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I offered to send you my SD card with the Firmware/OS on it after I used it on my machine. I wouldn't even have asked for postage to cover the stamp!  :)

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Beta team has been busy with Bridge II - so we've not had any say in the past two OSs.  (e.g. Pikes Peak and the future mountain)

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The Aries is really nice sounding, and IMHO a great option. It's like purchasing a server with custom software written for it. IMHO - The Bridge II sounds really good, but yes, is limited to single DSD.

I've not looked into Tidal with the B2, but have done other streaming formats via Foobar on my server. I was also going to test the new Decware CD player with my DS as the Decware CD player has facilities to stream internet radio and the like....but Steve seems to be enjoying his quite a bit and I don't feel right asking to borrow it. LOL

If there is a free Demo period for Tidal, I might see if I can get it working with the Bridge II and report back.

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I get that, but Ted is like Steve in that he works at the speed of inspiration and  discovery. If the audio gods decide to inspire him to try something that takes things to another level, then it happens.

It doesn't make sense to hold back on an improvement, just so people don't grumble about how quickly the improvements are coming!

And yes, I know you don't feel all the updates were improvements, but to Ted and crew, something about those updates were necessary enough for them to go ahead and release; rather than wait to combine in a future update.

I'm happy to send out one of my cards once I test the update on my rig. In fact, I'm going to peek into the beta forum now and see if it's available for me early.  LOL - I doubt it, since I believe Ted is on vacation right now.

LR...there is a 30 day trial for TIDAL.  I think someone else on the beta team mentioned he was streaming TIDAL.  I guess I don't have a good sense for how it all works.  I believe with the Aries you sign in directly to your TIDAL account via the software and it connects up.  If it's that straightforward with the bridge, that would be great.  

Is the B2 wireless?  If you can't answer, no worries.  That's another benefit of the Aries.  

Lon...I think it's awesome you have your system dialed in with Pikes Peak.  I think you may have more flexibility than those of us without a pre-amp.  In addition, you have greater tube rolling flexibility with the Torii (vs. the ZMA)  Luckily, we all have the flexibility to make these changes whenever we want (same applies to tube rolling, cables, etc).

I appreciate what both of you have shared regarding your individual journeys, so please keep the feedback coming...

Dave1210 wrote on 06/16/15 at 03:31:18:

It is interesting how the different amps shape our systems needs and how flexible we can be with them. I do relish and cherish the Torii Mk IIIs flexibility in both tube choices and types and tonal controls. These factors alone really changed my system approach.

As for Pike's Peak, I actually really like it directly in without the preamp--just due to the low output of one source using the preamp works better for my system usage. I didn't like Pike's Peak directly at first. (In using the CSP2+ I've worked at removing doubts in my mind about transparency, dynamic loss, etc.--if I fret about these I find myself finding examples to fret over, if I don't I find benefits in the sound and can really dial in a great fit for the system). Then I upgraded interconnects and day by day it sounded better. Either because of the interconnects or (as others have remarked on PS Audio forum) Pike's Peak changing/breaking in--likely it's both--the sound improved and I was still happy with it when I went back to 1.21 briefly to compare. So now I have the interconnects broken in, use the CSP2+ between DS and Torii and have excellent sound. (I hated to spend the big bucks on the interconnects but in retrospect I'm glad I did, they really have just gotten out of the way in a manner no others have before and I'm done on that front).

I'm really trying to fight this restless "I can get it to sound better" feeling that has been, for the most part, my digital listening experience. (I don't seem to have the same feeling when listening to vinyl, I love the sound, sink into it, and don't wonder about this or that changing things). So I wish PS Audio would wait another six months or a year before another update, so I can try harder to just sink into what is there (and sounds magnificent, no reason to change). But if wishes were horses there would be dung everywhere!

I installed Yale last night.  I had no issues with the download/installation and have been burning it in all night (with some classical music on repeat). My initial impression versus 1.21 is that the level of detail is much greater, soundstage grew wider and deeper and imaging was more precise.  I also noticed much improved space around instruments.  It did seem thinner to me initially, but we'll see after burn in.  Too early to make a call on fatigue or musicality for me.  I will report back.  

Great, seems like a home run! Thanks for sharing your impressions.

Sounds like I'll like it too. Since the entire system is going to be relocated next weekend there will be huge changes ahead!

Thanks Dave. I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Reports are almost uniformly positive on the PS Audio forum, and I'm really enjoying Pike's Peak now, so this should be a nice little boost.

I'm so happy with my system now. . . but I will be dismantling it next weekend and setting it up in my next home, my fiancee Lucy's little house out in the woods. As the system I installed there sounds really good (PWT and PWD Mk 2, CSP2, modded C amp, HR-1, PS Audio Dectet) I expect great sound from my main system. . .not looking forward to the tear down and set up though.

New PS Audio DAC announced:

http://www.psaudio.com/nuwave-dsd/

I really think, preamp or no, this is not going to sound as good as a DirectStream DAC. But it's a good product I bet.

I love my DirectStream maybe even more than you love your ZDSD. From my cold dead hands. . . . Don't need another DAC or to compare it to anything, I know I have what I like right in the system!

About to move my whole system. Anyone understand the anxiety I feel? I'm sure it will go well and I think it's going to sound great in my new home.

Yes, I'm looking forward to the big room. And the lovely view (both Lucy my fiancee and the woods surrounding the house.)

Moving is not fun. I've done it 3 times since 2011. Now, staying put for awhile. I'm in a small room and prefer it. Acoustically treated of course. Moving my Polk SRS SDA 1.2's (reside in my Solid State Rig), that are 6 feet tall and are 180 pounds each is no picnic!

Yes, I do love my Decware ZDSD/PCM!  Thus, why I canceled my Yggdrasil DAC order. I plan to have the opportunity of an Listening comparison of the Yggy, new PS DAC, PS Audio DSD DAC against my ZDSD/PCM with some gentlemen at the MN Audio Society. It will resume the 2015 season in October. Quid pro quo ~ they get to hear my Decware, with my awesome cabling and very awesome modified Acoustic Zen Adagio's.

I owned the PS Audio DSD DAC for PCM and I don't miss it (and yes I had enough hours on it). If I missed it, I would still own one. However, I would like to hear the latest firmware, etc...of Ted's...and I will (this fall an winter as stated at MN Audio Society from others that own these DAC's and more).

I even prefer my Sony DVD as a Transport vs. much pricier spread. I went through many to find this one. Sony/still makes the best laser pickups. Believe me, my Transport pisses people off. But, you got to do your homework to find the gems!

Anyway, I'm able to swing the Stealth Indra version 8 (used for a great price) & the new Jr., because of the stuff I sold this Spring. I have to cool my Jets for awhile after this......... .

Yeah, you're probably right Lon about the Direct Stream. I look forward to hearing it again with the 1.21, Pikes Peak and what ever Ted cooks up from now until Oct/November. Plus, it has been a few years since I've been to the Pavek Museum to hear the big Movie Theater Western Electric Horn Speakers and reacquaint myself with the ASocietyofM guys.
https://sites.google.com/site/audiosocietyofminnesota/
.....looks like I'll be going September 15th - not October....sweet!

I get my Large Room fix from my Solid State Rig. However, I might move a Decware Amp down there with movable ERRx's/Mundorf gold/silver oils....they are still on my radar for sure. Lon, don't you have two pair of HR1's....want to sell me a pair?

Great Lon, please do let me know what you decide on the HR-1's or ERR's. Since it is going to cost me $180 to $250 insured to have the pair shipped to me (and possible shipping damage).......I'd be willing to spend that in gas instead and road trip with my gal Sue...and meet you somewhere in OH.

I realize this is some weeks down the road/you getting settled and deciding what to sell. Thanks in advance for considering me for a pair of your Speakers.

Lars, Eric, I'll keep you posted when the dust settles and I figure out what I'm doing equipment wise!

I didn't get as much done as I thought I would today but that's mainly because I have to carry a box up twelve steps to the deck and then across the house and up ten steps to the upstairs, one at a time, and fill bookcases that I have to haul up there too. Tiring! I'm still at it, the cargo van is not yet empty! And I'm tired and sore.

Here's a satelite pic of my new surroundings. So sylvan!

https://www.google.com/maps/place/11358+Brookside+Rd,+Chardon,+OH+44024/@41.5528...

That's my first priority! Too bad pecan trees can't handle the weather, I miss the four I had in Austin.

Back at my place having set up all the bookcases and unboxed 36 of the 62 boxes I brought out that trip into the bookcases. After a few errand like things it's time to take apart the stereo. Gulp.

TAS gives Paul and Ted top honors:
"PS Audio DirectStream DAC $6000 Sometimes it’s good to start over from scratch when designing a new component. That’s what designer Ted Smith did—he started with the idea that DSD recordings sound good and designed a DAC around that premise. Not satisfied with commercial chips, software guru Smith began with a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital blank slate. He fashioned the FPGA into a DAC that converted all incoming PCM files to DSD128 files, then decoded them with a 24dB-per-octave low-pass filter (LPF) that has far less harmful sonic impact than typical brickwall PCM filters. PS Audio’s Paul McGowan heard a prototype, loved it, and agreed to build it. VF thought it was easily the best digital sound he’d heard, but the DAC needed lots—probably 500 hours—of breakin. While the DirectStream DAC sounded fantastic with high-resolution music files, perhaps its most notable accomplishment was how it sounded with plain old Red Book sources. Even though the original product sounded superb to VF, one of the benefits of using an FPGA is that it can be reprogrammed to upgrade the sound, and through PS Audio’s website, Smith has issued several revisions to the DirectStream DAC’s firmware and operating system, each time making marked improvements. These updates are easily installed from an ordinary SDHC memory card. There’s no reason to think additional upgrades beyond the current Pikes Peak operating system won’t be forthcoming. So what started as an excellent DAC continues to get even better. And it doesn’t cost owners anything for the upgrades, if they choose to go with downloads. How’s that for customer support?"

I'll grab it and test it tonight. Assuming it loads fine for me, I can send out a memory card for you tomorrow.

~Eric~

Installed and burning in while we are out to dinner.  Looking forward to listening later tonight.

Way Cool!

I'm listening to Yale Final now as well (thanks Eric). I agree Dave, seems to have what I liked most about Pike's Peak and what I liked most about 1.21 in a seamless fit. It's fascinating what these firmware changes can bring about!

The room is so different here in the new place and I'm still perfecting speaker placement, but yes, things sound great here, now, and after a few weeks of no system, I'm so happy to have this new big room AND the time to listen more.

Yale Final continues to sound very good.

You guys are my Beta testers!  Go Yale/update!

https://sites.google.com/site/audiosocietyofminnesota/

I will be at the first meeting, Sept. 15th/joining once again, the ASM!

A half a dozen guys at ASM, have the PS (or more, and the other half-the Vega)....and I know some of them have not heard a ZMA....so, I should be able to get one or two to bring the PS over.

Putting my Auralic Vega vs. the PS, will be fun. IT's not about one is better than the other...it is about preference. Who knows, maybe I sell my Vega and get the PS DAC...with Yale and continue down that path?
However, the preamp in the Vega might be hard to beat?

Nearly two weeks in, very happy with Yale Final. Just very well-rounded, nice balance between detail and musicality. Everything sounds great. .. DVR, Blu-ray, Redbook via PWT. Forgot all about analyzing a week ago and just have settled back to listening and watching.

+1.  Yale Final is awesome.  I haven't had any urge at all to switch back to 1.21 (Pikes didn't work for me).  

I can't wait for the next update (further lowering of the noise floor).  It's my understanding that Ted already knows what he is going to do (it's just a matter of finding the time to do it).  

Happy listening amigos!