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  3. 184565-104197

Comparing Directstream 1 and 2

I have one more week left in my 30 day trial of the PS Audio Directstream 2. I’ve had some personal (medical) issues which have limited my listening. Also, even though I know better than to rely on reviewers’ opinions, I’m a little put off by the unusually negative review in Stereophile. My wife, who has better ears than me, has offered a couple of hours to compare my current Directstream 1 with the Directstream 2. Here’s my question: What order is most effective for the comparison? is it better to begin listening to my current 1 and then listen to the new 2 or vice versa? Going back and forth takes me a while —there are 5 or 6 cables to move—and my wife will get impatient so I won’t be able to do very many comparisons -maybe 2- with about 10 minutes in between for set up. I also would appreciate any other suggestions for this momentous comparison-what to listen to (we mainly prefer classical and soft vocal options), how long to listen before switching, and anything else that might help. Thanks,

brownsf
jk_richards's avatar
jk_richards
125 posts
 

Here is a new thread discussing both.

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,906 posts
 

I agree don’t rush this.

listen to the old dac for a few days using your favorite playlist. keep the new dac powered on (this is the key so you’re switching to a DAC that doesn’t need to warm up)
switch to new dac use the same playlist. Keep the old dac powered on even if you are switching power cords that’s brief so no issues there. Listen for a few days. Then put the old dac back into rotation. If you notice some qualities that you’re missing and can’t live without, you’ve made your choice.

Talk to ps audio to get an extension on home evaluation. They should understand you’re dealing with unforeseen circumstances. If they don’t, you have also made your choice.

Audio stuff aside, I wish you quick recovery and good health. That’s the important stuff.

brownsf OP
38 posts
 

Thaks audphile1 for your wishes-very much appreciated. You’re absolutely correct about priorities.  I went through some scary times but things are better now and I’m back to audio. Here’s an update. I kept the Directstream 2 because I thought there was a small improvement over the 1.  But I recently installed the latest PS Audio firmware update (called “massive”) and the improvement is, in fact, massive so I’m happy I kept the 2.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,906 posts
 

Glad to hear! 

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