The match and setup of the components is the most important.
The Directstream will soon be replaced by a mark 2 version anounced by PSaudio.
Maybe it's better to switch to the Mola Mola in the near future.
Can you tell me a bit about the difference in SQ between the PS audio and the Mola Mola in combination with the K50?
I am aware off anticipated Mk II DirectStream in the works. I would not be surprised that it may be longer in releasing due to supply chain difficulties. Parts pricing may also go up. I have an unmodified DirectStream that was part of the original batch release, and it has been in and out of active play during this time. I have really appreciated how trouble free it has been and truly liked the development of firmware releases and ability to go back to other version(s). As I had previously indicated, the combination of other equipment changes in my system, including the K50, and latest firmware update, Sunlight, has, I believe, enhanced the sound quality for it in my system. I have always found the DirectStream to have a warm, somewhat rounded signature, which I thought to be expected with DSD output. In the past I had found myself wanting more separation and detail. I perceive the Sunlight release to have improved upon this. It is a relaxed, comfortable and enjoyable listen. Primary vocals or instrument is centered and soundstage width to each speaker, but for me, the non-center information seems lacking a bit in imaging and seems to come more from the individual speakers. Very likely that could be corrected by some additional changes for my room acoustics. I am pretty limited on changing speaker locations. However, I do not have the same issues though with my other DACs, so am a bit reticent on making acoustic changes yet.
My Mola Mola is the Makua, preamp version with DAC module. I have not heard the individual Tambaqui stand alone unit, but believe they would be very close. My unit was preowned but had very recently been sent to Mola Mola for addition of the DAC module. During my due diligence, I confirmed with Mola Mola this had taken place and the unit was otherwise unmodified and in excellent working condition. I do not know how much run time had been done on the new DAC module, nor do I know if there is a certain amount of "break-in" time recommended. I have spent some time listening to the Makua's Roon Ready ethernet connection, USB, and some to AES/EBU. I have not yet used the optical input.
The Mola Mola DAC (Tambaqui) is a different presentation than the DirectStream. The first time I played the unit, I simply ran the Audio Sensibility Silver ethernet cable from my PF Buffalo switch directly to the Makua. Notes seemed suspended in space--it was eerie for me and had not heard that type presentation before. I now run AS cable to the K50 and use a Sablon 2020 ethernet cable from the K50 Directsteam outgoing RJ45 port to the Makua. Imaging depth and location for me are great. The soundstage width for me is between the speakers. There is a ton of distinct musical information presented all across the soundstage painting individual voices and instruments with texture. The Mola Mola is not as romantic a presentation as the DirectStream, but it is not at all a cold, sterile sound. It is not a lush presentation like some tubes, but it is smooth and, for me, possesses much of that holographic sense that very good tube systems can project. For USB, I have used both a short Triode Wire Labs cable and a Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7, with the TWL currently in use. The AS ethernet cable is smooth but leaner presentation. I think both the PS Audio DirectStream and Mola Mola DAC sound presentations are influenced by the inbound cables to the server as well as outbound to the DAC. I do go back and forth on whether I prefer K50 player with USB, digital outputs or the Roon Ready network input on the Makua. I wish I had I2S on the Makua like the stand alone Makua so I could evaluate it. I just did the software update this morning on the K50, so will want to do more long term listening now that has happened and after Roon rolls out the change on November 3. Regarding what I have just posted on my impressions, it has been with Roon. I look forward to exploring the other servers as well with my DACs--just a myriad of options.
When I received my Makua, I wondered if I should use additional isolation feet. I only saw pictures of it using the side rails from front to back on the sides--same for Tambaqui as well. I queried the reseller (selling on behalf of a client), and he thought best to avoid additional feet. I did try some Orea under it, but that seemed thinner and possibly even more detailed. I prefer for my system to just use the rails on the Makua: there is a slight bit of resonance that I like. For some other systems, additional feet may make sense, but would check placement--appears to be soft covered ports under the unit that I take are for possible venting for temp control.
Now, let me complicate your considerations more. I also have a Lumin X1 that I truly like a great deal and alternate it in the mix of listening. I have used both ethernet and fiber optic ethernet with it, and now using fiber from the PF Buffalo with it. The Lumin X1 really takes considerable running time on a new unit. I would suggest 200 hours minimum before making a decision, with 400 hours even better. For me it has a very dynamic presentation with more of a you are there rather than they are here sound. Leedh processing option for volume control is excellent and truly gives one the option of going direct to amp without a preamp. I have my X1 using one of my Makua preamp locations.
I had some interesting communications another party contemplating a change from a very fine DAC and system regarding Tambaqui vs Lumin X1. He is not the USA. I communicated that though they are different, I very much liked both and am loathe to give up either of them. He was upfront with separate dealers on wanting to evaluate both in his system and was able to get both into his system and listen to both at same period. He used his normal cabling on both to evaluate and was diligent to evaluate both similarly. I could tell he was not impressed early on with the new out of the box Lumin. I was persistent in letting him know he really needed to get to the 200-400 hour point. He was able to do so, and ended up getting the X1, which for him met his objectives of simplifying his system as well as sound in his system. For someone else with different equipment and room, it could have gone the other way.
I would highly encourage pursuing home auditioning, if you can. I suspect when PS Audio finally is able to release the Mk II, they will eventually offer an audition/return program similar to the new CD/SACD transport. I also guess that will take back seat to new orders and sending units out to professional reviewers, which PS Audio typically does. Pricing on Mola Mola is dependent on the country, and is higher in the USA than some other markets. Mola Mola appears to fully support their dealers and keeping sales within the regional markets. I believe GTT Audio is USA dealer, and is approachable for home audition. There are a number of American Lumin sales entities.
Enjoy
, having several. One of them is the Directstream, which I just recently put back in rack to check out I2S from the K50. I read on their forum the postings from people buying a number of different I2S cables and picked up a closed out Wireworld Starlight 7 a couple years ago. Not having an I2S source then, I also purchased a Matrix X-SPDIF2 to convert USB coming from a microRendu and a Small Green Computer server. I liked that better than USB with several different USB cables.
