PS Audio Direct Stream

What's not system dependent is with digital domain volume control, bits are dropped when not operating full range and resolution suffers. Whether you can hear the difference is system dependent ... depends on the quality of your system.

Sabai,
My system is posted on this site, and I don't use the Data Stream DAC.
My comment was a general observation based on hearing numerous audio systems over the years. If direct source to amplifier sounds better to you then that's the right way to go. It just hasn't been true in my listening encounters.

I just checked the specs for the Direct Stream.
The balanced out is 5.3Vrms 200 ohms.
Then I checked the balanced output of the BSG QOL and its output is 10Vrms 50 ohms.
So, perhaps that is why I don't need the preamp.

Ozzy,

Ted Smith posted these specs for the DS output on the PS Audio forum:

Balanced: 2.8V RMS or 8V p-p 300 Ohms
Unbalanced: 1.4V RMS or 4V p-p 150 Ohms

Kana813, That seems to be on the low side and is different than the specs posted on the PS Audio website.
I wonder which is correct?