Quick Start Guide
©2022 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference
DirectStream DAC MK2
®
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
the DirectStream High Resolution driver from our website and install it on your Windows
computer.
I
2
S is available through several manufacturers as well PS Audio equipment, such as the
PerfectWave SACD Transport. I
2
S is a parallel data connection with separate clocks and data
and transferred via an HDMI cable. I
2
S will typically provide a better performance standard
than USB or any serial data stream such as S/PDIF or AES/EBU.
You can connect one or all seven inputs at the same time. For instance, you can connect
the USB input to your computer and the coax input to your CD player. Then you can simply
choose which one to listen to from the front panel (or the remote) that selects the input. If
you are using USB, make sure both the computer and DirectStream MK2 are connected and
powered up. USB also requires a driver to operate properly. Mac computers running OSX have
the driver built in. Windows based computers require the PS Audio High Resolution USB driver
to be installed. Download the driver from our website https://www.psaudio.com/downloads/;
DirectStream MK2 will show up under Device Manager as PS Audio High Resolution USB.
DirectStream MK2 features an auto select input. Using the front panel menu system (or the
remote), choose either the specific input you wish or the Auto Select feature. When in the Auto
Select mode, DirectStream MK2 will automaticaly select the active input.
DirectStream MK2 is designed to drive a power amplifier directly or as another input on a
preamplifier. The outputs of DirectStream MK2 are high-performance, high current outputs
that can drive long lengths of interconnect cable without degradation.
DirectStream MK2 has two types of analog outputs, balanced XLR or single ended RCA.
We
do not recommend using both outputs at the same time.
Be aware that most amplifiers and
preamplifiers will produce 6dB higher level with the balanced outputs relative to the single
ended outputs. If you are using both outputs be advised they will be at different levels. Our
preference for connection to a power amplifier or preamplifier is through the balanced XLR
outputs of DirectStream MK2.
RCA or single ended outputs will be the typical outputs as many preamplifiers, surround
processors receivers, integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers have only this standard type
of input.
Plug either the RCA or the XLR outputs of DirectStream MK2 into a line level input on the
preamp, integrated, amplifier or subwoofer. Do NOT plug the output of DirectStream MK2 into
a phono or equalized input of any type.
Turn the AC power switch in the rear of DirectStream MK2 to the ON position. The power
switch is located just above the AC inlet.
USB
I
2
S Input
Connecting the
Output
3
Auto Select
Control and
Operation
