PS Audio Announces Release of DirectStream Junior

[MylesBAstor]

Introducing DirectStream Junior! 85% of DirectStream performance, built-in Bridge II, $3,999! Boulder, CO: 2/11/16: PS Audio, maker of fine audio components for over forty years, is pleased to introduce the DirectStream Junior DAC. Junior offers the same FPGA (field-programmable gate array) technology that is at the heart of the original, award-winning DirectStream, at a much lower price. Following the success of DirectStream, designer Ted Smith was given a challenging design brief for a new model: same basic architecture as DS in a smaller,PerfectWave-style chassis, built-in network bridge, and performance at least 80% that of the original. As usual, Ted did all we asked, and then some. All it took was two years of work. By simplifying the power supply, output circuitry, display and user-interface, we've managed to produce a unit with 85%---not 80%--- of the detailed, natural sound that has made DirectStream a reference standard for reviewers and recording engineers worldwide...and even included our Bridge II, while we were at it. All for $3,999, a full 41% less than the cost of DirectStream including Bridge II. Both use identical FPGA architecture Both upsample all inputs to 10X DSD rate Both can be upgraded by downloading new firmware (DS uses SD cards; Junior, USB sticks) Both will have firmware updates released simultaneously The question most will ask regarding DirectStream Junior is, "But how does it sound?" Junior possesses the DS's basic character: full,rich,warm, never electronic or "digital". Both models make the most of standard Red Book discs, and uncover a wealth of music long-buried in music libraries. Many listeners, when hearing CDs played through DS and Junior, assume they're hearing hi-res downloads. Where the two DACs differ is in the areas of spatial accuracy, transparency, separation of instruments, soundstage width, and treble accuracy. We'd estimate that Junior provides 85% of DirectStream's performance in those areas, and without hearing the original, listeners will find it hard to believe that anything could possibly sound better: Junior is that good. Ultimately, DirectStream is better than Junior, but compared to any other DAC near its price---Junior can safely hold its own. DirectStream Junior's MSRP in the US is $3,999. Product will begin shipping this month: February, 2016. More details can be found on our website here, and hi-res images can be downloaded HERE.

About PS Audio: Founded in 1973, PS Audio has a worldwide following and a reputation for designing and manufacturing innovative, high-value, leading-edge audio products. Our design and core manufacturing facilities are in Boulder, Colorado, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. While our engineering staff is second to none, PS is not constrained by NIH Syndrome: recent products have included design input from industry gurus Ted Smith and Bascom H. King. www.psaudio.com Paul’s Daily Posts PS Audio Community

[mep]

I wonder how it sounds? Maybe someone should review it when it becomes available Myles.

[Alex Siufy]

Mark, this one has your name all over it

[mep]

Alex-It's time for me to review something analog for a switch (no digital pun intended, but it's still pretty good).

[Alex Siufy]

I hear ya... All these new cartridges out there, lots going on in analogland that needs coverage!

Just thought the PS Audio might be your "number", as it's DSD-based, and IIRC, you have a preference for that lovingly smooth DSD sound


cheers,
alex

[mep]

I hear ya... All these new cartridges out there, lots going on in analogland that needs coverage!

Just thought the PS Audio might be your "number", as it's DSD-based, and IIRC, you have a preference for that lovingly smooth DSD sound


cheers,
alex

Your memory didn't fail you Alex. I do prefer DSD over all other digital.

[nc42acc]

I would buy it to review but I don't think it is available yet. I will be the guinea pig.

[mep]

I would buy it to review but I don't think it is available yet. I will be the guinea pig.

Marty-Did you sign off of WBF for good? I saw you ran into the Blizzard Buzz Saw and deleted all of your posts on the thread you started.

[nc42acc]

Mark I have no time for that foolishness. I reached my limit!

[mep]

Mark I have no time for that foolishness. I reached my limit!

I totally understand. Some of us reached our limit awhile ago.

[rockitman]

OT: Well the Blizzard is banned again. Not sure how long though.

[nc42acc]

Christian how do you like your Directstream?

[rockitman]

Hi Marty,

I am impressed with the DirectStream...a very big improvement over the PW Mk2. I have about 200 hours on it so far. I have read it takes close to 500 for complete break-in. For the money, it's hard to beat.

[mep]

I received an email from Bill Leebens from PS Audio to tell me about the new DAC so I responded and told him I was interested in reviewing it. Bill responded back and said David Robinson gets the first crack at it for PFO.

[nc42acc]

That about as bad as having your chair taken out from under you by Myles.

I received an email from Bill Leebens from PS Audio to tell me about the new DAC so I responded and told him I was interested in reviewing it. Bill responded back and said David Robinson gets the first crack at it for PFO.