Anything wrong with PS Audio DirectStream DACs?

Ted smith has been pretty transparent there are limitations in the poser supply and output transformers, however he has Ben able to continuously refine the current hardware platform. I just helped a friend set-up a new out of the box DirectStream DAC with the latest Firmware Windom. The unit was stiff as board and fairly suddenly came to life after 50 hours of operation. At first the sound was VERY relaxed and lack key detail. Then all of a sudden the sound character changed for the better, and WOW!

Listening to a DSF file of Creedence’s Susie Q, the portion where John Fogerty is singing through a cone had a level clarity that knocked us off the couch. The detail is shocking what is pulled out of the noise floor.

The user interface is atrocious and the unit is difficult to set-up for streaming. I can expand on that if anyone’s interested.

Overall the unit is well worth the money and the current firmware version doesn’t resemble the unit shipped 5 years ago.

PS Audio is about to release a whole new product they are nicknaming TSS for Ted Smith Signature edition. It’s likely to be half again more expensive but include Jensen output transformers and entirely new power supply.

It plays 24/192 and DSF files brilliantly.  It really shines making Red Book 14/44K files sound better than they should. 

I can’t seem to get much info on price other than it’ll likely be a $12-$15k DAC at least. The thing with Directstream that gives me pause is how high the THD has been measured in the past. I don’t know if these firmware updates are able to address the noise floor, but that’s one of the things that make it concerning.

Also, aside from the TSS DAC, there may be a DS 2 that’s a little more in line price wise with the original. 
I’ll say that looking at the amount of deals for DS as it comes to the end of its life cycle is intriguing. Network card installed with Windom for $3-4k.

Had the PS Audio. Kept it for one week, then resold it. The sound quality was poor relative to its price it my system. Maybe it would shine in another system. A Mytek Brooklyn and a Modwright Oppo 105D were superior to the PS Audio for me.

there is probably a Windom update coming in the next few months, their new transport is almost ready, and seems the TSS will be about $15-18K from what I've read...new transport is reportedly $6500...

I owned for a few years the PS Direct Stream Dac, sold it and bought a Lumin X1. Night and day difference in sound quality! I am now running it direct to my tube amps. Very pleased with the performance.

ozzy