Curious if anyone has compared the Directstream DAC vs a Bryston BDA3.14, Denafrips Terminator, etc?
Somebody around here will chime in ā¦
In the process of trading in a Bryston BDA3 DAC for the Directstream DAC. Was using Ayre DX-5 audio out only via HDMI (Audioquest Diamond) to BDA3 which was a big improvement over stock DX-5. Also purchasing Perfectwave Transport & will use i2s. Hopefully all will be acquired by the end of September.
When your Direct Stream DAC arrives ā¦please give us a comparison
of sq between themā¦
That would be valuableā¦thanks
Best wishes
I compared a Terminator MK1 to my DSD with Windom.
I used I2S from my DMP ( it was a while ago) to Terminator.
I remember feeling that the Terminator had more detail but the DSD sounded more analog and pleasing.
I like that the DSD is built in the US of mostly US parts.
I saw no reason to give up free, periodic gifts from Ted, now, especially Sunlight.
I liked the look and feel of the Terminator better.
Everything in that chain has since been upgraded by the mfr; Sunlight, PST, Terminator 2, so reading this was probably a waste of your time. 
Not really, unless the changes in equipment and/or software you mention have been revolutionary rather than evolutionary. If itās the former then some conclusions could be drawn. If the later then you can ignore this, too.
Edit: I had that backwards. Typical ā I confused even myself.
Will do!
Ordered today, could be here Sunday.
Conratulationsā¦looking forward to hearing your comparisonā¦
Best wishes
I ordered the Bryston and it arrived three days ago, after 2 1/2 months. The chips shortage, Covid work restrictions in Canada, and shipping delays really held up everything. Itās got 48 hours on it. I was choosing between the BDA-3 and the Directstream. Could easily live with either. Chose the Bryston since I have multiple video components that connect via HDMI. The price differential allowed me to invest in upgraded Shunyata power cord, Transparent Gen 6 XLR interconnect and HRS vibration control. I use the web browser interface and my wireless mouse to remotely switch inputs. Needs 100 hours before critical listening, but the bass is starting to awake.
Received today, PS A Dac & Transport. Using an AQ (.6m) HDMI diamond connection for I2S connās. Same HDMI cable fed Bryston BDA3 from Ayre DX-5 or OPPO 203 from HDMI audio only outputs. PS is definitely better right out of the box (more detail/smoother/soundstage). The Bryston (performance/price) is damn good for making A/V transports with audio out HMDI connās (SACD/CD) only.
Hey whizzoā¦
Thanks for your āearly reportā sans burn inā¦
As burn in time accumulatesā¦please send in your
progress impressionsā¦and as well vs a vs the Bryston in
2ch modeā¦
Btw which Bryston dac model is yours?
Comgratulations whizzo!!
Best wishes
Bryston BDA3 is packed and ready to go to PS Audio (trade-in). Bryston needed a better transport to feed it. I thought HDMI was the the way to go, but I didnāt have any quality XLR,RCA or BNC digital cables. The Bryston was definitely a great upgrade to the Ayre & OPPO, but readily got beat out by the PS Audio DUO in all aspects.