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For Sale: PS Audio DirectStream DAC (MkI), in silver, from the original owner. This is the DAC that reset the conversation on what solid-state digital-to-analog conversion could sound like — Ted Smith's custom FPGA-based, ladder-less DSD conversion architecture, upsampling everything to DSD in the digital domain before conversion. The result is an analog, non-fatiguing, deeply musical presentation that still holds up against far more expensive modern DACs. Retail MSRP as configured was $6795 in 2020.Included:PS Audio DirectStream DAC MkI, silver faceplatePS Audio Bridge II network card installed: Roon Ready, network streaming via UPnP/DLNACurrently running the latest "Sunlight" firmwareOriginal remote controlHeavy duty 14 AWG power cordOriginal double-box packaging, manual, decals, gloves and all included accessoriesCondition & History: Purchased new by me and in my system since day one — never sold, traded, or repaired. Smoke-free, pet-free home. No cosmetic damage; faceplate and chassis are clean. Fully functional, all inputs and the Bridge II tested and working.Why I'm selling: Switched to a Mola Mola Tambaqui for a change of pace. Why this DAC: The DirectStream remains one of the most respected DACs in high-end audio for a reason — it does away with off-the-shelf DAC chips entirely in favor of a custom updatable FPGA design. Paired with the Bridge II, it's a complete, high-resolution network streaming DAC ready to drop into any system.Original packaging included for safe shipping or easy resale down the road. Serious inquiries only — happy to answer questions, provide additional photos, or discuss local pickup if you're nearby.
This US$1,395 asking price is a strong bargain, sitting well below the 25th percentile of US$3,385 from your database, and far under the US$5,375 median for the original PS Audio DirectStream DAC. While the MK2 replacement now asks US$7,999 new, this first-gen model remains a top-tier FPGA DAC that delivers exceptional musicality and handles every modern format without need for external streaming.
The upside here is timing: you’re getting a revered, FPGA-based DAC with true balanced outputs, six digital inputs including I²S, and built-in Bridge II networking for a fraction of its original US$5,999–US$6,899 price. At this price, it’s a clean buying opportunity for anyone who values sound quality over chasing the latest revision, especially if it includes original accessories and shows no signs of the power supply or FPGA aging issues that occasionally surface in older PS units.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
PS Audio, a pioneering American hi-fi brand, traces its roots to 1973 when co-founder Paul McGowan launched the company in California alongside Stan Warren. Emerging from the analog golden age, it debuted with a standalone phono preamplifier, reflecting McGowan's early passion for vinyl playback honed through radio station connections and encounters with audio enthusiasts. The brand quickly evolved, embracing digital audio in the 1980s by releasing one of the first high-end CD players, the PS Audio CD-1, soon after Philips and Sony introduced the format.
Today, PS Audio specializes in premium electronics, including power amplifiers, preamplifiers, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and integrated amplifiers, with a hallmark focus on power conditioning via innovative AC regenerators known as Power Plants. These devices, born from Stan Warren's mid-1980s discovery that oversized transformers enhance audio performance, remain a cornerstone. The lineup also encompasses digital lenses for refining streaming and disc playback, alongside select analog components, though it eschews speakers, headphones, turntables, or cables.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, PS Audio commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its bold engineering and unwavering pursuit of musical purity. Celebrating 50 years in 2023, it occupies a niche as an innovator rather than a mass-market player, appealing to buyers who prioritize transformative power delivery and digital refinement in sophisticated systems.
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