ЦАПы — PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK2

The DirectStream DAC MK2 is a fully balanced digital-to-analogue converter from PS Audio, listed by the company at USD 7,999 and offered in silver or black. Rather than relying on off-the-shelf converter chips, it runs every incoming PCM or DSD signal through a pair of FPGAs whose filters are handwritten by Ted Smith, the PS Audio digital audio specialist.

Key specs that matter

The unit has seven digital inputs. Optical TOSLink accepts PCM up to 96 kHz, while coaxial S/PDIF and single AES3 reach 192 kHz with DoP64. Using both AES3 XLR connections together raises the ceiling to 352.8 kHz with DoP64 and DoP128. The two I2S ports and the USB Type B input take PCM up to 705.6 kHz, DoP up to DoP256 and native DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256. Analogue output leaves on RCA single-ended or XLR balanced sockets, at a maximum of 2 V RMS or 4 V RMS respectively. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within plus or minus 0.25 dB, and THD+N at 1 kHz stays under 0.1%. The case measures 36 cm wide, 43 cm deep and 10 cm high and weighs 9.53 kg, while the shipping carton of 52 x 61 x 25 cm brings the total to 13.6 kg.

Engineering and use context

All inputs are galvanically isolated, as are the outputs, the power connection and the ground. The FPGAs convert each signal to a high-sample-rate 50-bit version, which is then converted again to pure DSD before the final step to analogue, making the MK2 a 100% DSD-based design. For output, high-speed class A video amplifiers feed a passive audio output transformer that provides both galvanic isolation and low-pass filtering. Because the conversion lives in programmable logic, the operating system can be replaced by software, and PS Audio supplies new versions from Ted Smith as free downloadable upgrades for owners. Power consumption is 25 W, with each unit built for 100 V, 120 V or 230 V AC at 50 or 60 Hz according to its market.

Pairing

A zero-loss digital volume and balance control is built in and is described as 100% bit-perfect, and PS Audio states that it allows the owner to remove the preamplifier from the chain and connect the converter straight to a power amplifier. The two I2S inputs connect to transports and streamers equipped with I2S outputs, and the USB port serves a computer source.

Alternatives

PS Audio also makes the StellarGold DAC, a converter from its Stellar series.