Modifying PS Audio DirectStream DAC


I just finished my first mod. It was for my PS Audio DirectStream DAC:

  1. Swapped in two Edcor XS4400 transformers.
  2. Switched the power supply for the analogue board to a Farad Super 3
  3. Added 3M AB6005S EMI/RF shielding to the inside of the case and on the larger chips

It sounds amazing now. Its like having a new piece of equipment. I was A/Bing it with my turntable and got confused as to which was playing! All the changes were pretty straight forward. They are described in detail on the PS Audio website. There are lots of pictures to help.

bigby

Showing 2 responses by arch2

bigby, I was looking this over at the PS Audio site and the transformers seem to be a “relatively” easy part for part swap (soldering and de-soldering skills mandatory) but how difficult was it to wire in the Farad Super 3 into the analog board?

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thanks bigby. I’m pretty stoked about this mod. I was reading the threads on this at ps audio site and it’s very reassuring to see Ted Smith on board with these changes. I went ahead and ordered the transformers last night but it looks like a 3 month or so delivery date. Oh well, a little project for the spring I guess.

Running the new power supply cable seems tricky. I have the bridge II installed but I don’t see how you ran the cable through that opening without deactivating the bridge. My only other thought was to literally drill a new hole on the back plate and instal a rubber grommet and pass through there. Did you just simply unplug the existing power supply connection to the analog board and leave it dangling inside or did you remove the wires completely?