Modding the PS Audio Directstream DAC MK1 and MK2

fuses, very expensive fuses!!!!  

couldn't resist... please carry on... :)

(moving my review over from the other forum)

So… I am in the fortunate position to be able to compare a bone-stock MK1 vs a jkrichards modded MK1 (Transformers + VOCM). I purchased the latter from jkrichards, which he had already modified.

For the tests, both DACs were left on for 2 hours for some warm up. Both powered from a PS Audio P3 generator. RCA outputs to 2 inputs on the preamp. Both fed from an Innuos Zen3 mini via coax (which I had to swap between the DACs for testing). Before getting into listening, I used a dB meter and pink noise to mark on the preamp the volume settings as the modded DAC has a bit more gain and I didn’t want that interfering my impressions. I also decided that using the pre was better then attenuating the output on the DAC; the Preamp we make here uses a TVC so it is very consistent across the volume range.

Usually comparing components, the difference in character immediately makes certain things stand out and may throw off more objective listening and critique. It’s not the case here because the character, tonal balance is almost the same. The “house sound” is pretty similar… so if you like the PS Audio DAC sonic signature, you won’t be thrown in a different direction here.

So… the sound. It is just simply, consistently, better. The separation in the mix of instruments and voices is improved. Definitely a bit more prat. Sightly more airy without being turned up. As others have mentioned, the bass is definitely improved in terms of control and tonality (I personally find real tone in bass difficult to achieve and this mod delivers the goods) The whole sound is more refined, more controlled, without getting dry or astringent… nor did it get lush and colored in the process.

Definitely a worthy upgrade and really a no-brainer if you like your Directstream but want more of that same goodness. It’s a Directstream living its best life… as the kids say.

We just finished a bunch of Vocm and transformer mods.  Hopping to make some happy listeners. 😀

Hello. fellow members.

Thanks lkdog

Comments like these are why we do this.  We really love our hobby.

Agree with above post as it is almost exactly how I would describe the upgrade. I can attest to the massive enhancement of the DSD Mk1 after the APS transformers, VOCM mod, and I2s input shorting plug on unused input.

I had @richardselectronics do the work on the unit. Quick turnaround.

Huge soundstage, and control with detail and presence.

The Bass response is deep and defined.

If you have a DSD1, this is a no brainer. It is then an endgame DAC.

I have had a lot of separate DACs and high end source units with modded DACs from a lot of the usual vendors here in last 20 years.

All good, but this is another level totally for the price people blow on cables here.

Placed the newly upgraded PS Audio DSD MKI DAC, which I sent to JK Richards to do the mods, into my system at around 6 pm yesterday evening after the system had been unplugged for two weeks and was pleasantly surprised how good the music flowing from it sounded. Normally my system remains turned on and in standby at all times, but even then, it takes at least 30 minutes to an hour of playing music before the sound really starts to gel to the point where I get lost in the music. Yesterday I was held captive immediately and remained affixed in my listening chair for 4 hours straight as I went through my music collection as if hearing these silver discs for the first time. The PS Audio MKI DAC was no slouch to start with, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to music through it, but it’s an entirely new and more refined DAC now.

The top end is more detailed while also sounding smoother and more delicate. Cymbals have more shimmer and sparkle, and their presence lingers longer as the sound decays into a blacker background. The midrange and vocals sound absolutely stunning and to die for! Again the lower noise floor reveals subtle inflections in the vocals that were previously obscured, further suspending my disbelief.

The bass now digs deeper and is more controlled and articulate. The foundation of the music has more drive and bass lines are easy to follow now. I also noticed I don’t need to listen as loud in order to get the bass to come alive and really boogie. Before when listening at lower levels the bass never really had the presence and punch it did when turned up louder. Now even at much lower levels everything including the bass sounds prefectly balanced.

I can say without hesitation, this is the best bang for the buck upgrade I’ve ever made.

These mods bring the MK1 up to the new MK2 sound.