[mitchb]

I’m upgrading to a Directstream dac with Bridge II from a PerfectWave DAC. What can I expect? How does the Bridge II work? I’m new to streaming having only used my PerfectWave Transport. I’ve recently upgraded to a moon 430ha amp with LCD4 headphones and I’m enjoying them.

 

[Audio Addict]

I have the same unit and the Bridge II connects with the Ethernet off your network as a Roon Endpoint. It gives you the flexibility of not having to have the computer for a USB near your music setup. However, I prefer the USB but that is just me. I don't think it is any night and day difference. More of a preference.

 

[mitchb]

I meant to write I have the Bridge II with the Directstream Dac. How is the music quality with the Bridge II?

 

[Audio Addict]

I prefer the USB but I am not using Tidal. To get MQA decoding you need to use the Bridge II. The sound is very close to me. @Todd R prefers the Bridge II if I recall.

 

[mitchb]

How is the Directstream dac as a dac compared to other DACs at a similar price point? I went with the Directstream as it replaces my Perfectwave Mk2 and matches my Perfectwave transport. I’m thinking it must be at least Okay as there are a lot of them out there and not that many currently for sale. I may keep my Perfectwave Mk2 dac just in case and I’m thinking I could sell the Directstream dac if it doesn’t suit me for any reason.

 

[Audio Addict]

I did the same as you did so I did not go looking at other DACs.

 

[mitchb]

Audio Addict. How do you like your Directstream?

 

[pippen99]

I have had the DSD for almost 4 years now. With the free upgrades on a semiregular basis the desire to upgrade is held at bay. The improvements over the last 4 years have been considerable.

I gave up on the Bridge II after too many problems with Mconnect. The Bridge works well and sounds good when Mconnect acts like it is supposed to act.

 

[Audio Addict]

Audio Addict. How do you like your Directstream?

I think it definitely has the same flavor as the PWD. I run it balanced into a RSA Apache and listen with a variety of headphones. I can't say it is a $7000 DAC but very few pay that. The software upgrades are a nice feature and have improved it. I traded my PWD in for it last December.

 

[mitchb]

Mine will be running balanced into a Moon 430 ha as my Perfectwave Mk2 does now and I listen to a pair of LCD4’s. I like the sound with the Perfectwave so I’ll probably like the Directstream.

 

[attmci]

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ps-audio-direct-stream-dsd-dac.707568/

That's the old thread.

You may want to go the PSA forum. Most of the owner prefer the I2S to the B II.

https://forum.psaudio.com/

 

[Crashem]

I have Directstream and Lampi GG. Both are good for different reasons. DS doesn’t get as much love here, but it is on Stereophile’s A+ recommended list.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-2020-edition-digital-processors

And it even has the * next to it which means they judge it will stay on the list for over 3 years which is really strong endorsement. Personally I think a lot of this has to do with the various updates Ted Smith has come up with which has significantly improved how DS measures and sounds. Although, I think we may be at the point where you are dealing with more flavors than truly one better than other. But it is lovely to upload a new build and change how your DAC sounds and hopefully find a flavor you love.

 

[mitchb]

I just received my DS 10 minutes ago and it already sounds good. A much improvement over the Perfectwave.

 

[attmci]

I have Directstream and Lampi GG. Both are good for different reasons. DS doesn’t get as much love here, but it is on Stereophile’s A+ recommended list.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-2020-edition-digital-processors

And it even has the * next to it which means they judge it will stay on the list for over 3 years which is really strong endorsement. Personally I think a lot of this has to do with the various updates Ted Smith has come up with which has significantly improved how DS measures and sounds. Although, I think we may be at the point where you are dealing with more flavors than truly one better than other. But it is lovely to upload a new build and change how your DAC sounds and hopefully find a flavor you love.

A lot of fun to upgrade the firmware every year.

PS Nice Lampi GG .

 

[mitchb]

Very nice sound!!!