Quick Start Guide
©2014 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference
DirectStream DAC
15-061-01-1
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
Rev A
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
Quick Start Guide
I
2
S is available through several manufacturers as well PS Audio equipment such as the
PerfectWave Transport and the NuWave Phono A/D Converter. 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 slightly better performance standard than 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 touch screen or the remote. If
you are using USB, make sure both the computer and DirectStream 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 driver to
be installed. Download the driver from our website; it is the same driver used in the PWD.
DirectStream will show up under Device Manager as PS Audio PerfectWave DSD, under a
heading PS Audio USB 2.0 Audio Devices.
CONNECTING DIRECTSTREAM'S OUTPUT
DirectStream is designed to drive a power amplifi er directly, or as another input on a
preamplifi er. The outputs of DirectStream are high-performance, high current outputs that
can drive long lengths of interconnect cable without degradation.
DirectStream 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 amplifi ers
and preamplifi ers 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 amplifi er or preamplifi er is through the
balanced XLR outputs of DirectStream.
If DirectStream has a gain mismatch with your power amplifi er, you can use the balanced
outputs and achieve 6dB more gain or choose the single ended RCA outputs for lower
gain. DirectStream also has two output levels available to users. Go to the setup menu on
the front panel touch screen to select the best output level.
RCA or single ended inputs will be the typical inputs as many preamplifi ers, surround
processors receivers, integrated amplifi ers and power amplifi ers have only this standard
type of input.
Plug either the RCA or the XLR outputs of DirectStream into a line level input on the
preamp, integrated, amplifi er or subwoofer. Do NOT plug the output of DirectStream into a
USB
I2S Input
Connecting the
Output
If There's a Gain
Mismatch
3
