Modding the PS Audio Directstream DAC MK1 and MK2


I would like to continue discussing all the mods we have created for these two DAC's as it seems PS Audio is no longer allowing discussions about them on their forum.

For reference here is a link to the closed discussion.

https://forum.psaudio.com/t/modding-the-directstream-dac-mki/2680

128x128richardselectronics

I tried sending messages to both the RichardsElectronics and JK Richards accounts on 7/25, 8/17 & 8/21 and I never heard back from either one. Don't know what else to do.

We never received any PM or the likes from you. Perhaps you are going about it the wrong way?

It’s easy to reach me here.

Directstream MK1 and MK2 transformers.

I did not see the 8/22 post about the Direct Stream "Junior" model; so, my bad.

Here is a FFT plot of the MK2 with the new Massive firmware.  Note the distortion is worse than with the last firmware.  This new massive firmware is almost impossible to measure the actual noise floor.

MK2 with Massive FW:

 

The MK1 has better measurements. Note the better dynamic range and lower noise floor of the MK1.  Note this one has a bad transformer on the right channel.

Not to trivialize noise measurements, but this sort of does show how there is not a 1:1 of noise and Sound quality.  Now that being said there are few reports of some amps this causing issues with, but that is a known factor and reported in the Stereophile mag.  

I for one love the SQ in my setup, could care less on the measurements. I have a scheduled appt. to put in my APS transformers from JK next week.  Going to let burn in while away for a few days I am out of the house. Hope it does not bother the rest at home.  But I should get 250+ hours burn in with them.