Modding the PS Audio Directstream DAC MK1 and MK2

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.

@jk_richards I am thinking about getting a PS Audio DSD MK2 DAC.  I know your service includes transformers upgrading wire and the AC inlet.  Are you currently still trying to find ways to upgrade this DAC?  I read part of your service is going thru the DAC and making sure things are in order such as solder joints, securing screws, wires etc.  Have you noticed anything wrong that you are not able to fix?   

Some are required to be returned to PS Audio for bad solder joints or use of prototype parts instead of the intended part that was not available at the time of assembly.  Almost all have issues with the small grounding tabs next to each input.  They hit the plastic surround around the i2s inputs keeping the tabs from touching the chassis. Also, some were not even masked properly on the chassis.  Some tabs were missing altogether as they broke off from being forced (bent) to the side at the factory to try and correct this misalignment. These should go back for repair / replacement of the digital board.

We inspect everything before we make any changes. If we find issues, we don’t feel we can fix properly we will request the unit be returned.  If we find these problems, we work with the owner to ship it back to PS Audio before any upgrades are done. This is the major reason we no longer sell DIY transformers for the MK2. 

We are currently working on fixing the large DC offset in these units.  This will take quite some time as this Vocm is now servo controlled in the MK2.

In the end the MK2 sounds much better with the mods we do.  Almost as good as our Limited Edition MK1.  We have both so we can have customers listen for themself and also bring in their favorite DAC for comparison.

Hope this answered all your questions.

Modded analog board:  Note the new IEC power inlet.

Ground Tab Issue:

Have you heard the news, the DSD MkII is going to be discontinued and replaced by the PMG Signature DAC which will be coming out in July I believe. Kinda sucks for those who recently purchased one. Oh and no more firmware updates either for the DSD MkII. I would imagine any remaining stock will discounted and sold through The Music Room at some point.

Will be interesting at some point to compare the new PMG DAC to the fully modded DSD MkI.