PS Audio Direct Stream

FSmithJack,

Why not just get a properly designed tube Dac?? Adding just a random tube output stage wont compare well to a designed from ground up tube Dac like Lampi, VAD or Aesthetix.

Or just a iFi Audio iTube for even less money?

Fsmithjack,

Thanks for the information about this tube buffer. Can you kindly describe some details regarding the difference with and without it on the DS?

My biggest question at this time though is; with running the DS direct to the Amp my volume setting on the DS is about 60-65. Could I be truncated bits?
I know PS says it shouldn't, but, I don't know...

My guess is Yes and losing resolution so I suggest running through your pre at full volume.

I've tried many DACs and always prefer going through a pre. Had a Lamp L5 with analog volume control and still much prefer going through pre. Sometimes theory <> practice.

But, if PS Audio didn't make claims about it needing no burn in time, I wouldn't be concerned.

I don't recall if Paul claimed no burn in for this DAC, but with all due respect to him and some others who've become virtual friends on the forums, I think this DAC does in fact need burn in. I agree you should wait before starting to change anything else, but I still think it's a good idea now to go into your XP-10 instead of right into the Pass amp. I read Ted's comments about that volume level still being okay, but if it were me I'd take it out of the equation by running it's internal volume up higher and using a fabulous preamp like the XP-10 to take care of that.

Well I have to admit that some of my initial negative comments on the Direct stream were self inflected.

You see in my concern to get the best out of the Direct Stream, along with installing Synergistic Research fuses I also installed an Audio Magic "Pulse Gen ZX".
This product always seemed to bring the best out of digital equipment. But once I removed it from the PS Direct Stream the soundstage did open up quite a bit. I really don't know why, but it was evident.