# \#dac **URL:** https://forum.psaudio.com/tag/dac/3.md [Latest](https://forum.psaudio.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.psaudio.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.psaudio.com/tags.md) --- ## [Theoretica Applied Physics BACCH](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/theoretica-applied-physics-bacch/32036)
**Author:** [@vkennedy61](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vkennedy61)\ **Replies:** 2951\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 7:09am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/theoretica-applied-physics-bacch/32036 "2026-09-24T07:09:24Z")
I thought we could use a place to discuss the Theoretica Applied Physics BACCH products. --- ## [PMG DAC 512: Streamer won‘t boot](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-dac-512-streamer-won-t-boot/44753)
**Author:** [@Roeschel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Roeschel)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 6:41pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-dac-512-streamer-won-t-boot/44753 "2026-09-22T18:41:42Z")
I’ve borrowed a PMG DAC 512. The streamer worked brilliantly, but unfortunately only for an hour. After that, it somehow froze and hasn’t booted up since. Switching everything off and restarting the DAC didn’t help, and … --- ## [DSD MK2 Latest Mountaintop update! - Mount Blue Sky!](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/dsd-mk2-latest-mountaintop-update-mount-blue-sky/40152)
**Author:** [@aaronm](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/aaronm)\ **Replies:** 430\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2026, 3:05am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/dsd-mk2-latest-mountaintop-update-mount-blue-sky/40152 "2026-09-20T03:05:11Z")
Hey all! We just launched our latest update for the DSDMK2. Mount Blue Sky! You can download the update here: https://www.psaudio.com/pages/downloads Or purchase the pre loaded USB Stick here: https://www.psaudio.c… --- ## [How many have since swapped their MKIIs to a PMG Signature 512 DAC? What are your impressions?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/how-many-have-since-swapped-their-mkiis-to-a-pmg-signature-512-dac-what-are-your-impressions/44542)
**Author:** [@wudai\_e](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/wudai_e)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2026, 1:26pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/how-many-have-since-swapped-their-mkiis-to-a-pmg-signature-512-dac-what-are-your-impressions/44542 "2026-07-28T13:26:57Z")
I’m out of the gear loop for a while, and honestly, can’t find any direct comparisons by a simple search here. So folks, since the 512 are out for a while, how many of you MK2 owners have since made and switch? Happy? … --- ## [PerfectWave DirectStream MK2 DAC W/ Shanling ET3 transport](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/perfectwave-directstream-mk2-dac-w-shanling-et3-transport/44307)
**Author:** [@nespo](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/nespo)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2026, 7:14pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/perfectwave-directstream-mk2-dac-w-shanling-et3-transport/44307 "2026-06-12T19:14:34Z")
I just picked up the Shanling ET3 Digital Transport. Great little unit, even though the price seems to have increased since its initial release. I have this unit connected to my PerfectWave DirectStream MK2 DAC using i2… --- ## [Noise in both channels of Digital Link III](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/noise-in-both-channels-of-digital-link-iii/44082)
**Author:** [@Solo](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Solo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2026, 11:47am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/noise-in-both-channels-of-digital-link-iii/44082 "2026-05-04T11:47:49Z")
Just acquired a used Digital Link III today and installed it in my system. It works well, but I am hearing intermittent noise in both channels when there’s no audio from the source. The noise sounds like what you would… --- ## [Hiss with Directstream mkii and certain tube amps](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/hiss-with-directstream-mkii-and-certain-tube-amps/44012)
**Author:** [@winterludes](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/winterludes)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2026, 2:16am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/hiss-with-directstream-mkii-and-certain-tube-amps/44012 "2026-04-22T02:16:11Z")
I’m getting a hiss with my Directstream DAC and certain tube amps. It sounds like white noise, very steady, a bit lower pitch than whtie noise. The strangest thing is that the noise is not there with no music playing, i… --- ## [Direct Stream Mk1 DAC Faulty](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/direct-stream-mk1-dac-faulty/43934)
**Author:** [@Searle54](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Searle54)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2026, 9:50pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/direct-stream-mk1-dac-faulty/43934 "2026-04-02T21:50:47Z")
Hi, I have a Direct Stream Mk1 DAC. Yesterday there was a brief power outage and now the DAC is not working. It can be switched on and it initialises correctly and shows the correct screen. However, it does not respon… --- ## [PS DSJ - No Link Lights](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-dsj-no-link-lights/42549)
**Author:** [@Csells5](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Csells5)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2026, 12:27am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-dsj-no-link-lights/42549 "2026-03-25T00:27:32Z")
Up until yesterday my DSJ worked great no issues. Turned it on and wouldn’t connect. Not visible in MConnect. I have read a bunch of posts and thanks again to the user how posted to try searching 0.0.0.0. So my issue is… --- ## [Connecting PC (with Jriver MC 27) via HDMI I2S to stellar gain cell dac](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/connecting-pc-with-jriver-mc-27-via-hdmi-i2s-to-stellar-gain-cell-dac/24553)
**Author:** [@SGB10](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/SGB10)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2026, 11:40pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/connecting-pc-with-jriver-mc-27-via-hdmi-i2s-to-stellar-gain-cell-dac/24553 "2026-03-19T23:40:19Z")
Hi friends, Stephan from Germany here. Please excuse me, for any kind of mistakes caused by my poor abilities in English :wink: My Question: What do I need to connect and use the Stellar Gain Cell Dac with my PC (Win 1… --- ## [StellarGold DAC and Red light-no I2s data but sound](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/stellargold-dac-and-red-light-no-i2s-data-but-sound/43558)
**Author:** [@Karl1](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Karl1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2026, 10:12pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/stellargold-dac-and-red-light-no-i2s-data-but-sound/43558 "2026-01-22T22:12:40Z")
Well for me it has ended. No I did not sell my wonderful StellarGlold. I did buy a Laiv Audio Micro DAC. It sounds great. They also sell a DDC. The Micro DDC. Note for full name add the word Harmony in front of the two a… --- ## [I2S over HDMI custom cable?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/i2s-over-hdmi-custom-cable/38335)
**Author:** [@Julio](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Julio)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/i2s-over-hdmi-custom-cable/38335 "2026-01-22T02:04:39Z")
I decided to buy back an Eversolo DMP-A8 and I love it. But… my Stellar Gold DAC I2S receiver has inverted pins 1 and 3. and also, 7 and 9. Resulting in swapping my channels. No big deal, I have two options: swapping inp… --- ## [PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC balance issue](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-stellar-gain-cell-dac-balance-issue/43519)
**Author:** [@lushijin](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/lushijin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 5:49pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-stellar-gain-cell-dac-balance-issue/43519 "2026-01-18T17:49:25Z")
Hello everyone, I have issue with Stellar GainCell DAC. When using any digital input, sound it moved to left channel so I need to set BALANCE +10 RIGHT. Using analog inputs, BALANCE=0 is correct. Does it make sense? … --- ## [Full PS Audio System?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/full-ps-audio-system/43486)
**Author:** [@Clover](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Clover)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2026, 1:54am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/full-ps-audio-system/43486 "2026-01-16T01:54:54Z")
Been watching Paul’s videos on and off for year’s but have never owned any PS Audio gear or even been to a show to hear any of it yet. However, I’ve been interested the BHK line and I now have a chance to acquire a comp… --- ## [Need to Verify DirectStream DAC MK1 Sunlight Firmware Files](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/need-to-verify-directstream-dac-mk1-sunlight-firmware-files/43195)
**Author:** [@EdmPSFan](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/EdmPSFan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2025, 10:04pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/need-to-verify-directstream-dac-mk1-sunlight-firmware-files/43195 "2025-12-16T22:04:31Z")
Hi everyone, I’m hoping another DirectStream DAC Mk I owner can help confirm something for me. I own a DirectStream DAC Mk I and I’ve been trying to install the Sunlight firmware from my current Windom, but I’ve run in… --- ## [New (Old) PS Audio DSSr./Perfectwave Review](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/new-old-ps-audio-dssr-perfectwave-review/43228)
**Author:** [@rajugsw](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rajugsw)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2025, 10:20pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/new-old-ps-audio-dssr-perfectwave-review/43228 "2025-12-03T22:20:36Z")
A review on Audiofilia y + on the aging MK1 DAC and Transport popped up on my feed. I like his channel’s content. The Takeaway : After almost 12 years, it can still smoke most of it’s competitors in the sub $5k DAC mark… --- ## [Ground Lift & Shell Lift - Experience with DS MKII?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ground-lift-shell-lift-experience-with-ds-mkii/31945)
**Author:** [@alexreusch](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/alexreusch)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2025, 3:17am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ground-lift-shell-lift-experience-with-ds-mkii/31945 "2025-11-22T03:17:30Z")
I am playing around with the available Ground Lift and Shell Lift settings. Rigth now, everything is set to “lifted”. It will require some extra listening hours, but I was just wondering (pure curiosity) what is your gen… --- ## [Help setting up a system to play DSD512 music](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/help-setting-up-a-system-to-play-dsd512-music/42995)
**Author:** [@richardnyc](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/richardnyc)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2025, 11:29am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/help-setting-up-a-system-to-play-dsd512-music/42995 "2025-10-29T11:29:42Z")
Yes its very difficult gathering the info. I have bits and peices. My primary source is vinyl then streaming using Tidal and a NAD M10 integrated amp. I wanted to add a source that could play DSD files hopefully using / … --- ## [PMG Signature 512 DAC – what internal streamer hardware?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-signature-512-dac-what-internal-streamer-hardware/42950)
**Author:** [@flenser55](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/flenser55)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2025, 7:45pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-signature-512-dac-what-internal-streamer-hardware/42950 "2025-10-21T19:45:10Z")
I’ve been looking at replacing my old, but still serviceable, Auralic Aries streaming transport with something newer. Of the higher-end units that list relevant details, many (or most? or all?) of them note a 4-core ARM … --- ## [DAC serial number manufacture date](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/dac-serial-number-manufacture-date/42949)
**Author:** [@Richard7](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Richard7)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2025, 8:44am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/dac-serial-number-manufacture-date/42949 "2025-10-20T08:44:54Z")
Hi I have just purchased a direct stream perfect wave DAC. THE SERIAL NUMBER IS 019433. Can you please let me know when it was manufactured. Regards Richard --- ## [Why is the PMG so bland?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/why-is-the-pmg-so-bland/42741)
**Author:** [@SPOOKY.MANFREDDY](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/SPOOKY.MANFREDDY)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2025, 3:25am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/why-is-the-pmg-so-bland/42741 "2025-09-20T03:25:03Z")
Hi everyone… Moring Paul :slight\_smile: Starting out my audio experience for a second time to get back into hi fidelity. During my hunt I’ve had the pleasure of trying classe delta stereo, Micromega M100 integrated. Anth… --- ## [Pin settings for matrix audio x-spdif3](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pin-settings-for-matrix-audio-x-spdif3/42640)
**Author:** [@rwmillerxgmail-com](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rwmillerxgmail-com)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2025, 2:38am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pin-settings-for-matrix-audio-x-spdif3/42640 "2025-09-04T02:38:35Z")
What are the correct pin settings for a Matrix Audio x-spdif3 to match a PS Audio DAC? Matrix shows 4 different settings labeled A-D. I have a DirectStream DAC MK1. --- ## [Email from thetubestore (tariffs)](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/email-from-thetubestore-tariffs/42581)
**Author:** [@adifferentpaul](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/adifferentpaul)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2025, 9:11pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/email-from-thetubestore-tariffs/42581 "2025-08-28T21:11:41Z")
--- ## [Sonic comparison wanted of DirectStream and PMG Signature 512 DAC to chip-based DACs of yesteryear](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonic-comparison-wanted-of-directstream-and-pmg-signature-512-dac-to-chip-based-dacs-of-yesteryear/42570)
**Author:** [@Casey](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Casey)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2025, 11:37pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sonic-comparison-wanted-of-directstream-and-pmg-signature-512-dac-to-chip-based-dacs-of-yesteryear/42570 "2025-08-27T23:37:59Z")
After listening to modern day Sabre and AKM DACs, R2R DACs, and chip-based DACs of yesteryear, I am in awe of the chip-based DACs of yesteryear. I have a Theta ProBASIC IIIA with a PCM1702 chip from yesteryear. I also h… --- ## [Static with hdmi (i2s) cable](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/static-with-hdmi-i2s-cable/42521)
**Author:** [@jpczcc](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jpczcc)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2025, 1:47pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/static-with-hdmi-i2s-cable/42521 "2025-08-20T13:47:13Z")
I just received my stellar dac and had connected it to the airlens via a standard hdmi cord and the dac wouldn’t turn on. When I unplugged the cable the dac turned on. While it was on i plugged the cable back in and get … --- ## [Not able to play DSD on DSD Mk. 1](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/not-able-to-play-dsd-on-dsd-mk-1/42237)
**Author:** [@ericrosenfield](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/ericrosenfield)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2025, 6:17pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/not-able-to-play-dsd-on-dsd-mk-1/42237 "2025-07-16T18:17:38Z")
Hi all, I recently got a DSD Mk. 1. I also bought the Audiophile Masters Volume 11 from Octave records and have it downloaded on my Mac as DSF files. However, when I play the files using Pine, the DSD screen still says … --- ## [Dreaded ground-loop BUZZZZ with refurbished Adcom and PS Audio 5.5 Pre Amp and DAC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/dreaded-ground-loop-buzzzz-with-refurbished-adcom-and-ps-audio-5-5-pre-amp-and-dac/40267)
**Author:** [@AMTPROD](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/AMTPROD)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2025, 2:25pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/dreaded-ground-loop-buzzzz-with-refurbished-adcom-and-ps-audio-5-5-pre-amp-and-dac/40267 "2025-07-16T14:25:15Z")
Here’s a challenging one! Been reading thru most of Paul’s Ground Loop Hum articles and these entries. I have the dreaded ground loop in my system that I initially noticed with an old PS Audio 5.5 Pre Amp with the exte… --- ## [New PMG DAC streamer question](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/new-pmg-dac-streamer-question/42191)
**Author:** [@Sviatoslav](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Sviatoslav)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2025, 7:20pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/new-pmg-dac-streamer-question/42191 "2025-07-12T19:20:46Z")
Just how good is the streamer is supposed to be? I heard people saying on this forum that it adopts a new design that is different from AirLens. If it is truly great and competes with, say, ~7k independent streamers, the… --- ## [Unusable choppy/clicky sound using Sprout 100 optical input](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/unusable-choppy-clicky-sound-using-sprout-100-optical-input/18216)
**Author:** [@matthines](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/matthines)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2025, 12:49am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/unusable-choppy-clicky-sound-using-sprout-100-optical-input/18216 "2025-06-09T00:49:38Z")
I am a new Sprout owner. Mostly, I love it. However, when using the optical out of my Samsung One Connect box to the Sprout’s optical in, I am experiencing continual choppy audio. Every second or so it clicks/interrupt… --- ## [Qobuz Connect - is it good?!?XX](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/qobuz-connect-is-it-good-xx/41714)
**Author:** [@mufasakhaan11](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/mufasakhaan11)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2025, 9:58pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/qobuz-connect-is-it-good-xx/41714 "2025-05-19T21:58:34Z")
I’ve been using all my streaming services pretty heavily over the last couple of days since the QC release. Here’s my take: They all sound great! XX [Next page](https://forum.psaudio.com/tag/dac/3.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=dac)