Modifying PS Audio DirectStream DAC

The most expense part was the Farad Super 3. Otherwise it was very cheap for an upgrade.

This is an example of what amazes me when it comes to stereo equipment.  In Canada, the PS Audio DirectStream DAC retails for close to $9000.  Then PS Audio suggest parts you can replace inside to improve the sound?  Why then, at $9000, weren't those parts installed in the first place?  What am I missing here? 

What amazed me was they designed the boards to accept the upgraded transformers.  The original ones were about $20.00 and the upgraded ones were $31.00 + shipping.

It was very professional for PS Audio to give the information for the upgrade.  I could not have figured it out on my own.  The price to performance must have been to low for them to use the higher grade transformer or there were other considerations that gave it better sound.  The DAC got rave reviews when it was released.

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!

In 2022, PS Audio is planning to introduce an upgraded version of the DirectStream DAC, which first came out a number of years ago. Many of the areas currently identified for upgrades will be improved in the new version of the DAC. Ted Smith, who designed the original version is also designing the new version, and he has been providing great advice to current owners who want to make upgrades before the new version is released.