That’s a lot of “e” words.
Elk said That's a lot of "e" words.Expressions, editorials, explanations, exclamations, exaggerations It's all talk Elephant talk, elephant talk, elephant talk!
There are two processes which combine to produce the sound of the DirectStream – engineering and voicing. While the two processes are not totally separate, compared to engineering, voicing is a substantially human and subjective process. It is dependent on the system, ear and taste of the tester and has a real influence on the final sound we hear.
Paul’s notes for recent releases of the DS firmware include the following:
1.2.1 – “We prepared 40 versions of the code, each with small tweaks. Arnie and I personally went through each and every one of them and found the very best of them all. We then presented all this to our Beta testing group and gave them yet a few more choices in another area of code. After much cussin’ and discussin’ we arrived at 1.2.1. Wow.”
Pikes Peak – “As is our process, Ted generated 20 compiles of the new OS …We then ship the lot off to Arnie Nudell for evaluation… where the finishing polish is put onto the package, resulting in the final release to the public. Arnie’s task is to find the best of the compiles … to voice the final product. It’s a tedious process. But it’s worth it. The final group of three top candidates is sent to me and between Arnie I we decide which to release.”
Yale – “This is a soft launch of Yale, the new firmware that is the next step in the evolution of DirectStream DAC…. Arnie and I are still polishing and fooling around with other versions, but for the most part, we believe this will be it. Download it, compare it to Pikes, 1.2 and let us know your reactions.”
With Pikes Peak I felt the sound signature of the DS diverged from that of 1.2.1 and I wonder what influence the voicing process had on this? The PP voicing process IMO gave more influence to the auditors making the final selection, and less to the designer making the initial selections. I emphasise the voicing process – this post is expressly not making any comment on individual auditors. Voicing is an indispensable process and, by definition, is human and subjective.
It is possible however to have better or worse voicing processes, and I believe we are seeing with each FW release an evolving approach to voicing. With the soft launch of Yale there is a more inclusive and balanced form of beta testing and Paul has commented that the auditioning process is now being rerun to fix bugs and take account of feedback on this thread.
There are a number of recent posts by Paul and Ted on this topic which highlight the value they place on our debate and feedback here. I for one am thrilled to be involved, however peripherally, in the development of the Directstream. Paul, Ted and the PS Audio team are to be heartily commended for their open and inclusive approach.
What fun – where else would you find it? I never imagined this when I bought my Directstream.
L
Directstream DAC, Harbeth M30.1, Nordost BH i/c + speaker, solid state PA, USB i/c (short, mod.), Foobar(dsd), Qobuz (hi-res), JPlay, audio laptop Win 8.1/ssd/wifi, control laptop Win 8.1/RDP.
Excellent points, Lonan!
And nice work tracking down the voicing quotes. It is fun to read them back to back as you presented them.
+1. Nicely said.
Duke of Earl said We may be tempted at some point to sit back and think we've done just about all there is to do to optimize Yale. Well, there may be a big surprise down the lane for folks who like to experiment. For those who are of a mind, may I suggest you go out and get a Lyngdorf RP-1 and a BSG QOL and hook them up according to Ed Momkus' review. Then come on down to the forum and let everyone know what you think. My guess is night and day -- excuse the musical pun. In my experience, there's a lot that can be done to take advantage of Yale's amazing potential.I have the qol, but what is the RP-1, don't see it on their site.
lonan,
Once again, you’ve distilled things quite nicely. It’s like watching history being written as it happens. Cool.
I have been listening to Yale since it was available.
My first impression, was that the treble had sort of a artificial sound compared to the previous Pikes Peak. But, so many of you were posting of the greatness of the Yale firmware that I had to resolve why I had a different opinion.
I then removed a iFi usb power adapter that was between my Bryston BDP-2 and the Direct Stream and replaced it with the new Uptone Audio Regen unit. Now, after many hours of use, I change my previous stance and conclude that the music has become sooo very natural. There must have been some negative interaction with the iFi unit and the Yale firmware.
Thank you PS Audio for this great upgrade!
Ken
@rodgerdn [Post 670]
I’m interested in what Duke’s talking about too. Unfortunately, it appears the RP-1 was discontinued 11/19/2014. Scroll to the bottom of Lyngdorf’s “Products” Page. It’s listed under “Discontinued Products.”
What’s your experience with the qol? I researched a little about it. Was there an noticeable increase in SQ with the DS across all the FW platforms? I would be very interested to know your opinion/experience…
Thanks much!
Dave
As a balancing comment, in my system the DS with Yale is anything but laid back. Excellent attack and dynamics.Joe Appierto saidI like what it does with music, generally but to call it anything but laid back...
The slightly aggressive top end (that I attibute to a very lively room and respoded somewhat to room treatments) has been tamed over successive firmwares and I attribute this to better control. Now I have realistically piercing high notes when it seems appropriate without the brittle edge they sometimes used to have.
ozzymilton said I have been listening to Yale since it was available.My first impression, was that the treble had sort of a artificial sound compared to the previous Pikes Peak. But, so many of you were posting of the greatness of the Yale firmware that I had to resolve why I had a different opinion.
I then removed a iFi usb power adapter that was between my Bryston BDP-2 and the Direct Stream and replaced it with the new Uptone Audio Regen unit. Now, after many hours of use, I change my previous stance and conclude that the music has become sooo very natural. There must have been some negative interaction with the iFi unit and the Yale firmware.
Thank you PS Audio for this great upgrade!
Ken
Glad you wrote that! my regen came this morning and it is very complementary to Yale, Ted Smith mentioned it in an earlier post. I had to wait a couple of months as they are selling like hotcakes.
Good to hear, mine expected this month, do you recall what web order # yours was ?
I’ve spent a few days listening to Yale. I find it a little closed in and lifeless compared to Pikes. Uninvolving would be a fair description. Bass has become a little unfocused, the soundstage has shrunk and the higher frequencies a bit dull in comparison. I put Pikes back in yesterday and am happy again. I assume that after install the OS is operating correctly if identified on the display. I’m using a WD portable hard drive connected via USB to an Auralic Aries. DS is connected to a ARC LS26 VS55 combination. Speakers are Proac 2.5
Impressions are, I’m sure, system related. This is the first change in software that I have not found to be an improvement. The marvel of the DS is the ability to change it’s character with firmware and find the one right for you and your system. I’ll certainly try Yale again after it’s official release but in it’s present form it’s not for me.
Noticed a small problem at Yale. I have J. River MC20, connected by network cable to the DS. This metod described here http://www.audiophilia.com/wp/?p=11352. Now when I adjust the volume control on the DS, a volume bar in MC20 is not changed (before it was changed with a delay of a few seconds). Problems it does not deliver, just the oddity.
rogerdn said Good to hear, mine expected this month, do you recall what web order # yours was ?#1515
Thks, 1600 so I have more waiting I guess.
YAMAD saidSame here. I also notice that, sometimes, when I rapidly adjust the volume in large increments via the DS remote, the music will stop playing (like I lose connectivity). I assume this is a J-Remote/JRiver issue.....Noticed a small problem at Yale. I have J. River MC20, connected by network cable to the DS. This metod described here http://www.audiophilia.com/wp/?p=11352. Now when I adjust the volume control on the DS, a volume bar in MC20 is not changed (before it was changed with a delay of a few seconds). Problems it does not deliver, just the oddity.
timequest saidYAMAD saidNoticed a small problem at Yale. I have J. River MC20, connected by network cable to the DS. This metod described here http://www.audiophilia.com/wp/?p=11352. Now when I adjust the volume control on the DS, a volume bar in MC20 is not changed (before it was changed with a delay of a few seconds). Problems it does not deliver, just the oddity.
Same here. I also notice that, sometimes, when I rapidly adjust the volume in large increments via the DS remote, the music will stop playing (like I lose connectivity). I assume this is a J-Remote/JRiver issues…
That is very strange, because no bridge code changed with this beta. And it is working the same as always on mine.
Dennis
The Yale upgrade is the Goldilocks software: just right! As much detail as Pike’s Peak without the astringency or the “fingernails across blackboard” treble; as much if not more of the body in 1.2.1. Very natural, realistic and relaxing. Kudos to ted for staying with it, and to Paul for recognizing Ted’s breathtaking talents.
Neal
Dennis Kerrisk saidThat's why I think/assume it's a JRemote/JRiver issue. I have always had some intermittent 'quirks' using the JRemote/JRiver combo, even with the PWD I & II. I always use the DAC remote to control volume (not the JRiver remote)......Maybe this 'confuses' JRemote.......timequest saidThat is very strange, because no bridge code changed with this beta. And it is working the same as always on mine.YAMAD saidSame here. I also notice that, sometimes, when I rapidly adjust the volume in large increments via the DS remote, the music will stop playing (like I lose connectivity). I assume this is a J-Remote/JRiver issues.....Noticed a small problem at Yale. I have J. River MC20, connected by network cable to the DS. This metod described here http://www.audiophilia.com/wp/?p=11352. Now when I adjust the volume control on the DS, a volume bar in MC20 is not changed (before it was changed with a delay of a few seconds). Problems it does not deliver, just the oddity.
Dennis