Modding the PS Audio Directstream DAC MK1 and MK2

We have been asked many times, When did we change over to the new Rev.2 transformers?

Any transformer purchase before December 20/2023 are the older original transformers.

We finalized the new Rev2 transformers on that date. These new R2 transformers allow us to do the needed DC offset tune to increase dynamics and lower the low frequency distortion in our Signature Series DAC's.

Hi Jeff. Is there a version of this Rev2 transformer for the DS MkII as well?

No.  We made the R2 to correct the DC offset issue the MK1's have.

Quote:

We have some exciting news. We have been working on a new Directstream DAC upgrade for the past six months and have finally released it.

Our new Limited Edition Signature Series PLUS DAC.

The Limited Edition is the latest model in a series of the finest and most successful DAC upgrades ever made. Providing even more presence, weight and definition than that of its predecessor, the Signature Series PLUS.

The Limited Edition clearly redefines the state of the art at a price that is not inexpensive but represents extraordinary value.

While differences in recordings are immediately apparent, the Limited Edition connects you to the intent of the musicians and the soul of the performance, drawing you in even more.

This unit extracts the room ambience like no other. You can clearly hear the room where the original recording was produced.

Only by hearing it for yourself will you fully appreciate the sonic advancements unveiled by the Limited Edition.

The Limited Edition possesses great bandwidth and resolving power combined with a purity and naturalness that is uncanny – grain and electronic artifacts are simply absent. Bass impact, depth and control is startling, while music ebbs and flows with a dynamic life that is rarely experienced outside the concert hall.

 

This upgrade includes the following upgrades in addition to our Signature Series PLUS upgrade:

1- Our New pure copper IEC AC input socket.

2- Silver AC input wiring.

3- A 50% larger pre-regulator capacitor.

4- Our discrete 5 Volt regulator for the digital input board.

5- Additional post regulator capacitor.

6- Hand-picked Rev.2 transformers.

 

Our new pure copper IEC AC input connector.

New capacitors we use.

Our new 5v discrete regulator for the digital input board.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFmOhR0zp2Q&t=1

 

Is there an OP amp in the DSD DAC? If so this OP amp Danny is talking about sounds like it would be worth upgrading to.

The opamps in this Directstream DAC are special high frequency video opamps. The ones Danny is speaking of from Sparkos is a replacement for standard opamps (not compatible at all with the DS). We make our own discrete opamps for other equipment.

We have tested other compatible opamps however the ones in the DS work the best especially when the DC offset is fixed. We have spent 1.000’s of hours working with the Directstream MK1 DAC and feel it’s at it’s best with the Limited Edition upgrade. We even tried using a custom opamp output stage instead of our transformers and it didn’t sound even close to what have now. Ted designed these DS DAC’s to use an audio transformer for a reason.

Starting this Friday (11/15) we are giving customers 10% off  site wide until the end of November while supplies last.  This sale excludes VIP pricing upgrades.

Just a heads up.  We only have one complete unit available now and are down to a few transformers.  We won't be making any more till next year.

Here is the layout of components of our Limited Edition Signature Series PLUS units.