The volume control on my ZMA is significantly better than the volume control on the DirectStream DAC.  Decreasing volume on the ZMA preserves transparency, while the DAC adds multiple veils over the music.  I suppose I was slightly surprised by this but maybe I shouldn’t be.  

For reference, I typically leave the DAC at 100% volume and control volume on the amp.  But with TIDAL sounding excellent through my system and all that music/control in the palm of my hand (see post on Bridge II), I figured I would try the lazy approach.

Most don’t have the benefit of volume control on the amp, like we Decware folks do, and I doubt most can run the DAC at 100% volume into their amps directly (unless they don’t care about their hearing).  This may be part of the reason the PS Audio folks like the DS better with a pre-amp.  I think they are still using the Aesthetic Calypso until the BHK pre-amp is ready.  

Anyway.  I’ll still be getting a little exercise until I can get my hands on Steve’s new pre-amp ; )

Preamp is most essential.

Decreasing volume on the ZMA preserves transparency = correct.

I am so tapped in to the gain structures of my CSP3 with ZMA...I'm set.
However, I never say never, ....might send my ZMA to Decware, for XLR inputs and get the ZTPRE.






Listening Room:

Oppo PM-1 (32 ohm)   &   Sennheiser HD 600 (300 ohm)

Room Treatments from Michael Green & Home Brew

Sony as Transport (DVP-NS57P)/Sandwich weighted for Isolation

Illuminati D-60 Digital Coax IC

Shunyata Research Ztron Alpha Digital Power Cord to ZDSD!

Decware ZDSD DAC / Recorder
***************************************************************
W/Steve's Output Transformer's/kicking to the curb quite a few superb DAC'S!
***************************************************************
(@ -20 Ref Level, 0.0 Input volume and @ 16/192)

WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030

Decware CSP3 w/Jupiter Caps
(NOS/Platinum/Telefunken 6922/E88CC for Input Tube~NOS Platinum Ediswan Cryogenic 6922's for Output Tubes & 5U4G-C Rectifier)
****************************************************
10 of 10 for Input tube & *9* of 10 voltage for Output tubes
Volume adjustment usage at 25% to 55% from 0
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WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030

Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier
~BIASED at *60* mA~
(NOS/Platinum/Ediswan's CV2492/6922 in my A12 an B12 positions~6N23P-EV's for Inverter Tubes~JAN Sylvania 0A3's & Tung-Sol KT66's)
ZMA adjusted at 25% to 35% from 0

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Kimber Select KS6063 Speaker Cable 8ft WBT-0681-Ag Spades
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Acoustic Zen Adagio - Black Pearl (Modified)




Acoustic Zen Adagio's x-over's Modified/Full Range with Mundorf MCap Supremes-single Cap to each Tweeter/4.5k cross
(Gutted: 3kHz/18dB/Octave, Linkwitz/Riley Crossovers....with all crappy parts = gone)


XLO Pro Power Cords to CSP3 an ZMA
PS Audio P3 Power Plant / Pangea AC-9SE from wall to P3
(Transport, ZDSD an CSP3, Regenerated/*122*~ Multiwave off...ZMA on High Current Output)
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PS: NOS/Platinum/Ediswan's CV2492/6922 /Inputs = ZMA are breathtaking.............. .

*Also: Cryoset 6N23N-EB's, rotated in and out of Inputs/ZMA*

NOS/Platinum/Telefunken 6922/E88CC for Input Tube/CSP3 ~ not taken for granted neither......... .

NOS/Platinum/Ediswan's CV2492/6922 /PRE Outputs of CSP3, running  into ZMA Inputs with Ediswan's = revelatory!

Maddog...thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Aesthetix Calypso and starting the new Decware preamp thread.  I have always run my DAC direct and would like to hear what a great preamp sounds like in my system.  I have only heard Aesthetix gear at shows, so I don’t really have a good point of reference.  I am looking forward to hearing the ZPRE and your thoughts on SQ comparison vs. the Calypso.  

Lon..I made the volume observation while using the Bridge II the other day.  The system sounded flat/lifeless and I realized the volume had been turned down on the DAC.  Back up to 100% on the DAC, then down on the amp and it’s crystal clear.  I’m not sure if this is something directly related to the Bridge input.  I don’t remember this with the PWT, but I typically don’t adjust volume on the DAC.  It usually stays at 100% and I control via the ZMA.  I will check on a few more things and report back.

Dump the PS Audio stuff while you can maybe get 25 cents on the dollar for it.....over the next few months. Keep the Powerplant if you got one.

+1  I'm keeping my PS Audio gear. I have bought and sold a lot of gear over the years but my DS DAC and my ZMA are keepers for life.

Their are 11 of them for sale on AudiogoN.

One for $3200 with Yale and another sealed in box for $3499. They need to get down to $1800. .....then worth having maybe in a 2nd System....and a whirl again at my main Rig.... .