PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player Quick start guide

Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
Owner’s Reference
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Instructions for use
DirectStream Memory Player™

Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction
®
Read these instructions
Heed all warnings
Follow all instructions
WARNING. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not place ammable material on top of or beneath the component.
All PS Audio components require adequate ventilation at all times during operation. Rack
mounting is acceptable where appropriate.
Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC cord unless absolutely necessary
to reduce hum from ground loops of connected equipment. This may cause RFI (radio frequency
interference) to be induced into your playback setup. All PS products ship with a grounding type
plug. If the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug this apparatus during
lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
When making connections to this or any other component, make sure all components are off. Turn
off all systems’ power before connecting the PS Audio component to any other component. Make
sure all cable terminations are of the highest quality.
There are no user serviceable fuses inside this product.
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE ANY PS AUDIO PRODUCT. REFER ALL
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio if you have any questions not
addressed in this reference manual.
PS Audio® is a registered trademark of PS Audio Inc., and is restricted for use by PS Audio,
Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents.
Important Safety
Instructions

Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction
®
Thank you for your purchase of the PS Audio® DirectStream Memory Player.
The DirectStream Memory Player (DMP) is a state of-the-art universal disc transport capable of
playing most forms of optical disc, including Blu-ray audio, DVD-Audio, AVCHD, HRx, SACD, CD,
CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD±R DL, BD-R/RE. In addition to DMP’s ability to play these discs, it
can also play multiple formats, like FLAC, APE, WMA, MP3, M4A, AAC, DTS, AC3, WAV, DSF,
MKA, PCM, OGG, from discs or USB input.
At the heart of DMP is an advanced version of core PS Audio technology, the Digital Lens. Invented
in 1993 by PS Audio founder Paul McGowan and chief engineer, Bob Stadtherr, the Digital Lens
focuses digital data into a perfect stream, unaected by the transport’s mechanical and electrical
properties.
In digital audio, timing is everything. Jitter, noise, and a lack of isolation have major impacts on
sound quality, especially aecting lower resolution media such as CD. DMP’s advanced Digital
Lens technology solves timing, noise and isolation problems through a unique combination of
buer memory and FPGA based digital processing.
Up until DMP’s advanced Lens technology was introduced, the internal Digital Lens found in
the older PerfectWave Transport relied on an intelligent RAM buer to isolate digital data from
the mechanical optical drive and laser mechanism. Separated from the CD reading device, data
accumulated in the Len’s buer until output through a xed low jitter clock to the DAC.
After eight years of research and two years of development, PS engineering has been able to
shorten the memory requirements and improve the timing of digital audio data. The new Lens
takes advantage of advances in semiconductor architecture found in FPGAs (Field Programmable
Gate Array). Using a single large scale integrated FPGA, PS chief DMP architect, Bob Stadtherr,
devised a segmented structure including intelligent RAM, two-way isolated communication with
the drive, and near-eld output latches controlled by an ultra-low jitter xed clock.
DMP is unique in its ability to deliver DSD, long trapped in the protected layer of SACD discs, to
external PS Audio DACs, such as the PS Audio DirectStream and products. The protected DSD
layer of SACD has long been available only through D/A converters built in to players and a few
receivers and surround processors. These internal D/A processors, while adequate, were never
capable of playing back stored music at the quality and performance levels enjoyed by mastering
engineers.
With the introduction of DMP, owners of our DirectStream series of DACs can uncover all that
they have been missing. Based on a proprietary handshake protocol between DMP and PS Audio
DACs, through our advanced I²S interface, pure DSD is streamed to, and processed in, the same
reference quality DAC used by mastering engineers like Gus Skinas, Cookie Marenco and Steve
Homan, to name a few. DMP will playback pure DSD only through a PS protected DAC to prevent
copyright and copying violations of the master DSD layer. Only PS Audio DACs have this ability.
Other DACs employing PS Audio’s I2S protocols will not deliver DSD.
Thank you
Universal disc
player
Play the DSD
layer on SACD
New Lens
architecture
Unique
architecture
Less sensitive to
jitter

Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction
®
There are three ways to get digital audio data out of the DMP: S/PDIF, AES/EBU or I2S HDMI. I2S is
the preferred method if you have a PS Audio DAC or any manufacturer’s DAC that can receive it.
Three such I²S interface are provided, allowing for 6-channel high resolution audio to be streamed
from DMP.
S/PDIF (and AES/EBU) are the standard delivery methods found on all transports and, while
excellent, remain a slightly compromised format.
Standard digital outputs take three separate internal clocks along with the raw music data and
combine them into one stream to the DAC. This mashup of music and clocks causes the audio to
sound at and harsh compared to I2S.
A much better way of delivering the music is what I2S does. By transferring the clocks and data
on separate wires within the HDMI cable, the audible results are impressive. Simply use any high
quality HDMI cable between the DMP and appropriate DAC and you are transferring data perfectly,
through I2S. The quality of this cable matters much to the sound quality. Experiment.
A growing number of DACS and devices are adopting the PS Audio HDMI standard for digital
audio transmission because of its superior audio quality.
The front panel USB input on DMP is available for small music collections stored on USB drives.
Plug in a USB thumb drive and its contents can be accessed and played back through DMP.
While the instrument itself is capable of handling large numbers of tracks, selection can become
cumbersome if there are too many.
Tracks from the data drive are displayed in small groups on DMP’s touch screen, and navigating
larger libraries can be time consuming. PS engineering added this input as a courtesy port oering
quick access to a friend’s favorite album or track. We imagine being at a consumer audio show
and customers wishing to hear music stored on their thumb drives will nd this input convenient
and excellent sounding.
DMP enjoys a new user interface that includes song titles and tracks that can be read from a
distance. Like its predecessor, the PWT, album art can be automatically downloaded for CD and
SACD when DMP is connected to the internet.
Every time you play a CD (and are connected to the internet) a copy of the cover art and song
titles are kept for you on your own private library page, accessed through our website. From your
personal page it is a simple matter to correct any of the CD or SACD’s information, change cover
art and polish your CD collection.
New user
interface
Playback of stored
data
Getting data out
of DMP
I2S is the preferred
delivery method

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
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Getting Started
Getting Started v
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
LOCATION
A good location for DMP is in a cabinet or on a shelf at an easily accessible height.
The IR (infrared) receiver for the remote is located to the left of the touch screen. A direct line of
sight will help with DMP's IR sensor.
PerfectWave products, such as DMP and DirectStream Transport (DST), were designed to stack
on top of each other if they are not placed on separate shelves. To do this, remove the feet from
the unit you wish to place on top of the stack. Carefully place the top unit so it rests on the
bottom unit. You will note that the bottom of the corners of each PerfectWave piece is specially
designed to mate with the top corners of another PerfectWave.
DIGITAL OUTPUTS
DMP oers multiple digital output choices including: XLR (AES/EBU), RCA and I2S. All outputs
are capable of delivering high-denition digital audio signals.
DMP provides three I2S connectors that transfer I2S digital audio through the use of an HDMI
cable. This data can only be used with another compatible component, and will not work in other
HDMI equipment as the I2S format incorporated does not comply with the HDMI standards. The
HDMI connector and cable were chosen to carry the I2S signal because of their superior high-
speed data transmission capabilities for multiple clocks and data lines. PS Audio publishes its
I2S standard and it has been adopted by multiple other manufacturers as well.
Unique to DMP is its ability to deliver the locked DSD layer of SACD to authorized PS Audio
DACs, such as DirectSream and DirectStream Junior. Future PS Audio DACs may also be
included. This feature is restricted to PS Audio DACs through a digital handshake between DMP
and enabled PS Audio DACs. These restrictions are necessary to protect Sony and other label
copyright agreements from illegal copying activities.
Pure DSD from SACD is possible only through DMP’s I2S outputs. Using a high quality HDMI
cable, the stereo, or multi-channel DSD master layers will connect the authorized PS Audio
DACs. DMP’s same I2S outputs, connected to any other DAC using PS Audio’s I2S protocols will
not output the DSD layer. Instead, a downsampled high resolution PCM signals will be delivered.
DACs without I2S and without authorization from PS Audio can also enjoyed higher resolution
audio downsampled from the SACD layer through any of DMP’s other outputs, such as XLR and
RCA.
UNPACKING THE UNIT
• Carefully unpack the unit. Use the included cotton gloves to remove the unit and place in the
chosen location.
• The piano black top cover has a protective plastic lm. Remove this lm.
• Connect DMP to your digital sources using the appropriate connections.
• Connect the AC cable into the receptacle in back and plug the unit into your Power Plant or
into the wall.
Location
Digital outputs
HDMI for I2S
Unpacking

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
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Getting Started
Getting Started vi
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
PS Audio products come from the factory with a 3-year warranty. Please register your new DMP.
Registration takes just a few minutes, helps us inform you about future upgrades, keeps track
of your serial number and allows us to maintain the highest standards of product quality of any
company.
To register your new unit, look on the back panel of DMP and note the serial number. Using any
web browser, go to www.psaudio.com and click on Register Products.
Once you have completed the registration process you can then go to the PS website and look at
the My Registered Products page. The link to this page is located at the top right hand corner of
the website once you are logged in. If you do not have web access you may register the unit via
mail or phone. Notication of software upgrades to this product will be available only to registered
owners via the web and email.
UNDERSTANDING DMP’S OUTPUT OPTIONS
DMP has multiple output possibilities, including I2S through HDMI connectors, AES/EBU through
the XLR balanced connector, and S/PDIF through the RCA coax connectors.
THE BASIC STEREO CONNECTION
DMP is rst and foremost and two channel universal transport, and the vast majority of its users
will take advantage of DMP’s stereo outputs to their two channel Digital To Analog Converters
(DACS).
The stereo digital outputs of DMP can be transferred through three types of connections.
Register the unit
Stereo
connections
DMP Output
Options

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
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Getting Started vii
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
I2S
PS Audio’s recommended connection to DACs is through its I2S protocol. I2S delivers the best
sonic experience by separately transmitting data and clocks over an HDMI cable. A growing
number of high-end audio DACs have adopted PS Audio’s I2S standard, which we freely oer
and support to the high end audio manufacturing community. DMP is compatible with all properly
implemented DACs following our published protocols.
I2S data is not HDMI data, and should not be connected to HDMI compatible DACs and receivers.
Only the HDMI connector and cabling is used to deliver audio via I2S.
Connect a high quality HDMI cable between DMP’s I2S output labeled Front (Stereo) to a
compatible DAC’s HDMI based I2S input. Note: the quality of the HDMI cable as well as its length
have signicant impacts on audio performance. The shorter the cable, the better the sound. We
recommend ½ meter if possible. Longer cables work as well, but make certain you install the
highest quality HDMI cable you can aord.
Users can select what comes out of this Front (Stereo) output when an SACD is played. The
choices are SACD (DSD), Stereo downsampled from the SACD layer (PCM), RedBook audio
(PCM). Refer to this owner’s manual setup instructions to select which mode you wish.
I2S sources

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
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Getting Started viii
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
The pure DSD output on SACD’s master layer is available through the I2S output only when
connected to an authorized PS Audio DAC. Using the HDMI cable between DMP and a PS Audio
authorized DAC, such as DirectStream and DirectStream Junior, a digital handshake occurs
identifying the safe connection. Non authorized I2S compatible DACs will not reproduce the DSD
layer of SACD to protect copyright restrictions and guarantee illegal copying of the master layer
is not possible.
DMP outputs all inputs all the time. It is therefore unnecessary to tell DMP which outputs are
connected at any one time. Multiple outputs can connect to multiple DACs if desired.
XLR
If I2S is not an available input on your connected DAC, PS Audio recommends AES/EBU (Audio
Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union) via XLR as the next best connection. AES/
EBU is a balanced digital output stream containing a combined version of the musical data and
multiple clocks.
Using a high quality XLR data cable, connect the DMP XLR output labeled Stereo XLR to your
DAC’s XLR input.
DMP outputs all inputs all the time. It is therefore unnecessary to tell DMP which outputs are
connected at any one time. Multiple outputs can connect to multiple DACs if desired.
RCA (Coax)
Many DACs rely upon coax to receive data. Digital audio transferred over a single RCA coaxial
cable is in the S/PDIF format (Sony, Philips, Digital Interface Format), combining digital audio with
multiple clocks on a single wire cable.
Using a high quality RCA cable optimized for data transmission, connect the DMP RCA output
labeled Coax Front (Stereo) to your DAC’s RCA input.
MULTI CHANNEL OUTPUTS
Though DMP is primarily a two channel universal disc player, it is capable of playing multi channel
discs and delivering the highest quality digital audio to multiple DACS.
Many SACD as well as DVD-A and BluRay discs contain multi channel audio. DMP can deliver up
to six channels of digital audio through its I2S and RCA/coax outputs.
Using DMP’s I2S connections, DMP will deliver six channels of DSD or high resolution PCM to
three compatible DACs. If you choose PS Audio DACs, DMP will recognize them and assign
master control duties to the DAC connected to the Front/Stereo I2S connector. This permits
the user to control all three DACs through one remote control for a true high end multi channel
surround experience.
Connecting non-PS Audio DACs through compatible I2S (or coax) connections will deliver high
resolution PCM but not the locked DSD layer. The master slave relationship will also be unavailable
to non-PS Audio DACs
RCA and XLR
Multi-Channel

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
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Getting Started ix
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
CONNECTING DMP
I2S
As previously covered there are three sets of HDMI I2S connectors on DMP’s rear panel. They are
labeled Front/Stereo, Rear, Center/Sub.
Front/Stereo
Connect your front channel DAC to this I2S output. Once connected (if it is a PS Audio DAC), this
DAC becomes the master and it will control the volume level of DACs two and three.
Rear
Connect this stereo I2S output to the DAC delivering audio to your system’s rear channel amplier
(or preamplier).
Center/Sub/Sixth channel
Connect this two channel output to the third DAC. Connect the Center channel output of this
DAC to the power amplier (or preamplier) feeding the center channel. Connect the remaining
subwoofer channel output to your system’s subwoofer input. DMP outputs a full range audio
signal, requiring the subwoofer crossover to produce the desired frequency response.
The subwoofer output is really the sixth channel. On 5.1 compatible discs, this channel serves as
the subwoofer output. On six channel discs, such as Telarc’s Heads Up series, this output serves
as the sixth channel.
NETWORK CONNECTION
The DMP is a network capable transport that can download cover art and song titles to its front
panel touch screen from PS Audio’s GlobalNet™ server and will store this information on its
included SD card memory as well as our servers. To take advantage of this feature, as well as
Connecting DMP
Network
connections

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
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Getting Started x
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
access the full warranty period, it is necessary to register the unit with PS Audio. Registering the
unit will setup the DMP’s web access page that allows you to add, delete and edit any of the song
titles and cover art library. The web access page also provides
To the left of DMP’s outputs is an
Ethernet jack. Use this connector
to attach a network compatible
Ethernet cable with an appropriate
ferrite RF blocker collar on that
cable for best performance, to
take advantage of DMP’s cover
art, metadata information, and
update info. It is not necessary to
connect this to the home network
for normal playback duties of
DMP.
DMP will present metadata
contained on the disc, as well
as search PS Audio’s music
database for additional metadata.
DMP will automatically download the cover art and song titles of inserted discs if it is connected to
the Internet. To connect to the Internet you must plug in a network enabled Ethernet cable in the
back of the DMP. This connection should be to an Internet connected router or through a wireless
Ethernet bridge connected to a router. DMP’s connection to the Internet through this network
cable is automatic through any DHCP enabled network. Most Internet setups in the home or oce
are DHCP enabled and connection should take place within a very short period of time.
You can look on the front touch screen for verication of connection. When you are connected to
the internet the words “Internet OK” will be displayed.
If the network is not connected, the words “No Connection” will be displayed on DMP’s front
panel.
The supplied SD card must reinserted in DMP’s rear panel SD card slot for this feature to work.
Cards are inserted with the gold pins facing down. If the SD card is properly inserted and present,
the touch screen will display Memory: OK. If the card is not present, the display will read No
Memory.
READY FOR POWER
Once everything has been connected, use a high quality AC cable to power DMP. Digital audio
equipment is sensitive to AC power and produce line noise from their digital circuitry. Make sure
you have a high quality power cable to operate DMP, and a Power Plant AC Regenerator if possible.
PS Audio produces an entire line of high quality quiet power cables that are generally accepted
as being some of the best in the industry. Whatever you choose, make sure it honors the music.
Ethernet
connector
Network
connection
Downloading
cover art
Turn on the
power

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
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Getting Started xi
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
Turn the AC power switch in the rear of DMP to the ON position. The power switch is located to
the left of the AC inlet as you face the rear panel.
As soon as the switch is activated the front panel display will show the initializing
information. This screen shows when DMP’s internal “engine” is being loaded with the rmware
that runs DMP.
The front panel PS logo button, located on the upper left hand corner of the unit, is the Ready/
Operation Mode control for DMP. This control has two modes: Ready Mode and Operational
Mode. Ready Mode (Standby) is designed to keep power on to critical internal circuitry including
power supply capacitors, thermally sensitive semiconductors and integrated circuits.
Press this front panel logo button to activate the Ready Mode or to place DMP in Operational
Mode. When pressed to enter Ready Mode, the display, as well as the outputs are turned o, but
all the unit’s critical internal circuitry remains active.
If you wish to conserve energy consumed by DMP it will be necessary to use the rear panel power
switch. Using this rear panel switch will remove power from critical components and in order to
gain maximum performance levels you will need to turn DMP’s power on at least 3 hours before
use. DMP is designed to be left powered on at all times.
Should DMP need to be rebooted, use the rear panel power switch to power cycle the instrument.
It’s best to wait 30 seconds before powering back on.
OPERATING DMP
PLAYING DISCS
The rst step is to open the
drawer and insert a disc. Touch
the drawer open icon on the
touch screen or the same on
DMP’s remote. The drawer
opens. Insert a disc, label side
up and facing you. A slight
nudge to the drawer will close
it, or repeat the touch to the
drawer icon or remote control
to close the drawer.
A “Reading” indicator is
displayed on the screen as DMP accesses the discs table of contents. Once the disc has been
read, the rst track number is displayed along with the type of digital audio format, sample rate
and bit depth. In the upper left of DMP’s screen, the type of disc is displayed, CD, SACD, DSD,
etc.
Operating DMP
Front panel
standby button
Initializing screen

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Getting Started xii
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
To play track 1, simply press the play icon on the touch screen or the remote. Touch the same once
more to pause the disc. As the disc plays, elapsed and remaining times of the track are displayed
in the lower scrubber bar, along with a vertical indicator showing the track’s progress.
To move to a dierent part of the track, either forward or backwards using the touch screen, touch
the scrubber bar where you wish it to jump to and DMP instantly goes there.
You can also use the fast forward or reverse keys on the remote. Touch the top right arrow on the
remote’s round shuttle control to fast forward, the bottom left pointing arrow to reverse. The rst
press forwards the player’s position in X1 steps and is indicated on the touch screen. Press the
fast forward arrow key again and the player accelerates to X2, all the way to X6. Press the play
button to resume normal play when you have reached to desired place in the track.
To move to the next track or the previous track using the touch screen, press either the right
double arrows above the scrubber bar to go forward, or the left pointing double arrows to go back.
The same controls and functions are available on the remote in the shuttle circle.
PLAYING FROM USB
The front panel of DMP features a USB input
for thumb drive memory sticks. Inserting
one into the USB input will cause DMP to
switch from disc play to USB and users can
play media stored on the drive. Supported
formats are FLAC, APE, WMA, MP3, M4A,
AAC, DTS, AC3, WAV, DSF, MKA, PCM,
OGG. This is an easy and convenient way
to transfer tracks of music from a computer
and play on DMP.
We do not recommend large numbers of
les or folders as scrolling through DMP’s
touch screen can be slow. If you have a
large number of tracks, it is recommended to
place related tracks in folders. This permits
users to choose which folder to listen to,
then open that folder and nd a particular
track or play the contents of the entire folder.
Once the USB memory stick has been inserted, DMP will automatically switch from disc operation
to USB memory. The reading screen appears as DMP scans the content of the attached media.
After scanning the root folder of the device, the name of the rst folder at root level (if one exists)
will be displayed and ‘DIR’ will appear in the le format area of the screen. If no folders are present,
the lename of the rst audio track displays and ‘DSD’ or ‘PCM’ will appear in the le format area
of the screen.
The top left corner of the screen will now read USB Data. Users can begin playing from the rst
track displayed, or use the shuttle controls to skip forward or backwards in the media.
Fast forward and
reverse
Playing from USB

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®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
To choose a particular track or folder, it will be necessary to touch the track list screen function,
located just to the right of the USB Data indicator: three dots and three lines stacked vertically as
in the photo.
Select a folder by touching it in the playlist. There will be a short pause while that folder’s contents
are read. During this time, ‘Changing directory’ will appear at the bottom of the screen.
Once ‘Changing directory’ disappears, the rst subfolder in the folder you chose will be displayed.
If there are no subfolders, the rst track will be displayed. Touch ‘Play’ to play that track or the
playlist icon to select a specic folder or track. Be aware that only the rst few characters of a le
or folder name are displayed.
To move up in the directory structure, touch the playlist icon, select ‘0,’ and wait for the ‘changing
directory’ message to disappear.
To play a le, once a le name is displayed, simply press the ‘PLAY’ button. All les in the current
folder will be played sequentially with a short gap between each le.
To play les within a specic folder, navigate to that folder by touching the playlist icon. ‘0’
indicates the parent directory to the folder you’re currently browsing. Each folder will be listed and
numbered in alphabetical sequence.
DMP SETUP MENU
To access DMP’s setup menu touch
the three horizontal dots on the touch
screen’s upper right hand corner when
a disc is in the machine, or the pencil
icon in the same area when there is no
disc.
The rst screen is DMP’s information
screen. Use this screen to determine
the rmware version number and IP
address if needed.
Touch the pencil edit icon in the upper right corner of the screen to access the setup menu.
SACD Mode
DMP features the user’s ability to choose which layer of the SACD to listen to. Most SACD come
with two layers, some with three: a DSD stereo layer, DSD multi-channel layer, and a standard
RedBook CD layer.
In DMP’s setup menu users can select which layer they wish to play from. These setting will not
take eect until a new disc is inserted. It is recommended to make your selection rst, before
inserting a disc. Once selection has been made, the newly inserted disc will now use the newest
settings.
Folders
Setup Menu
Output modes

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Getting Started xiv
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
In non-PS Audio connected
DACS, choosing an SACD
stereo or multi-channel layer
will provide a downsampled
PCM version at DMP’s outputs.
This downsampled PCM
version, output at 88.2kHz/24
bit, is generally superior to the
RedBook CD layer.
When connected to a PS
Audio authorized DAC, the
choices will provide either
RedBook CD at 44.1kHz/16
bit, or the actual stereo or multi-channel DSD layer according to the user’s selection.
The three choices of reproduction to be found in the SACD setup menu are:
• RedBook CD
• Multi SACD
• Stereo SACD
RedBook CD
The idea of SACD was always backward compatibility. Placed in a standard CD or DVD player that
cannot read SACD, the RedBook CD layer would be played instead. Placed into an SACD capable
player, the SACD stereo layer is automatically chosen.
The DMP ships with this latter option as default. Without entering the setup menu, DMP will play
the stereo SACD layer when connected to an authorized PS Audio DAC. If connected otherwise,
DMP will output a downsampled PCM version of the stereo DSD layer, at twice that of RedBook
CD: 88.2kHz/24 bit.
Multi SACD
Some SACD have more than the two basic layers (RedBook and stereo DSD). This third layer
contains multi-channel DSD data for up to 6 channels of audio. DMP is capable of playing all 6
channels of DSD when three stereo PS Audio authorized DACs are connected via its I2S outputs
if this mode has been selected.
If only one authorized PS Audio DAC is connected via its I2S outputs, and Multi SACD mode is
chosen, the rst two channels of the multi-channel layer will be reproduced in pure DSD. These
rst two channels are typically the left and right front channels in a multi-channel recording. They
are typically mastered dierently than the stereo layer, and are specic to a multi-channel recording
and should not be connected to unless you specically want these two channels.
If DMP is connected via any of its outputs to a non-authorized DAC, choosing the multi SACD
layer will provide the same left and right multi-channel information, downsampled from the SACD
multi-channel layer in PCM at 88.2kHz/24 bits.

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Stereo SACD
This is DMP’s default setting and should be left in this setting for best results.
When selected, the stereo SACD layer will output stereo DSD to an authorized PS Audio I2S
connected DAC, or a downsampled PCM version at 88.2kHz/24 bit to a non-PS Audio DAC.
Cover Art
The cover art option has two modes, enabled or disabled. If the default mode, enabled, has been
selected and DMP is connected to an internet connected router through its rear panel Ethernet
connection, and a SD memory card is inserted and acknowledged by DMP, recognized CDs will
display cover art.
SACD rarely have cover art available through download. This is because few SACD players made
were able to display cover art. Thus, the online library for SACD cover art is limited at best.
DMP users with SACD collections can help other DMP users build and enjoy a library of cover art.
Once connected to the internet and with DMP registered with PS Audio through its website www.
psaudio.com, users can access their My PS personalized library for cover art and metadata from
played discs. A copy of every disc played will appear in this section and users can add their own
cover art and metadata or edit existing metadata. Once you edit the information and add cover
art, which can easily be found with a Google search, downloaded and added, the new cover art
will be displayed on DMP’s screen after it is downloaded when you next play that particular disc.
Adding/Editing cover art
If DMP is connected to the internet and registered on our website, users can add and edit all the
tracks and albums of CD and SACD played via DMP. BluRay, DVD-A, DVD, and other forms of
media do not support cover art on DMP.
To add or edit your playlist, login to our website www.psaudio.com. Once logged in, click on your
name in the upper right hand corner of the website to access the drop down menu. Select Playlist.
Once playlist opens users can view their online playlists, a record of everything DMP has played
while connected to the internet through its rear Ethernet cable. Each entry will display the disc ID,
the cover art (if found), and the track list of known albums.
To edit information or add missing information, click on the title or the cover art of the album
desired.
Editing metadata
Cover Art

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Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
Missing information is denoted
by a series of question marks
as shown. To edit, click on the
questions mark string and a
dialog box opens. Enter the new
information and it is recorded.
Move to another location on
the page of simply press the
keyboard’s “Return” button.
The same procedure works with
editing incorrect information as
well. Simply click on the title or
information you wish to edit and
replace what text is there to what
you wish instead.
Connections
Touching the three horizontal
dots next to Connections brings you to the
connections screen. If DMP’s outputs are
connected to non-authorized PS Audio DACs
through I2S, this screen will show “none” for
connections.
If connected to an authorized PS Audio DAC or
DACs, and those DAC’s I2S inputs have been
selected, DMP will display the type of DAC
(DS or DSJ) and the DAC’s unit ID number,
indicating it has been recognized as an
authorized PS Audio DAC capable of achieving
the secure handshake and reproducing DSD
from the stereo or multi-channel SACD layer
when selected.
Levels
An upcoming rmware upgrade for DMP will
add another menu options labeled Levels. This
screen set will permit DMP users with multiple
connected PS Audio authorized DACs to
adjust individual volume levels for DACs One,
Two or Three, where DAC One (Right, Left,
Front) connected via I2S becomes the master
volume control, and DACs Two, and Three
(Left, Right Rear and Center, Sub) connected
Connections
Levels

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Getting Started
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Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
via I2S slave o of DAC one in a multi-channel setting.
Multi-channel output use
DMP is capable of playing multi-channel discs such as some SACD, BluRay and DVD-A types. Up
to 6 channels of high resolution audio can be output to three stereo DACs for this purpose.
Available outputs include three stereo I2S outputs and three stereo coaxial outputs as shown in
the photograph of the rear panel.
When three PS Audio authorized DACs are connected through the I2S outputs, volume control of
all three DACs can now be handled through a single PS Audio DAC. DAC One, the DAC connected
via I2S output 1 (left and right front channels) becomes the master control DAC. DACs two and
three (Left, Right Rear and Center, Sub) become slave DACs whose volume is controlled by DAC
One. Individual level adjustments of DACs Two and Three can be taken care of in the Levels menu
on DMP.
Update DMP’s Operating System
DMP operates from
sophisticated software
that is built in to the
device, but upgradable
by the user through the
rear panel mounted SD
card slot. To check for the
current rmware version
touch the front panel
touch screen’s top right
hand corner pencil icon to
enter the version screen.
Compare the version
number to the latest
rmware available on PS
Audio’s website www.
psaudio.com/downloads/
If the version number of
your DMP is lower than
the latest version available on the PS Audio Downloads section of our website, it is possible to
download the latest version and upgrade DMP to the latest.
When a new operating system become available, it may be obtained by ordering a pre-programmed
SD card directly from PS Audio, or downloaded to your own SD card for free from the PS Audio
website. To install, place the SD card in the rear of DMP, label side up, gold pins facing down.
Then, turn o the rear panel power switch. Wait for 10 seconds, then turn the rear panel main
power switch to the on position, rebooting the instrument. The front panel Ready Light will begin
Multi-channel
Firmware
upgrades

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©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
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Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
blinking, signifying the new rmware is being installed.
DO NOT REMOVE THE POWER OR DO ANYTHING WHILE THE UPDATE PROCESS IS TAKING
PLACE. BE PATIENT AND WAIT UNTIL THE LOGO LIGHT BLINKING IS DONE.
Once the blinking has nished, keep the power to the unit on until it has fully initialized and is ready
for operation again. Remove the SD card or leave it in for cover art.
Emergency eject of a stuck disc
In the unlikely event a disc gets stuck in DMP, the rst thing to try is a reboot of the instrument.
Turn o the main rear panel power switch of DMP located near the AC inlet on the far left hand
corner of the rear panel (as you face the rear). Wait 10 seconds, then restore AC power with the
switch. Once DMP has initialized, use the remote control or the touch screen to open the drawer
and remove the disc.
Failing a reboot, there is an
emergency procedure as
demonstrated in the photographs.
Gaining access to DMP’s bottom,
note the slot just behind the front
panel drawer, but on the bottom.
Using a sharp bladed object
such as a pocketknife, or a small
athead screwdriver, engage the
mechanical release mechanism
and pull down to manually slide
DMP’s door open as shown in the
photos.
You can always contact PS Audio
service via phone or through our
popular forums for help www.
psaudio.com/forums.
Care of DMP
DMP does need some care and is
appreciative of being fed proper
AC power. A Power Plant AC
regenerator is recommended for
this task.
Should minor scratches occur in your top cover, simply purchase any type of high quality
automotive scratch removal polish such as Kit’s Scratch Out or McGuire’s products. Car nish
polish and wax can both be used on this surface for a beautiful luster.
Emergency disc
retrieval

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©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
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Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player

4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com Warranty 20
Warranty
©2016 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
®
Owner’s Reference DirectStream Memory Player
Limited Three Year Warranty
Should I Register My Product?
• Registering your product validates the warranty start date.
• If you do not register your product within 30 days of service, a copy of your purchase receipt from an authorized PS
Audio dealer may be used as a proof of purchase to establish the warranty start date.
• If no proof of purchase from an authorized PS Audio dealer or registration is provided, the production date of the
product will be used to determine the warranty start date.
• Registration can be completed online, by phone, by mail, or by email.
• You may wish to sign up for PS Audio’s monthly newsletters, specials, product updates, and/or Paul’s Daily Posts.
What Does this Warranty Cover?
This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for products purchased from PS Audio or its authorized dealers
and agents.
What Will PS Audio Do to Correct the Problem?
In the event your product fails your sole remedy under this limited warranty shall be to return the product to PS Audio or an
authorized PS Audio repair center. The product will be repaired without charge for parts or labor, replaced, or the purchase
price refunded through the original point of purchase, at the option of PS Audio.
What is the Period of Coverage?
This limited warranty is in effect for 3 years from the date the unit was rst purchased from PS Audio or its dealers and
agents.
Who Pays for Shipping?
You are responsible to pay for the safe and proper shipment of the warrantied product to PS Audio or its authorized repair
center.
PS Audio or it’s authorized repair center will pay the cost of returning the repaired or replacement product to you under this
warranty.
What Does this Warranty Not Co�ver?
• This warranty does not cover damage due to:Accidents, carelessness, improper transportation, misuse, neglect,
or abuse
• Failure to follow the operating instructions that are provided by PS Audio in the owner’s manuals (available for
download at psaudio.com)
• Use in any manner inconsistent with PS Audio’s operating instructions (available for download at psaudio.com)
• Lack of routine maintenance
• Connection to an improper voltage supply