Next-gen transport plays SACDs, outputs DSD, and transforms the performance of standard Red Book CDs
PS Audio is proud to announce the World Premiere of the new DirectStream Memory Player in Suite 1107 at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, October 7-9, 2016.
PS Audio's best-selling PerfectWave Memory Player transport has been the ultimate optical disc transport since its release in 2009, and continues to gather awards year after year. The new DirectStream Memory Player takes all that was great about the Memory Player, adds all that PS has learned about signal processing from our DirectStream and DSJ DACs, and applies it to a unit with a new, bulletproof transport, a USB-stick input, and the ability to play SACDs and output raw DSD to our own DACs.
At the heart of the DMP is a refinement of the Digital Lens, invented by CEO Paul McGowan and Chief Engineer Bob Stadtherr in 1993. Digital Lens ensures that bits emerge in a perfectly-timed stream, unaffected by the electrical or mechanical properties of the transport. After eight years of research and two years of development, PS engineering has been able to decrease the considerable memory requirements of Memory Player and improve the timing of digital audio data. The new Lens takes advantage of advances in semiconductor architecture found in FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays, as used in both DirectStream and DSJ). Using a single large scale integrated FPGA, Bob Stadtherr devised a segmented structure including intelligent RAM, two-way isolated communication with the drive, and near-field output latches controlled by an ultra-low-jitter fixed clock.
In the 17 years since Sony and Philips introduced SACD in 1999, the magic of its DSD layer has been held captive by encryption. DMP sends raw DSD to our DirectStream and DSJ DACs via a secure I2S connection. For the first time, listeners can hear DSD freed of the constraints of inferior built-in DACs, and the resultant sound quality is stunning.
For most of us with decades’ worth of CDs, numbering in the hundreds if not thousands, the incredible improvement in CD playback is the big news with DMP. Users of the DirectStream DAC already know that its reduction of jitter and immaculate timing allow them to hear CDs better than would've been thought possible in times past. Hi-res files and sources sound as good as one would expect, but the gap between hi-res and CD has been dramatically reduced. The combination of the DirectStream Memory Player and DirectStream DAC will provide world-beating performance at a rational price.
The all-PS electronics in Suite 1107 will consist of the DirectStream Memory Player played through a DirectStream DAC into the BHK Signature preamp and a pair of BHK Signature 300 mono amps. Clean AC will be provided by P10 Power Plant power regenerators. Loudspeakers will be the amazing Scaena La Maitresse Ultimes. As always, cabling will be provided by Colorado company MG Audio. The PS Audio components in the demo system have received dozens of awards from the worldwide press, and similar accolades are expected for the DirectStream Memory Player following its release in December, 2016. Preorders will be accepted beginning in November, 2016. US MSRP is $5999; international pricing may vary.
PS Audio Founder and CEO Paul McGowan will be present in the room all during the show, as will be DirectStream designer Ted Smith. Both will be happy to answer questions or to discuss their designs.
The 13th annual Rocky Mountain Audio Fest will take place Friday, October 7 through Sunday, October 9 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. Hours: Friday, 12-7 PM; Saturday, 9 AM-6 PM; Sunday, 9 AM-4 PM. Press hours precede Friday's public opening.
We invite all attending to join us in Suite 1107 immediately after show hours Friday at 7 PM for a brief memorial for Stereophile reviewer Wes Phillips, who passed away recently. Wes’ longtime friend and Editor John Atkinson will speak. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.
