Alekz saidI agree. This seems to be an example of reviewspeak where the reviewer is trying not to say something negative, IMO. Sort of like "neutral is okay... if that's what you want".Extremely vaguely formulated:
…
If I understand correctly, it can be reworded to “the Luxman sounds more meaty and analog and the Auralic more colourful, but it’s up to you to decide what you like more”
By comparison read those other two reviews and see how it clarifies the inferences drawn from the DS review.
I read it over too… I think it’s well written but I’m left wondering how much actual burn in or play time on the unit? From looking over his equipment list I’m guessing he used the Kimber interconnects looks like the hybrid silver copper ones, not sure if that a good choice, and I don’t know if he tried a different than stock power cord… I’m also surprised that he apparently has no power line conditioning, he lists a Wiremold power strip?! Nothing about dedicated AC lines… I’d think that ANY reviewer should at the very least have a good infrastructure for their gear… dedicated AC lines should be a minimum.
His DS review was definitely muted compared to his practically gushing review of the VEGA. In the forum section of his review he stated that the DS was burning in for ‘weeks’…
I think in the end that there’s no audio product that can be everything to everybody…
And I will say that it took me awhile to warm up to the DS, it’s really quite different than the PWD…
Yes, some like Rioja, some Bordeaux. Regardless the price 
I’ll take a nice Pauillac please 
Another reply from ML, after being asked:
“the MSB Analog DAC. They would be in the same price range if one took the basic version of the MSB.”
“…but from memory, the Analog DAC seems more akin to the Luxman in that it has a richer more analog-like (sorry but it’s the easiest way to put it) midrange as compared to the DirectStream. I also recall being very impressed with the 3D quality of the presentation with the Analog DAC, a quality which did not stand out as much with the DirectStream.”
Glad I waited before ordering a DS.
It appears as you should get both of them on approval and draw your own conclusion.
Of course, if you are comfortable relying on this one reviewer and these particular comments buying on this basis alone is also an option. It is a highly competitive market. There is a great deal of good equipment out there.
Elk said It appears as you should get both of them on approval and draw your own conclusion.Of course, if you are comfortable relying on this one reviewer and these particular comments buying on this basis alone is also an option. It is a highly competitive market. There is a great deal of good equipment out there.
I’ve heard the MSB and agree with ML, and prefer my current DAC.
So, for me, there’s no longer any need/desire to pay full retail and spend 400 hours of burn-in to try a DS.
Dan, what do you have now?
Hi Paul,
I was the first one in Japan to order the DS, and was supposed to get mine the end of June.
Today, my dealer got word from the distributor that the DS was “delayed”, and they had “no idea” when it will be available.
I was wondering if you could let me know, here or in a PM, when the DS will be (or was?) shipped to Japan for delivery?
Thanks.
As we all read reviews I have come to understand them for what they are far better over time. In the past I too have purchased equipment based on reviews. I have owned in the past 3 years or so no less than 11 dacs that I bought and sold almost all of them. There is ultimately only one reviewer I need ME . one way to understand the reviewer is to read what music they are using. If you know the music. If they use subpar SQ type music hiow can that review be good. Although there can be some parts used overall the SQ must be high to show the high points of the device being reviewed . Next read there other reviews we all,have read reviewes and questioned what they were thinking . So read the reviewers other reviews a pattern will emerge . Some will say it’s the best they ever heard or the best in the world . Or praise the color of the lights in the display . None of this matters. For me direct comparisons of equipment is not very helpful. First off If I do not know the device being used as a comparison what can this do. The only way it can help is of it’s devices much higher in price. As if costing more there should be some valid reason behind it. But this too is untrue so for me end unless you have heard or own the equipment it’s just no help. Regarding the analog dac. As it it has the MSB house sound it’s no better than the DS . In fact it’s a dead end product as there is no upgrade path. Witha DS there has been in atleast two ways. First is firmware and second device upgrade . Very few companies offer this . Lastly a forum like this to discuss how it sounds to all of us in our systems is far more important then one person and there view .
Of all,the dacs I have owned or heard for a period of time not just a showroom the DS is Very good and above almost all,of them.
regarding full retail there are other paths to obtain the device at less than full,retail but then you will have to sell it. However if you take the time to own it or have it for a period of time this persons view is you will keep,it.
Al
{slightly edited for clarity… now that I’ve had some coffee.}
I remember learning something from a great teacher when he said, “Never surrender your authority over yourself.” I think it applies here.
We generally live in a state of ‘reality by consensus’, which causes us to check in with each other to see if others agree with our point of view, our particular experience. If someone’s opinion winds up outside the mean on either side, we’re prone to think they’re either crazy, or genius, but that opinion is no longer considered part of the ‘mainstream’.
Reviews – and reviewers – serve a purpose: To inform us of the particulars of a product, either empirically or relative to other, more familiar products. At the same time that we enthusiastically read these reviews for pertinent information, we also read carefully to see if the reviewer tacitly agrees with our own opinion. If they do, we’re satisfied because it bolsters our experience (consensus.) If they don’t, we tend to find ways to denigrate their opinion because it doesn’t quite align with ours.
Yet, anyone in this hobby will readily acknowledge that listening preferences are utterly subjective. Adding to that subjectivity are the particular vagaries of other equipment, cables, power supply, room treatments, mood at the time, choice of booze, etc., etc., etc.
I feel that the only way to evaluate something such as the DS is to bloddy well get one, put it in your system, and listen for 30 days. Nothing else will substitute for your own direct experience. PS Audio provides this opportunity, something I’m sure we’re all grateful for having.
Reviews are interesting and informative. We often suggest to “take them with a grain of salt.” But to base one’s decision solely on the opinion of others, without direct experience, is to surrender your own authority in the matter. Not the best choice one can make, methinks.
Now… if only I had one in-house, I could make my own decision on the DS! 
Rob
Neat… I didn’t see Al’s post before mine went up…
It’s ok. Your post everyone will understand unlike mine.
And how did you get the super powers to decrypt my post anyway
hahahaha
al
wim said Hi Paul,I was the first one in Japan to order the DS, and was supposed to get mine the end of June.
Today, my dealer got word from the distributor that the DS was “delayed”, and they had “no idea” when it will be available.
I was wondering if you could let me know, here or in a PM, when the DS will be (or was?) shipped to Japan for delivery?
Thanks.
Rob H. saidNicely said. "Reality by consensus". I'm normal if the society thinks I'm normal. And the difference between "normal" and "abnormal" (or even illegal!) is 10cm (think of the fence between a nude beach and the rest of the world) Or in terms of the modern society - just one mouse clickWe generally live in a state of ‘reality by consensus’, which causes us to check in with each other to see if others agree with our point of view, our particular experience. If one winds up outside the mean on either side, we’re prone to think we’re either crazy, or genius, but our opinion is no longer considered part of the ‘mainstream’.
alrainbow said It's ok. Your post everyone will understand unlike mine.And how did you get the super powers to decrypt my post anyway
hahahaha
al
I don’t know, Al. I just edited my post because, in reading it later, it needed more clarity. Then again, I’m picky that way.
As for supposed super powers, I just blur my vision and read every third word. It seems to work well. 
Alekz – Glad you liked the phrase. I can reduce that 10cm or mouse click to something even more ethereal: The difference between “normal” and “abnormal” can be the difference between ‘thinking it’ and ‘doing it.’ That said, the 10cm fence on the beach is bizarre… the “abnormal” ones are on the clothed side with binoculars, if you ask me, but that’s just my opinion. 
thanks for finding humer in my post,s .
my nick name is abby normal so how did you guys know that ???
Stereo guy i got the 7
al