Haven't heard either but the DirectStream has gotten a ton of positive reviews and is available with a 30 or 60 day return policy depending on where you buy it. May be worth trying one out to see how it sounds in your system. |
I went with a DS, and couldn't be happier. It's an amazing DAC. Many people would agree, but certainly not all would.
I've heard a lot of good about Empirical Audio's Overdrive SE. |
I have a PS Audio DS AND I concur with Rhanson739. In addition, I'm purchasing Bryston BDP-2. I should received the BDP-2 in three weeks. |
No brainer, ModWright Sony HAP-Z1ES. I was considering BDP-2/Antipode with a $10K range DAC and my brother has a DirectStream.
Search threads for owner comments. GL! |
I use a BDP-1/PS Audio DSD DAC combo and it couldn't be simpler and I couldn't be happier with the ease of operation and the sound quality.
Neal |
Nglazer,
I ordered a BDP-2. Have you compared the BDP to a transport going through the DSD? If so, what are your thoughts. |
I own the BDP-2 and the PS Audio Direct Stream.
Previous to the Direct Stream I owned the BDA-2 Dac. It was a very good Dac, just not in the same category as the Direct Stream.
The BDP-2 is a little fussy, but overall its a great convenient usb player and mates well with my Direct Stream. |
Ozzy,
How does the sound of the BDP-2 compare to your Cary 306 SACD? |
Ricred1,
The Cary is in for service right now.
But as I recall, the Cary digital input was very good and in many ways more robust compared to the Bryston.
However, the Cary only does Hi Rez to 24/96 if that matters. |
I can only speak for the PS Audio (and I should add I have no experience with any other high-end DAC), but I just had my Perfect Wave upgraded to a Direct Stream: I basically have not left my couch for a week. It's the rare piece of equipment that makes you want to relisten to your entire library. It is a detail monster, though not aggressively so, and is the most beautifully musical piece of digital equipment I've ever heard. I have fairly "analytical" speakers (Kharma CRM 3.2 FE) which can be a little hard-edged; now they are so pleasurably musical I can't stop listening. |
Ricred1,
I still have a modded CEC TL-1x transport and have compared the sound of a CD played through the CEC into the PS Audio DSD, vs the same music as ripped CD (using DBPoweramp) through the BDP-1 to same DAC. The Bryston unarguably has greater clarity and detail, larger soundstage, more presence, more realism. The CEC gives you a more mellifluous, slightly softened, burnished sound that on some CD's actually sounds more pleasant than through the BDP-1, but those are the exception. It really is no contest as a general matter.
Hope this helps.
Neal |
Neal,
Thanks for the information. Hopefully I will receive my BDP next week. |
Any of you with the Direct Stream + Bryson also have the Bridge 1 installed? I was considering getting the Bryson BDP1-USB when I get my DS but now I am waiting until the Bridge 2 is released in the next few months. One less component in the living room. The Bridge will supposedly have a cleaner more direct circuitry to the DAC. |
Ricred1,
Let us know how you like it. There is a Bryston BDP directory on one of the audio sites, I think AudioCircle, where there is a lot of valuable assistance both from Bryston (James Tanner) as well as Users. I can also help you off-line.
Neal |
Nglazer,
I will receive it tomorrow, unfortunately I won't be able to listen to it. I bought a new amp and it wont be here until Friday. I will share my thoughts after a few days. |
As usual, you are all great; thanks for the input!
Russ |
Ricred1,
So how is the BDP?
Neal |
Nglazer,
I really love the convenience of the BDP2. I have it connected to a Bricasti M1 DAC and it sounds outstanding. I can't honestly say how it compares to other transports/digital players, but I love it. |
Good news.
Which digital cable are you using? In my experience, this makes a dramatic difference.
Neal |
|
An admirable choice, based on what I have read (have not heard it).
I had been using a Stealth Sextet, which was the best among the myriad I had tried over the years, but now am trying out a Nordost Odin digital. It either is mind-bogglingly transparent, detailed, full-bodied and three-dimenional to the point of my auditory disorientation, or I am just imagining things because of the Odin legend. Have not yet decided. Hard to do an A/B with cables, but I will not fall in love with a reputation.
Good luck.
Neal |
nglazer(Neal),
I also use a BDP-1 and was hoping you could share how you connect your BDP-1 to the PS Audio DirectStream Dac. Any information is appreciated.
Dave
|
Dave,
I use a Nordost Odin balanced digital cable from the BDP-1 to the PS Audio DSD, and then High Fidelity Enhanced IC's from DSD to preamp. I am a happy fellow.
Neal
|
Heres my current list,
Schiit for the money, especially if your source is a Mac
Berkeley is very good but cool colored.
anything from ayre
ARC if and only if you have a really good source.
Erik
|
Anyone has a real-world comparison between PS Audio DirectStream DSD DAC with the Junior? Thanks. |
