{"product_id":"psa-dsdacmk2","title":"PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK2","description":"\n\u003cp\u003eThe DirectStream DAC MK2 is PS Audio's reference standard D to A converter. It is unlike any standard chip-based DAC, and has received countless awards, worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the past 8 years, the PerfectWave DirectStream DAC has been recognized throughout the world as a reference standard. We are proud to introduce its successor, the PerfectWave DirectStream DAC MK2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince its groundbreaking introduction 8 years ago, the PerfectWave DirectStream has stood alone as one of the most remarkable DACs ever built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are excited to share with the world the next generation of this technological wonder, the PerfectWave DirectStream DAC MK2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike the vast majority of high-end DACs based on off-the-shelf IC technology, DirectStream MK2 utilizes user-upgradeable software based on handwritten FPGA code.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt its core, the MK2 utilizes discrete, galvanically isolated, perfection-based conversion that uncovers all the missing information hiding in your digital audio media. CDs, streaming audio, high-resolution PCM or DSD based media are expertly upsampled in the DirectStream MK2 to twenty times DSD rate and output as pure analog directly into your amplifier or preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere has never been a better sounding DAC at anywhere close to the price of DirectStream MK2. The ground breaking DirectStream DAC was the first choice of thousands of critical listeners worldwide, and now with the introduction of the MK2, that legacy will continue.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDirectStream is one of the most remarkable DACS ever built as all the major reviewers agree. Hand written, discrete, perfection based conversion that uncovers all the missing information hiding in your digital audio media. CDs, streaming audio, high-resolution PCM or DSD based media are expertly upsampled in the\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirectStream to twenty times DSD rate and output as pure analog directly into your amplifier or preamplifier. There has never been a better sounding DAC at anywhere close to the price of DirectStream. It is the first choice of thousands of critical listeners worldwide, and with its ability to accept PS Audio's free Operating System upgrades, will never become obsolete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDESIGN\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDirectStream 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAPPLICATION\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDirectStream 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnology\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOVERVIEW\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass 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 whats been missing in your music for all these years. If you know the sound of music and instruments, and want to hear whats been missing on your discs, then this DAC is right for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDSD CONVERSION\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConverting the ones and zeros of digital audio into music PS Audio cannot distinguish between live or recorded is an art. Most of todays sophisticated DACs are IC based instruments using off-the-shelf-chips that rely upon Multi-bit Sigma-Delta functions to process the incoming digital audio. While these are relatively simple to design and produce, they rarely give the best sonic results. DirectStream takes a different approach by first converting all digital audio signals into a purer form of digital audio known as DSD. DSD is a far more analog-like encoding and decoding process than the classic CD based PCM. In fact, most modern A\/D converters used to make recordings are DSD based already. DirectStream takes both PCM and DSD, upsamples the data and converts to single-bit DSD and then outputs pure music regardless of input format for the data. The results of this design can be heard in increased musical information presented to the listener at every opportunity. When you listen to DirectStream you never are accosted by added bright, hard glare in the music as happens with many active designs. Instead, clean, pure music flows from the DirectStream directly to your preamplifier or power amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOUTPUT AND VOLUME\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost modern DACs use some form of active tube or solid state output stage to amplify, filter and drive the DAC's output. DirectStream takes a different approach: passive. In one of the simplest, elegant and musically correct executions of an output stage, high-speed class A video amplifiers are used as the final switch feeding a high-performance passive audio output transformer. The transformer is specially designed to act as both the galvanic isolation between the DAC and the outside world as well as the primary low pass filter required to present a perfect, low distortion, low noise output signal that is fed directly into the DirectStream's zero-loss volume control. Designer Smith perfected a 100% bit-perfect volume and balance control thats built into DirectStream, enabling users to control the output level when feeding directly into a power amplifier or preamplifier. The ability to eliminate the preamplifier in the system without any resolution loss is a major benefit to DirectStreams outstanding musical performance. Imagine going to a recording studio and listening to a master tape of any recording made. This is the experience DirectStream provides its owners who enjoy a renewed sense of enjoyment and discovery when listening to everything in their library: CDs, downloads, DSD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cu\u003eFeatures\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e100% DSD BASED D-A CONVERTER\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUPGRADABLE VIA SOFTWARE RELEASES\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVOLUME, BALANCE CONTROL BUILT IN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUPSAMPLES PCM AND DSD TO 20x DSD RATE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDXD SUPPORT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePASSIVE TRANSFORMER COUPLED OUTPUT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIMPROVES IMAGING + SOUNDSTAGE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDUAL FPGA PROCESSING\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHANDWRITTEN FILTERS, PROCESSING AND UPSAMPLERS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIMMUNE TO OUTSIDE SOURCE JITTER PROBLEMS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eINCREASED DIGITAL HEADROOM\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNO OFF-THE-SHELF IC-DAC CHIPS USED\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUNCOVERS DETAILS USUALLY MASKED BY PCM PROCESSORS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7x DIGITAL INPUTS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGALVANICALLY ISOLATED INPUTS AND OUTPUTS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFULLY BALANCED FROM INPUT TO OUTPUT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSTORE AND INSTALL UP TO 10 FIRMWARE MOUNTAINTOPS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePhysical\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnit Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21 lbs [9.53 kg]\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnit Dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14 x 17 x 4 [ 36cm x 43cm x 10cm]\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShipping Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 lbs [13.6 kg]\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShipping Dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20.5x 24 x 10 [52cm x 61cm x 25cm]\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePower requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput Power\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDigital audio inputs\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eI2S (2), Coax, XLR Balanced (2), Optical, USB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSample Rates\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical (TOSLink): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz\u003cp\u003eS\/PDIF (Coax and XLR): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoP64 Dual XLR: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz and 352.8kHz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoP64 and DoP128 I2S: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, and 705.6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoP64, DoP128, DoP256, DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 USB: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, and 705.6, DoP64, DoP128, DoP256, DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAnalog Audio Output\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA single ended or balanced, XLR balanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput level high, maximum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 VRMS Balanced\u003cbr\u003e2 VRMS Single Ended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;100\/\u0026lt;200\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20-20KHz +\/- 0.25dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTHD+N @ 1KHz (full scale)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;0.1%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput Stage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePassive audio transformer, fed by high current, high speed analog amps producing double rate DSD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ch3\u003eData Handling\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM or DSD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSample rate (PCM)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz; 705.6kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWord length (PCM)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16b, 18b, 20b, 24b\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eData rate (DSD)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard (2.8MHz) or Double (5.6MHz) DoP as well as raw DSD on I2S and USB inputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput jitter reduction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eeffectively 100%, residual immeasurable. No input PLLs, FLLs.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput Processing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e225.792MHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSignal Processing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e56.448MHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynchronous Upsampling, all inputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e56.448MHz for 48k, 96k or 192k; 11.2896MHz for all others\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDigital Processing S\/N ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpsampling \u0026gt; 210dB, volume control and Sigma Delta Modulator: \u0026gt; 330dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDigital Volume Control\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZero loss of precision\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnalog Conversion method\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003elow pass filter DSD256 (quad rate DSD: single bit DSD at 11.2896MHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ch3\u003eI2S Digital Input\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHDMI\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as raw DSD on I2S inputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ch3\u003eUSB Digital Input\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB B Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM, DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM), or Native DSD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTransfer mode\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAsynchronous\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"PS Audio","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":52740335370506,"sku":null,"price":6400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":52740335403274,"sku":null,"price":6400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0917\/3283\/6618\/files\/ps-audio-directstream-dac-mk2-34033-p_0361b608-798b-47c5-a01f-90b81354bd7a.jpg?v=1773934955","url":"https:\/\/audioemotion.co.uk\/products\/psa-dsdacmk2","provider":"Audio Emotion Limited","version":"1.0","type":"link"}