Modding the PS Audio Directstream DAC MK1 and MK2

I might know the same about shortcomings of the stock power supply or maybe even more than you. Imagine that! But we won’t find out because I won’t share with you, so you can’t sell a $10 mod for $1000 (just a random number as an example).

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You measured and found it not noisy. LOL Tell it Amirm (audiosciencereview.com) who measured DirectStream DAC a long time ago.

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Come on, man, the stock power supply uses a SINGLE ML317 in simplistic configuration to feed the whole input board plus display and processor board (one cheap integrated circuit serves them all). And this is the foundation of your statement DAC? LOL

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I didn’t overlook anything. Because I rebuild the whole power supply ground up. Only the toroidal transformer and heat sinks remain from the stock power supply.

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Your original APS transformers with my complicated Vocm mod really showcase the difference with the additional power supply vs. without it. I don’t know, but it could be your simple / cheap Vocm mod that didn’t allow you to hear the difference in your modified DAC.

PS

Yes, I did the same withTurboTK. I told him that he is wasting his really brilliant ideas when he uses this stock power supply as is.

Ignorance is bliss.

Re-posting someone else old data. This is from years ago with a stock unit.

Guess you will never know what you are missing.

Are there any reviews from someone who upgraded their DSD MkI DAC from the original APS transformers and VOCM  mods to the new Signature series plus?

Yes. These are very new. More to come later as more are used.

A panel of listeners here all agreed that the new Signature Series PLUS tops all the DAC’s we have here in a blind A/B comparison.

DAC’s we have here. 1- MK1 Signature Series, 1-Mk1 Signature Series PLUS, 1- MK2 with our transformers, dCS BARTÓK APEX, ADI-2 Pro FS R, and a Holo Audio MAY KTE.  On loan a Danifrips Terminator Plus.

The biggest difference in sound quality is a taller sound stage with more dynamics and micro details. Very focused compared to the new MK2. The MK2 is also more congested.

Anyone in the Baltimore / Washington DC area are welcome to come visit us here in our studio to have a listen. Just leave us a message.

My scope showing how clean the stock power supply is. The old FFT posted above is using the USB input. That is what causing the noise shown (ground loop). Not the power supply. Also there are at least two discrete filter / regulators circuits after the main power supply with the 317 regulator.

FYI. Noise is not the issue and not what makes this internal supply sound so good in the Signature Series PLUS.