DirectStream Mk1

About the DirectStream Mk1

The PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream DAC MK1 is a revolutionary FPGA-based digital-to-analog converter designed by Ted Smith. It converts all incoming PCM and DSD audio to a high-rate single-bit DSD format (upsampled to 28.224MHz internally, then to double-speed DSD at 5.6MHz) using custom handwritten filters, processors, and samplers, bypassing traditional off-the-shelf IC DAC chips. This approach delivers organic, smooth, non-fatiguing sound with holographic soundstaging, exceptional detail retrieval, and immunity to source jitter. It features bit-perfect digital volume control for direct connection to power amps, a color touchscreen, and free firmware updates (e.g., Snowmass, Sunlight, Pikes Peak) that continually improve performance. Inputs include 7x digital: I²S (2), coaxial, XLR balanced, TosLink, USB, and optional Network Bridge slot for MQA/Tidal. Outputs are fully balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA with transformer-coupled galvanic isolation and low-pass filtering. Housed in a premium steel/aluminum chassis, it remains competitive years after its 2014 release due to upgradability. Now discontinued and available refurbished or used.