PS Audio Direct Stream MK2 DAC


While researching the PS Audio Direct Stream MK2 DAC on the PSA Forum, I came across this:

"Regarding “hum,” Ted said: “ You had the opportunity to return your device if it was wasn’t acceptable. I don’t know how one could claim to have been screwed…….”

Not only that, this “hum” was a known feature, as it was discussed early and often in the beta thread. Paul even went so far as to claim every component PSA has ever produced (or at least, every component on his shelf) has this hum."

Further, Ted himself says:

"The hum is coming from the piezoelectric response from a few critical capacitors in the power supply. The device was designed with a component that wouldn’t cause this problem, but supply chain problems forced us to design in a slightly older version of the part which caused the hum. Unfortunately, the new and old parts aren’t footprint compatible, so we’re stuck with the older version for a while even when the newer parts become available again."

Ted is Ted Smith, the" Chief Digital Dude" at PS Audio.

Question to all PSA DS MK2 DAC owners, do you hear a hum?

All in all, do you think it would be better to wait for a while until the problem sorts itself out - OR - is it "much ado about nothing" and I should just go ahead and get the PSA DAC?

I am leaning towards waiting .... But I am interested to hear your views too.

 

 

 

128x128dcpillai

@bmontani @andynotadam @mdiaz @jl35 @sdl4 Many thanks for the information. However, as I have already got a Holo May DAC in the interim, I plan to revisit acquiring the PSA DAC Mk2 sometime in 2024. By then, am hoping that the issue (if there was one in the first place) would have been completely resolved by the use of the original cap intended by Ted Smith.

@milpai I got the Holo May DAC instead of the Holo Spring 3 (as suggested by @lalitk) and will be installing it over the next few days. I am excited and at the same time quite anxious to tell you the truth! 😅🤞    

@dcpillai 

Good call and congratulations! Looking forward to your listening impressions. 

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Just got my MKII up and running a few days ago.  It’s plugged into a a Niagara 7000 and I am am hearing a slight hum with my ear about 1” from the DAC, however it’s dead silent though the speakers.

I’ll have to try plugging in straight to the wall, but as far as sound quality the MKII is fantastic.  I’m running a long optical usb cable from my Mac Pro in another room running Jriver as opposed to ethernet/EtherRegen  I was running in the MKI. I’m very happy with the unit so far and has really helped with the last niggles I have with my speakers coincident drivers dissapearing.

still planning on doing the transformer upgrade when available, as it supposedly takes the Dac to another level.