lonson
I sent you a pm
Thanks. Hopefully my response went through. I don’t think that’s going to be practical for three or four days.
That usually happens when the upgrade firmware hasn’t yet been installed. The firmware that takes it from a PWD to a DirectStream. I haven’t gone back over this entire thread so forgive me if this has already been asked.
I downloaded the update file, unzipped it, added it to the card that shipped with the DirectStream and rebooted the unit and all I got was the flashing light forever. I turned it off. I’ve emailed PS Audio again about this, I should have a card from PS Audio on the way that I would hope is properly formatted etc. and will do the trick. I’ve been waiting several weeks for the card, it was mailed twice to the wrong address, my former address in Texas. I have limited time to mess with this as I am taking care of two parents with dementia and physical ailments and spend very little time at my own home where the DirectStream is. This is a very frustrating experience.
You can’t actually download the files, they are not posted on the website, unless someone emailed it to you. I still suspect this is the problem. Sorry about sending stuff to your old address, the system probably hasn’t been updated properly with your new address.
There are two options I can think of. Email me personally with the correct address and I’ll overnight one to you.
Or, call Alex and get an RMA and send it in and we’ll get the correct firmware in for you.
I am certain the hardware is just fine.
I used the link you provided in the first post here.
I’m very inept with this sort of thing and had I known this was going to be something ongoing I might not have upgraded from the PWD Mk II but I have and I’m very happy with the sound, I’ll probably just stand pat with this firmware if I can get it going again.
I had provided my current address, it’s just a mix up these things happen, I’m not going to be the one throwing the first stone. I have been emailing Mayoura and I’m sure she’ll get me fixed up with a card. Thanks for the attention, this will be straightened out if my life were more normal (I. E. not working 60 hours plus a week for no pay at my parents’) this would be not a real problem.
We all empathize and understand how frustrating these issues can be; it is minor in the overall scheme of things, but exhausting when one has little energy to face it. Plus, when you get a chance to listen to music and rejuvenate, you are met with frustration.
I can only imagine the toll of being a more than full-time caregiver.
I hope you get the issue solved quickly and you can go back to enjoying your system.
Thanks. Honestly I’m not a complainer, just having a very trying time and as you say my time to rejuvenate is compromised. And I’m not interested in computers nor in mixing computers and audio, so this is all territory I don’t want to travel in. All will be well soon when the DirectStream is back up and running.
I finally got the card in the mail, I was told it was going out UPS with tracking, but it came via USPS. Well I stuck the card in just as I should, rebooted. . . . Card did not help, no update, just the light flashing over and over and over, DirectStream is not operable.
Very frustrating. At this point I almost wish I had not upgraded from the PWD MK II. . . .
The card has to go in upside down. That is the pins face up. If you have done that check what is on the card.
When it works your wish not have done the upgrade will vanish entirely
John
Um, I’ve been futzing with this for days, I’ve inserted the card properly, and I would assume that PS Audio would send me a loaded card. That said when I get back from caring for my parents this evening I’ll check the card.
Looks as if I’m probably going to have to send this back. Sigh. That’s the way my life goes. I could live with seven years of bad luck, but my luck turned bad nine years ago when my late wife was first diagnosed. . . . “Things got to get better in a little while.”
Anyway, I’ve emailed Mayoura, Alex and filled out a form on the support page. Now back to hurry up and waiting.
You don’t have to send the card back. Just go to this link and download the firmware. The firmware you want is the last file at the bottom of the page (file 1.2.1)
http://www.psaudio.com/support/downloads/
Unzip the files. Delete what is on the disk or reformat the disk. Copy the files to the root and not a folder on the disc and then insert the disc pins up. The result should be wonderful.
John
John, I have done all that. All that. All I get is a flashing light. Thanks for the help but. . . it’s beyond that. I’m waiting to hear from PS Audio again.
Hi Ionson,
I have now read the rest of the thread and realise that it is probably a bit more than just my simple explanation. I thought that it was just like the first time that I tried to update the firmware on my DAC II and I put the disc in with the pins down and nothing happened. How long does it flash for? Also you could try another disc with a different version of the firmware than what is on the DS at the moment
I can understand the frustration.
john
Hey John I have tried several cards. It will flash and flash. … I’ve had it flashing for as long as an hour before turning it off. I just received some files from an owner on another forum that Alex sent him to correct his problem, and I’ll try these this morning. Thanks for your suggestions.
Well, those files haven’t helped. Darn.
I’ve heard from Paul (thanks). I’m sending this back.
Well, three weeks later, my DirectStream is back with the right firmware, and working.
As it’s been three weeks since it was operating, I can’t definitively say to what extent the firmware improves the unit, but from audio memory it’s not drastically changed imo. I also really enjoyed my seasoned PWD Mk 2 when used in the meantime, that is a very satisfying DAC, and the additional gain is really missed with the DirectStream. Now, no more firmware changes for a LONG while, okay? 
Excellent news. It has been a long process for you.
How do you miss the voltage output of the PWD? Are you running directly into an amp and no longer able to peel paint off of the walls?
I’m running directly into an amp that has an adjustable gain stage. It’s nice to have lots of juice to pump in and “ride the gain” between the two controls.
That said I generally leave the DS at 100 and adjust the gain on the amp and get great sound, plenty of volume, on all my sources except my DVR. My DVR I can get just over more than enough volume on the “Narrow” setting in the audio range settings, but I much prefer to listen to the “Normal” setting in this range. With the “Normal” setting I don’t get enough volume for most channels. Not a problem at all with the PWD Mk 1 or 2, and wish the DirectStream matched that gain. I have a great tube preamp that matches up excellently with my amp (both are Decware) but. . . I prefer the DirectStream directly into the amp, and this allows me to use my one best interconnect as well, my VooDoo Cable Stradivarius, between DirectStream and amp. I have three VooDoo Cable Ultralinear cables for two sources and the preamp, but the Stradivarius is just a tad better. So I run the DirectStream into the amp and I use the “Narrow” setting on the DVR and try not to remember it sounds a bit better with the “Normal” setting.