[pjaizz]

Hey Gang:
I am considering getting a refurbished PS Audio Direct Stream DAC, Mk 1 edition to pair with my CDT-8 via I2S.  Anyone had any experience with this combo?  Would love to hear about the sound.  I also have an Oppo 93 I use for hi-rez discs FYI.  Thanks in advance!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Hey Gang:
I am considering getting a refurbished PS Audio Direct Stream DAC, Mk 1 edition to pair with my CDT-8 via I2S.  Anyone had any experience with this combo?  Would love to hear about the sound.  I also have an Oppo 93 I use for hi-rez discs FYI.  Thanks in advance!

I haven't heard that combo but the Direct Stream is an awesome sounding DAC.  I wish I had bought one instead of my Luxman DA-06 DAC.

[Markwatkiss]

Haven’t heard that combination but I did own a Direct Stream.Underwhelmed by the performance in my system.You may have a different experience.

[pjaizz]

Thanks Grey and Mark.  Curious about your underwhelmed comment Mark.  Why so?  What DAC are you using now that you prefer?

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Thanks Grey and Mark.  Curious about your underwhelmed comment Mark.  Why so?  What DAC are you using now that you prefer?

2 friends of mine own the Direct Stream and they love them.  I find it to be a very resolving DAC with great air and transparency.  Plus, the fact that you can change the way the DAC sounds with different software packages from PS audio.  I can see that if you have a laid back system how you may not like the DAC.

[JackD]

I owned and ran that combination together for about three years.  Later upgraded the transformers in the DS per Ted Smith's recommendations to the ones he actually spec'd for the unit.  Made an improvement.  I in fact still have both units sitting in a spare bedroom boxed up.  The DS is a solid performer that is not flashy in going about it's business.  So if your looking for "absolute detail" like many of the ESS based DACs it wouldn't be for you, but if you're looking for solid performance in a DAC with no listener fatigue it might what you want.  I moved from the DS to Aqua which has the same design principles. The CDT-8 work together via I2s but I found that I preferred AES instead. 

[pjaizz]

Thanks Grey and Jack.  Leaning towards giving the PS Audio a spin, though I am also considering NuPrime models.

[JackD]

I've owned a Nuprime DAC-10 and as a combination preamp/DAC it was an excellent piece.  But as with all the Nuprime DAC's it was ESS Sabre based so a different sound altogether. 

[rustydoglim]

Check out this review of DAC-9X:

https://www.youtube.com/live/CxamTMgzCWI
The DAC-9X review started at 1:12:20.
Note:
At the beginning of the video, the reviewers discuss their setup, their criteria for evaluating a DAC, the use of a re-clocked and highly accurate SPDIF signal as the source, and the reasoning behind not using a power conditioner.
Notable comments from the video:
– Super details. Extreme separation.
– I know they make good stuff, but this is really good.
– To have this in this price range, it is impressive.
– They know how to implement Sabre DAC.
– It shows the background vocal, unbelievable, it shouldn’t be able to do that in this price range.
– It’s a bargain, it is crazy good for the money.