Debating whether to get the Cryoset TAD KT66's or Gold Lion's? I like what you're hearing so far Lon, with the TAD's.

PS Audio has not shipped my P3 Power Plant yet (ordered 10/10). I have Joe at Cableco checking on it... .

I had my little guy's in my System, last night an this morning (SE84CS & Super Zen CKC). Sorry, but I can't go back to them anymore as of late... . My ZMA w/CSP3 has me locked in to it.

Listening Room:
Room Treatments from Michael Green & Home Brew
Sony as Transport
Illuminati D-60 (.5 meter)
Chord Chordette QuteHD DAC ---~or~
Audio Alchemy front-end/Prophecy Silver Cryo i2s
Kimber Select KS1030 IC RCA (.75 meter)
Decware CSP3 w/Jupiter Caps
Kimber Select KS1030 IC RCA (.5 meter)
Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier
Kimber Select KS3035 Speaker Cable
Vintage Polk SDA1 Speakers (in Stereo)
XLO Pro Power Cords to CSP3 & ZMA

All four units plugged into Adcom AC-Enhancer 515

....being replaced/will receive next week: PS Audio P3 Power Plant

Pssst! Quietly waiting for the OTL SET...an my Pilgrimage to Decware to hear it.......... .

Thanks Lon...I will get the Cryoset TAD's. I realize MMMV; but I'm itching to do some Tube Rolling. These might be "diffuse" an a TAD (get it)...more "forgiving" in the ZMA too. I love the Tung-Sols...but just have the "rolling" bug now (Power Tubes only).

Quote:


I didn't want to clutter up DeuceKazoo's classified ad for his nice pair of MG944 with our DS talk, so I cut and pasted this here.

So yeah, about the DirectStream and the latest firmware - I'm hesitant to say anything because I don't want to influence you in any way Lon - you're probably pretty immune to that, so I'm going to forge ahead.

So the latest firmware - no, lets back up a bit. The beta firmware I was first given I felt had a presence bump to it. Lon, you being a guitar player, you probably get what I mean - when you crank the presence, it's almost like a mid-boost. And that's what the beta firmware felt like to me. It was great because it had even more detail and accuracy, all without being harsh - and as you know I'm a detail freak. But then this presence bump....it wasn't off-putting, it wasn't unpleasant or fatiguing, it was just a bit too different, and not exactly in a way I wanted with my system. IMHO, super detail and presence bump were two pluses that were kind of "too much of a good thing" when you had them together. Thankfully the Paul and crew picked a slightly different version of the Firmware that kept the detail and accuracy, but dropped the presence bump - it's the better of the two pluses IMHO.  

So with this detail and accuracy the DS has more *apparent* density and volume, especially when playing well recorded DSD files. Ted let me sample one of his files directly from the SACD, and it just smoked my FLAC rip of the same file. My recent Opus3 downloads sounded way more tape-like now. But I also feel PCM files now sound like they have a little sharper leading edge (if that makes sense) - further separating the sound (differences) quality between DSD and PCM in my mind.

I'm not saying the new firmware is a replacement for a preamp, but it's changed the system enough that I don't feel like I need to run out and get a preamp because I'm missing *something*. In fact, this new firmware is causing me to reevaluate my system and consider "tuning it" with warmer cables, different speakers or something. Either I've reached my limit of "anal levels of accuracy and detail" and I'm looking to soften it up a bit, or maybe it's like the OTL and I need to level-up my listening skills to take in what's going on.

Add to all this, the software changes on the Media PC with Server 2012 in core mode, and Audiophile Optimizer 1.30 tweaked to the gills, plus my Linear Power Supply for the PC - all of this has completely leveled up my playback system to a point that I feel better matches the quality of the DirectStream. And tonight I've added the Ram Disk component to Foobar2000 after reading how pleased Palomino is with using a Ram Disk on his Apple playback system, and I swear my systems been taken up a notch again!

All in all I'm very pleased with what I've got going on here. This merge of hardware and software, extreme accuracy without being harsh or fatiguing...it's pretty amazing where I'm at right now. I'm very pleased indeed. I still want a preamp, but I can wait now.

Yeah, I knew you wouldn't like to hear more detail - but the way we're getting that detail, and how the DS presents it is really the key. Instead of etching out every bit of detail (hard edges like the Oppo does), the DS brings you that detail by simply being more accurate with time. It's all about the math at that level, and I think Ted really worked hard to keep the numbers tight.

Add to that, all the system/computer tweaks I'm working on are removing layers of noise, and other timing issues that are outside the DS's control, and I'm getting blacker blacks and feeding the DS with even better files to start with so it can do it's thing.

So the DS is bringing the detail through accuracy, not etching. I think it bring more life, separation, and ambient retrieval to the instruments and voices, all without being fatiguing...at least assuming your source material is good. I still have trouble getting through some Queen albums with their strained sound, and rock albums with the super-compressed HIGH VOLUME.

I got my unit back this morning. It finally has the right firmware, all of the right firmware.

It doesn't sound that much different to me, but it's been nearly a month since I heard the DS, and I've also changed output tubes since then. The PWD Mk II that has been in place for a few weeks was so well-seasoned and so well set up that there's not a HUGE difference between the two sources, more a different character than completely different blow-away difference. The DS is a little more forward than the PWD Mk II and than I remember it, I'll adapt though forward is not my favorite position. And there's only a few hours on the DS since it's return, barely warmed up from its cold journey in the truck.

As my two Denon Anniversary machines are sounding so so good in the bedroom system I don't think I'll put my this PWD Mk II and my second PWT back in, may sell them. Hopefully, unless I decide to improve my turntable front end, I'm done for a long while--the new Denon flagship universal player is rocking my video world both visually and aurally, the DS is back, I'm so happy with my pre and amp and speakers and cabling. Time to "hold steady" and enjoy.

Well, my DS had been broken in for a month before this firmware problems started. (Not sure what was specifically wrong but they said that perhaps the kit hadn't been installed properly I reminded them that they installed the kit and they got quiet.)

Anyway, it's now sounding better a day later (I installed it, listened an hour and then went out into the woods to my girlfriends for the night) but to me it proves that the PWD Mk II is a great machine. .  the DS is better, and maybe a bit better with this firmware, but it's not the great game-changer some make it out to be.

Anyway, I'm happy, and I'm done with digital front ends for audio and video, I have fabulous ones now and know when to say "uncle." Same with power and pre-amp and phono preamp--just my turntable as my weakest link right now, even though it sounds great I know the ZP3 could deliver more.

I'm not sure how many folks, if any, are interested in a CD Transport, but the PS Audio PWT is currently 50% off at Music Direct.  

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-2455-ps-audio-perfectwave-memory-player-transport.a...

Follow up review focusing on new firmware.

http://bitperfectsound.blogspot.com/2014/11/directstream-iv.html

I am a little less "jazzed" about the new firmware than he is, but I can't compare and too much time passed in between with no DS at all, so all I'll say is I'm really happy with the sound I have now and my one complaint is the output from the DS: it's too low for my DVR source on its best sounding setting. I can live with it, but I have a visitor that likes it a little louder and I have to use a DSP setting that I don't prefer. A small problem, but with the same output as the PWD Mk 2 I would have no problems at all.

I hear ya Dave. BUT. . . that would mean another power cord, another set of balanced XLR cables, more isolation feet, and finding rack space. . . . Just not worth it to me at this time for the one input, some of the time. Maybe if I ever get another parcel of money dropped at my doorstep, or if that certain someone who prefers the louder volume on the DVR happens to live under the same roof as I (something I hope for, she hopes for, but for the near future with my parental duties fifty miles from her, not going to happen).

Right now it's just not feasible. . . .

I know they can't fix the output, I just wish they had designed it with more, those few people who complained about the output of the PWD and PWD Mk2 may have ruined it for us.

The firmware hasn't made a difference in my system in this regard.

It's doable for me, I'm not going to go to the expense it needs to do it justice by adding the ZBit (big cost of unit, cabling, etc.) or running through the preamp (cost of another pair of the fantastic VooDoo Cable ICs and possibly rolling a bunch more tubes, it is not quite as transparent a sound with the current set than running the DS right into the Mk III, but the current tube set sounds really good with my ZP3 and BDP-U1CDI). . . going to continue to deal with it, it's just the one input and at this point for an infrequent listener who really doesn't care about the difference between "Normal" or "Narrow" DSP settings.

But I wish it had more output anyway. I might like the overall sound a bit more. Bummer.

I leave mine at 100 and use the stapped attenuator on the Mk III to control volume. That works best for me.

XLR - since switching to XLR, I can't go back.

I did borrow a CSP2 from DeuceKazoo, and it only stayed in the system for about a week before I went back to Direct-to-amp. I liked the boost of the preamp, but it took away as much as it added, so I'm fine with direct. I'd rather get more efficient speakers than add a preamp - as least with this latest DS firmware.

I'm reading that review right now, I'm about 1/3 through it and keep getting pulled away by this thing called work.  :)

About friggen time ted_b!

Well, I have never used USB of course (hate digital files) and for Redbook I found a difference favoring my best I2S and my best coaxial and my best optical from the Transport to the DS. I really couldn't find a clear distinction between coaxial and optical, but I2S had more ambiance and presence, not a lot, but noticeable. Then again, the I2S connection is a big deal with the Transport.

Funny you mention USB - he's been pimping the JCAT USB cable as his favorite, and in the "which USB cable works with the DS" thread in his forums, just the other day is when he said he prefers the Ethernet.

We'll see how the next version of the Bridge (II), and whatever their External Bridge looks like. I know the Bridge II has been 2 years in the making.

Some info Removed

Holy Crap! This is a completely different presentation for the DS! Like, *new DAC* different.

It's much more dry than the 1.2.1 Firmware, probably because of the further lowered jitter and high end extension mentioned in the thread about. Voice and instrument separation is *sharper* and the spacial cues are more prominent.

It's a little unnerving - it kind of reminds me of the hyper-detail I hear when Steve breaks out the OTL amp, but without that glassy smoothness of tubes.

Granted, I'm listening to my Blue Zu. After I go through my Demo tracks (same ones I played at the last Decfest for those who were there or listened via stream), I'll hook up my MG944 and see what I get there. It might be a bit too sharp with the ribbon tweeters. This OS update might be exactly what I needed for the El Camino to take them to the next level!

Lon, you'd probably hate it.  

Oh, and it's not without issues. This is probably because I have beta software on my DS, but I have a small issue with the Pikes Peak OS update.



No, that image isn't upside-down.

Been listening pretty much all night. I hate to pull this one out again, but it's like discovering my CD collection all over again, just like when I originally got the DirectStream. I've not gotten around to switching back to my MG944 and Palomino still has the El Camino speakers we built from a "kit". I have a feeling that due to the dryness and added detail, the El Camino are really going to sing with this new OS.

Seriously Lon, it's super detail - so I'm not sure you'll like it or not. I don't know your system, so maybe your system is more softening/forgiving than mine. It's almost 11:30pm and I've only slept 4 hours in a day and a half so I'm going to reluctantly power down the ZMA and DS combo and crash.

Edit to add: detail wise, I feel comfortable putting this up against the new Decware modified DAC. I'm going to find time to do so when Steve has some amps ready for listening.  :)

Thanks for relaying your impressions Dave.

I think detail is over rated. Some of the Vinyl reissues I have seem to boost the high end compared to the originals.  Probably because the target market is a bunch of Old Men with bad hearing...hehe.  I personally like a warmer, less Hot presentation...if a bit of detail must be sacrificed to get it, that's ok.  That's why I am more than satisfied with my simple, old Jolida 100 tube CD player for redbook .  They can be had used for about $500 and the sound is very musical and enjoyable without fatigue after many hours of listening.  I once considered the PS Audio Pair that many
here have, when it was half price but the added complexity (software) and description of the sound by some turned me off.  When I see Jolida 100 CD Players for sale, I'm tempted to pick up another...but I already have two.  I would suggest more folks try the old Jolida 100...if you don't like it you can resell it for what you've got in it...I think you'll be surprised...read a few reviews.  So instead of looking for "Better", I'm looking forward to getting to good enough and stopping.  "The enemy of Good is Better".  Mark.

I hear you Mark. If you only listen to "great recordings" (and boy many audiophiles only do) then lots of detail can be a great thing. If you listen to a lot of mediocre recordings (and to be honest a lot of Van Gelder and other engineer recordings basically are just that) then a bit less detail can be a good thing. It's a fine line. I just sort of got the balance right with the 1.21 firmware and now here they go and throw another version out there and I'm loathe to mess with things again. There have been a few reviews on the PS Audio forum that also talk of heightened detail to the point of fatigue with the new software. Luckily I'm so busy lately and with so little time listening to music that I can afford to just wait and think about the bother of upgrading and then working to refine that sound. . . don't have to jump in.

mark58 wrote on 02/13/15 at 15:19:45:

Good advice Mark, but sometimes the improvements are substantial and in the direction I can go with my system and source material, so it's hard to just close the door on the possibility of improvement. I don't have to lock the door, just let it stay closed a bit while reading more impressions. And in time I'll get into another "I don't mind tube-rolling and futzing with things" period.

Update...Pikes Peak is back on my DAC...there was too much that was right with this firmware not to explore further.  I typically use a MW setting of 2 on the PP and I have gone back to Sine and that seems to have taken the edge off.  I have been listening now for about 1.5 hours and haven't yet experienced the fatigue I got the other night (after ~15 minutes).  

I forgot to mention this the other night...I don't listen to a ton of rock music these days, but the 'focused' effect this firmware has on the music makes rock music sound a lot 'tighter', and it's much more enjoyable.  I have yet to determine if this takes away from other types of music (e.g. jazz).  But I am listening to the Anthony Wilson Trio at the moment and everything sounds great.

This firmware really is a significant update to the DAC.  It might not be for everyone (the 1.21 firmware is definitely warmer), but it's amazing what Ted can do with the FPGA.  I'm glad I held off on new cables because this firmware really has changed how my system sounds.  Back to the music...

That is a cool discovery Dave. Though tempting, in this system, I have never been able to keep Multiwave on, I think because the instantaneous pushes over-saturate my tubes a bit much for me. I have always liked OB3s in the Torii more than OA3s for a similar reason. The OA3s push the power tubes enough that for me, the mids and bass overwhelm the fine detail, spaciousness and atmospheric info, while making the mids and detail seem harder. Also for me it is mainly low bass that causes fatigue, not so much the highs, but this is a consistent cause. For the same reason, I use 119v on the P5...to balance the saturation of my system.

Yes, I agree about the P5. Once I got it sorted out and fully burned in, I really like the foundation it provides. I might like .5 too...not sure. Every so often I try one and it is great for some recordings, but it never lasts for me.

I am back to OS 1.21 (previous OS) and I am staying...until the next version!  On my system, this sounds more like music...