I’ve owned both. Unlike most, there was something about the DS that just doesn’t work for my ears. I upgraded twice, and both times sold the DS. Rebought a PWD the first time and then moved on to an Audio Mirror T3 SE that I find quite a bit superior to both. I've also had a Shiit Bifrost 2, Matrix X sabre pro, iFi iDSD pro, Holo Audio May, & Lampizator Amber 3 in my system for auditions.
Obviously I’m the odd man out on the Directstream impression, so YMMV. They are completely different DACs though and if there’s a house sound it’s because of power supply and input boards.
Obviously I’m the odd man out on the Directstream impression, so YMMV. They are completely different DACs though and if there’s a house sound it’s because of power supply and input boards.