PS Audio Perfect Wave DirectStream DAC

Product of the year PS Audio's DirectStream DAC gets a 'Product of the Year' award from almost all major reviewers. For once, all reviewers agree and that is quite unique. Maybe you should listen too. DirectStream DAC Once again, PS Audio pioneers a totally new approach to the playback of digital (PCM) files, whether from CD or from files on a server, with the new PerfectWave DirectStream DAC. Hand-written, discrete and perfection-based Delta Sigma conversion, a new groundbreaking technology that sets itself apart from any 'cost-no-object' product on the market today and offers a significant added value for the serious music lover and/or audiophile. The Next Generation The PerfectWave DirectStream DAC is fully DSD based, even for PCM inputs. DSD was chosen for its simplicity, linearity, common architecture, immunity to cable and input differences and last but not least, its ability to bring out the subtle musical details previously buried in digital media, masked by classic PCM decoding techniques. The DirectStream DAC is one of the few high-end products that completely overcomes the limitations of traditional digital to analog converters (DACs) by its uncompromising performance, no matter what medium delivers the data, be it a CD player, a hard disk, a computer, a network or the Internet. A complete solution The DirectStream DAC is a complete solution that can be used in a variety of ways. As a stand-alone DAC, the DirectStream DAC accepts input from a digitally connected source, such as a CD player, CD transport, digital TV receiver, music server or computer. With the (optional) network bridge, the DirectStream DAC acts as a music server and can access any DNLA compatible network, such as a NAS, computer and can even stream music directly from the internet. As a preamplifier, or control center, the DirectStream DAC can be connected directly to a power amplifier, with the volume and balance controls and the input selector that allows you to choose one of the seven digital inputs, you can fully control it with an iPad, iPhone or iPod, without even leaving your listening chair. Asynchronous Inputs The DirectStream DAC has 7 asynchronous digital inputs, including two I²S over HDMI, one optical TOSLINK, one coaxial S/PDIF, one balanced AES/EBU, one 192kHz 24 bit USB input and the optional Network Bridge. The HDMI inputs are not capable of accepting HDMI data, but instead use a unique PS Audio developed standard for I²S data (the original data management system inside every transport, CD player and DAC) to transfer data from the PerfectWave memory player to the DAC in the best possible way. The PerfectWave Bridge If you want to play music stored on your computer through the DirectStream DAC, the asynchronous 192kHz 24 bit USB input offers you an easy and convenient solution. However, if you prefer not to use a computer or you want to keep your computer separate from your audio system, you can use the optional Network Bridge, which allows you to stream audio via your home network. The PerfectWave Bridge is a strong piece of technology. It connects all your digital music sources in your home through your home network. The Bridge ensures a bit perfect performance of your music and this for every sample rate up to 192 kHz, 32 bit audio and brings uncompromising music to your high-end audio system.

Physical Unit Weight 22 lbs [9.97 kg] Unit Dimensions 14 inch x 17 x 4 [ 36cm x 43cm x 10cm] Shipping Weight 31 lbs [14 kg] 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 100 ohm/200 ohm 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 BType Format PCM or DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM) Transfer mode Asynchronous