streaming DACs around $4k

@cbl117 

An alternative not mentioned is the Teac Reference NT-505 which uses the AKM 4497 chipset instead of the Lumin's ESS 9028 chipset.  It is a full featured streamer that is fully MQA capable and uses the Lumin app the same as their Esoteric branded family members.  It also has a full set of digital inputs to serve as a stand-alone DAC.  I also own a Directstream Sr. with the Bridge II and have owned a Lumin streamer. The Teac is half your budget but if you are interested in the Directstream it can be purchased inside of your target budget if you shop around. I also have owned the Sonica and any of the three Lumin, Directstream or Teac are a step up in abilities and app.  If I were in your shoes I would buy the Teac and put the $2000 difference in the bank.  

@jackd 

When you say Directstream can be purchased inside of my target budget, is that for a new or used unit?  Best I could find is $5050 New OTD with the Bridge II.

I bought mine a year and a half ago for inside your budget. With shipping  and taxes about a hundred dollars over.  

Marklarsen, how did you upgrade the "hardware of the PS audio product without switching platforms entirely are you saying that you upgraded the hardware by switching out the firmware?

The earlier Perfect wave dac could not morph magically into the direct stream series could it or are we wrong?

As per software upgrades you are missing our point it is not that changing the software doesn’t make it different, why is it changing? If you have a mature filter design there should be very little reason to make changes in the program other than to allow for feature upgrades.

We would be more than willing to do a shootout of our $4k reference dacs vs the current PS Audio products are there anyone in the NYC area would like to do this shoot out?

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

markalarsen,

May I know what other DAC/Streamer have you tried or compared before settling with PSA.

Some of my friends have tried PSA Direct Stream and ends up returning...they were unanimous in their assessment that it sounds sterile and lacks musicality.

For once I agree with audiotroy...they seem to have way too many upgrades compare to any other company I have known.