PS AUDIO DIRECTSTREAM MK I MEDIAPLAYER

Ex-demo from distributor. Comes with original packaging and manual.

The PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player is one of the most refined and versatile digital transports for those who still believe in physical media. Designed to extract the very best from CD, SACD, DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Audio, and USB files, it goes far beyond being a simple optical player. Thanks to the advanced proprietary Digital Lens technology, the signal is completely isolated from the reading mechanism, eliminating jitter, disc errors, and unwanted digital noise.

The signal is loaded into a large memory buffer and re-clocked with extreme precision, asynchronously with respect to the drive. This approach ensures an exceptionally clean digital stream to an external DAC. The resulting sound is on a higher level: CDs are reproduced with remarkable soundstage openness, extremely fine micro-dynamic detail, and an almost complete absence of the typical digital glare found in conventional players. The midrange is full-bodied and rich in natural harmonics, the highs are extended and smooth without harshness, and the bass is fast, controlled, and powerful, never bloated or sluggish.

SACD playback is exceptional. Via the I²S output (on a dedicated HDMI connection), it extracts the pure native DSD layer when connected to a PS Audio DirectStream DAC or a compatible unit, completely bypassing any internal PCM conversion. The improvement in fluidity, three-dimensionality, and emotional involvement is immediate—many enthusiasts describe their SACD collections as “reborn” after years of disappointing listening experiences.

It is compatible with virtually all optical formats (CD, CD-R/RW, SACD, DVD±R/RW, DVD±R DL, BD Audio, DVD-Audio, AVCHD, HRx, BD-R/RE) as well as high-resolution files from USB (FLAC, APE, DSF, DSD, WAV, AIFF, MP3, M4A, OGG, WMA, AAC, AC3, DTS, and others). Digital outputs are comprehensive and flexible, including AES/EBU XLR stereo, three coaxial S/PDIF outputs (front, rear, center/sub), and three I²S outputs on HDMI (for stereo or multichannel). Additional features include a front USB input, Ethernet connection for metadata and artwork, an intuitive color LCD touchscreen display, a high-quality remote control, and a solid aluminum chassis with a premium design that perfectly matches the DirectStream series.

For those who still own a disc collection and want to extract the absolute maximum from it without compromise, the DirectStream Memory Player remains a true reference: musical, transparent, detailed, and incredibly engaging. It is a transport that makes discs sound natural and fluid in a way few others can, especially when paired with a high-end DAC such as the DirectStream itself. Be prepared to rediscover your music with a level of realism and emotional impact rarely achieved by streaming alone.

Technical Specifications:

• Type: universal digital transport with memory buffer and Digital Lens technology
• Supported disc formats: SACD; CD; CD-R/RW; DVD±R/RW; DVD±R DL; BD Audio; DVD-Audio; AVCHD; HRx; BD-R/RE
• USB file playback formats: FLAC; APE; DSF; DSD; WAV; AIFF; MP3; M4A; OGG; WMA; AAC; AC3; DTS; PCM and others
• Digital outputs: 1× AES/EBU XLR stereo; 3× S/PDIF coaxial RCA (front; rear; center/sub); 3× I²S over HDMI (front; rear; center/sub; native DSD via DoP or pure DSD with compatible DAC)
• Other connections: front USB input for flash drives; Ethernet RJ-45 for metadata and artwork
• Display: color LCD touchscreen
• Remote control: included, high quality
• Power supply: 100–120–230 V, 50/60 Hz (model dependent)
• Power consumption: approx. 30 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 100 × 360 mm
• Weight: 13.5 kg