-2019, 17:19
Grant,
Its the big daddy, the Directstream Snr.Cheers. Nice machine.

Gazjam
02-10-2019, 17:22
Think you'll like how it sounds when your over mate. :)

struth
02-10-2019, 17:30
Sure I will. Whole set up has changed

twotone
03-10-2019, 10:36
Well, it’ll sound like one anyway!
:eek:

Next upgrade for the FPGA firmware for my PS Audio Directstream drops tommorow.
https://www.psaudio.com/products/ds-series-dac-snowmass-upgrade/

This’ll be the third time the Dac’s firmwares been upgraded since I took ownership of it, and each time it’s been a significant step up.
For a Company to continually support and provide free upgrades to a product it released 5 years ago is pretty great.
A big factor in why I picked one up in fact.

Will install it tommorow evening, just a shame works gonna get in the way during the day...damn.

There's someone on PFM interested in your cartridge @Gazjam

https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/fs-michell-gorbe-sme-v-dynavector-xx2-mk2.230409/

loonytunes
03-10-2019, 10:44
:)

I don't know about the DirectStream DAC - but that SPS DAC 3 you own as indicated in your signature kicks arse! I have one in the context of a revealing system and it's brilliant!

If you ever think about changing it "don't". It may not look like much (which is why many decide to move on) but SQ wise it's so open and musical <-- yet so affordable!

loonytunes
03-10-2019, 10:56
Well, it’ll sound like one anyway!
:eek:

Next upgrade for the FPGA firmware for my PS Audio Directstream drops tommorow.
https://www.psaudio.com/products/ds-series-dac-snowmass-upgrade/

..

... I am please that by actually "listening" to a product rather than relying on measurements from audio science review based on another DAC from PS Audio (see link below) reporting that: "As a general DAC, the PS Audio NuWave is disappointing as you can get a number of audio DACs at a fraction of its price that outperform it".



https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-ps-audio-nuwave-dac.9187/

Gazjam
03-10-2019, 11:16
Oh right, I hadn't been on there in a while.
Thanks for the heads up. :)

And replied to.



There's someone on PFM interested in your cartridge @Gazjam

https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/fs-michell-gorbe-sme-v-dynavector-xx2-mk2.230409/

Gazjam
03-10-2019, 11:20
Yeah, I've been keeping up to date on that one....
Stay away from outfits like ASR, bias and agenda's are rife.

My response would always be... "Outperform it in what way exactly?"

Not sure what those guys think the purpose of listening to music on hifi systems is to be honest.
Each to their own of course, they should stop flouting opinions (measurements matter most) as fact though.



... I am please that by actually "listening" to a product rather than relying on measurements from audio science review based on another DAC from PS Audio (see link below) reporting that: "As a general DAC, the PS Audio NuWave is disappointing as you can get a number of audio DACs at a fraction of its price that outperform it".
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-ps-audio-nuwave-dac.9187/

loonytunes
03-10-2019, 12:50
Yeah, I've been keeping up to date on that one....
Stay away from outfits like ASR, bias and agenda's are rife.

My response would always be... "Outperform it in what way exactly?"



I would guess they would reply - outperform it technically!

I would imagine if they measured my French SPS DAC 3 which uses and old TDA 1543 DAC, that would measure poorly compared to modern DAC chips too - but it sounds excellent.

The same could be said for other manufacturers using old 80's chips like Audionote and more recently Vertex with their £10,000 Alethia DAC (the latter again using a lowly 80's TDA 1543).

According to ASR - Chord consistently to measure excellently however.

Gazjam
03-10-2019, 15:23
Assuming they dont get on with valve amps either...

loonytunes
03-10-2019, 16:36
Assuming they dont get on with valve amps either...

Probably not. I use a Croft 7 power amp and as you know there's a valve or two in there.

Measurably my system probably stinks. But put mine up against a perfect measuring system and we will see who has the last laugh :).

Just like putting your DAC against a technically excellent and therefore better DAC according to ASR - the super cheap Topping - against which you will have the last laugh too (I hope!).

Actually that's not a bad plan! Take it to the **extremes** - a system measuring badly (mine, or perhaps yours) against a cheap but perfect measuring counterpart.

Anyway - lets get back on track - enjoy your upgrade.

Edward
03-10-2019, 16:43
I plugged in a dac-in-the-box (probably over 20 years old now) the other day. Boy did it sound sweet. Probably measures shite.

I've been lusting after a PS direct stream dac for ages so looking forward to reading about your experience Gaz of the upgrade.

struth
03-10-2019, 16:47
I plugged in a dac-in-the-box (probably over 20 years old now) the other day. Boy did it sound sweet. Probably measures shite.

I've been lusting after a PS direct stream dac for ages so looking forward to reading about your experience Gaz of the upgrade.I came across my old audio alchamy dac. A dde v1. 0. Was a nice dac. Forgot I still had it. Its been put at door of shed to come into house with a beresford convertor.

Gazjam
03-10-2019, 16:55
RE: The Directstream, the issue is that the ASR guys don't even measure it properly, but use an arbitrary set of metrics to show (deliberately misleading) results.
The Directstream does its thing in a very different way to other dacs, they ain't even taking that into account.

The main guy there has been shown to have an agenda at various times, spouting all sorts of stuff and getting a bit rude to those that disagree.
A forum with an agenda, who'da thunk it?
Its silly nonsense and all a bit unfortunate.

Who cares really, let people believe what they wanna believe.
:)



Probably not. I use a Croft 7 power amp and as you know there's a valve or two in there.

Measurably my system probably stinks. But put mine up against a perfect measuring system and we will see who has the last laugh :).

Just like putting your DAC against a technically excellent and therefore better DAC according to ASR - the super cheap Topping - against which you will have the last laugh too (I hope!).

Actually that's not a bad plan! Take it to the **extremes** - a system measuring badly (mine, or perhaps yours) against a cheap but perfect measuring counterpart.

Anyway - lets get back on track - enjoy your upgrade.

Gazjam
03-10-2019, 18:59
Anyway...moving on..

Firmware installed, and jeez..I have indeed got myself a new Dac!
Biggest jump in performance between firmwares yet, and by a country mile the best the Dacs ever sounded.

It just sounds “right”..digital, analogue whatever doesn’t matter.
Big reaction thread over on PS Audio forums, they are raving about it.

happy bunny here, a helluva upgrade.

Wow.

struth
03-10-2019, 19:06
Great news mate.. Always pleasing to get a free result

Gazjam
03-10-2019, 19:08
Thanks Grant.
Troops over before Chrimbo for sure at a time that suits us all.

Been kinda holding off as the kit was always changing, but settled down now.

Lawrence001
04-10-2019, 09:57
Anyway...moving on..

Firmware installed, and jeez..I have indeed got myself a new Dac!
Biggest jump in performance between firmwares yet, and by a country mile the best the Dacs ever sounded.

It just sounds “right”..digital, analogue whatever doesn’t matter.
Big reaction thread over on PS Audio forums, they are raving about it.

happy bunny here, a helluva upgrade.

Wow.Look here

https://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/synchronicity/

Sent from my POT-LX1 using Tapatalk

Gazjam
04-10-2019, 13:43
Thanks Lawrence
I'll take a look-see.


Look here

https://www.psaudio.com/pauls-posts/synchronicity/

Sent from my POT-LX1 using Tapatalk