I seems this topic has more info:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/modding-the-ps-audio-directstream-dac-mk1-and-mk2
JK Richards PS Audio DSD MKI transformer upgrade
I sent my PS Audio DSD MKI to JK Richards to be fitted with the upgraded nickel transformers and VOCM caps. Should be arriving today. Will follow up with a comparison review once the upgraded DAC settles in.
Here is a link to the lengthy thread covering the evolution of the PS Audio DSD mods.
https://forum.psaudio.com/t/modding-the-directstream-dac-mki/2680
Showing 13 responses by jk_richards
Here is the real reason the new MK2 is failing. It is filled with flaws and QC is awful. From the flawed grounding tabs to screws crossed threaded and many never tightened. Loose power transformers and many adapter boards hand soldered makes for many failure points. We have install many audio transformers, none of which has failed or caused any issues. We did our last MK2 transformer swap yesterday and found ALL digital board standoffs and power transformer bolt completely loose. It's a wonder it didn't fall apart. It's so bad we stopped offering transformers for the MK2. Our Signature Series modified MK1 sounds better than the MK2 and we are focusing our efforts on them instead. Here are just a few examples of what we have been finding.
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Many months ago we set out to make the outgoing PS Audio Directstream MK1 with upgrades to the transformers and circuits, sound better than the "new" $8,000 PS Audio Directstream MK2. We finally did it with our Signature Series upgraded MK1 DAC. We had a panel of audiophiles,mix engineers, and musicians / vocalist over to pick their favorite DAC. 1) Directstream MK2 (stock). 2) Directstream MK2 (APS transformers installed). 3) Signature Series Directstream MK1. Our studio is setup to play all DAC’s the same exact digital signals via a Denifrips Hermes DDC and the ability to a/b/c each DAC’s output with a remote for the Audio Research preamp at the listening position. No one was told what the input was for each DAC and we level matched them all to keep it fair and accurate. Hands down everyone except a couple liked the new Signature Series the best. The MK2 with the APS transformers was a close 2nd. Two could not pick between the Signature Series and the APS MK2. They like them both. Why purchase a $8.000 DAC when you can have one that sounds better for a fraction of the cost? PS Audio is no longer supporting mods on the new MK2 in addition to all the flaws and bad QC in these new units makes it an easy decision. Plus, we happen to like the larger touch screen user interface instead of the clumsy new tiny user interface. Our Signature series also measures a lot better than the new MK2. We no longer are offering APS transformers for the MK2 because of all these issues.
TOP: PS Audio Directstream MK2 with APS transformers and all flaws addressed. BOTTOM: Our Signature Series Directstream MK1.
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APS Audio Transformers is currently having a sale on the top of the line Signature Series PLUS DAC that includes the R-Core APS internal power supply in the Signature Series units. (Over $500 savings) The PLUS upgrade alone normally cost $829. Signature Series PLUS sale $4,294 (less trade in if applicable). Silver or Black units available. While supplies last! |
Complete unit. Unless you have one to trade in. |
Only upgrades are available at this time. Both the Signature Series and Signature Series PLUS upgrades and Special upgrade pricing for current customers. If you purchased an upgrade you may be eligible for the Signature Series PLUS Upgrade for VIP customers. |
We have some exciting news. We have been working on a new Directstream DAC upgrade for the past six months and have finally released it. Our new Limited Edition Signature Series PLUS DAC. The Limited Edition is the latest model in a series of the finest and most successful DAC upgrades ever made. Providing even more presence, weight and definition than that of its predecessor, the Signature Series PLUS. The Limited Edition clearly redefines the state of the art at a price that is not inexpensive but represents extraordinary value. While differences in recordings are immediately apparent, the Limited Edition connects you to the intent of the musicians and the soul of the performance, drawing you in even more. This unit extracts the room ambience like no other. You can clearly hear the room where the original recording was produced. Only by hearing it for yourself will you fully appreciate the sonic advancements unveiled by the Limited Edition. The Limited Edition possesses great bandwidth and resolving power combined with a purity and naturalness that is uncanny – grain and electronic artifacts are simply absent. Bass impact, depth and control is startling, while music ebbs and flows with a dynamic life that is rarely experienced outside the concert hall.
This upgrade includes the following upgrades in addition to our Signature Series PLUS upgrade: 1- Our New pure copper IEC AC input socket. 2- Silver AC input wiring. 3- A 50% larger pre-regulator capacitor. 4- Our discrete 5 Volt regulator for the digital input board. 5- Additional post regulator capacitor. 6- Hand-picked Rev.2 transformers.
Our new pure copper IEC AC input connector.
New capacitors we use.
Our new 5v discrete regulator for the digital input board.
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Starting this Friday (11/15) we are giving customers 10% off site wide until the end of November while supplies last. This sale excludes VIP pricing upgrades.
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Here is the layout of components of our Limited Edition Signature Series PLUS units.
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We have received a lot of interest in making the bridge 2 card sound good in these MK1 DAC's. We have been working on it for a few weeks now and have it almost completed. One of the biggest problem with these Bridge cards is the fact that they draw a lot of current and it uses only one stock regulator. This is why units with the Bridge card installed, the power supply heatsinks over heat and literally burns the rubber coating on the transformer wires and discolors the heatsinks. The underside of the lid gets stained and smells like burnt rubber where the wires leave the residue from the heat. Not good. We discovered this is one reason the Bridge 2 cards do not sound that good. You will need at least the Signature Series PLUS upgrade. You will have to send your unit in to have larger hestsinks installed and an additional discrete 5v regulator, a new post regulator capacitor installed along with your Bridge 2 card. Running it through test currently. Cost is will be announced later. The first few will get a large discount. |
We are back doing MK2 upgrades. Includes Our match R2 Nickel transformers and a pure copper IEC inlet wired with 10% Silver plated OFC Teflon jacket wire along with correcting any flaws we find. With the new Blue Sky firmware this thing is sounding smooth and sweet. |
