PS Audio Direct Stream MK2 DAC

@sdl4 Paul Gowan responded to me several times. He insisted the nearly useless network connectivity was never intended as a bridge. Not believable. Paul did say the website materials needed clarifying about the network only supporting firmware updates and zero services streaming.

Paul couldn’t identify any other products on the market that only use network capabilities for firmware and nothing else but he mentioned they have two more products coming out like this (no mention of which).

PSA support and Paul both mentioned that “over time they discovered” the MK1 bridge II was noisy but not how leaving a network card in the machine would prevent noise this time (nor omitting the bridge would solve this). It’s incomprehensible that a mature audiophile company wouldn’t be testing products for noise before they ship… The logical inconsistency of an audiophile company with many products on the market that require expert engineering to avoid problems with noise wasn’t addressed either. How they and others (Levinson, Devialet, etc.) selling integrated amplifiers without noise issues was also not addressed.

When you consider the facts and timing, the only logical conclusion is cost and the opportunity to sell their first dedicated streamer. Paul also basically admitted the network system might be too expensive to warrant use only for firmware updates.

@acmaier3 

I recognize your frustration in not getting a product that you expected would have a built-in streamer. I hope you find a DAC/streamer that you will enjoy.

My situation is a little different. When I bought my original DS DAC, I already had an excellent Innuos streamer/server and chose not to install the Bridge II to provide an Ethernet connection for my DAC. I knew from early information about the MK2 DAC that it would not include a built-in bridge, so that was never my assumption or preference. Knowing that periodic updates for the MK1 required use of an SD card, which was not a very elegant solution, I welcomed the ability to update the new MK2 via a network connection. 

Now that I have the MK2 and can listen to it in my system, I am very happy with how natural and non-fatiguing it sounds, while also providing realistic transparency and detail. It's a great DAC, and I'm sorry your situation didn't allow you to enjoy its beauty and musicality. However, there are lots of great DACs and streamers out there, and I'm sure you'll find something with the sound quality and features you're looking for.

@dcpillai wrote: "

Congratulations on acquiring the MKII @emailists ! Hope you manage to resolve the slight hum that you have found.

I have read that the Niagaras have a hum of their own in certain instances, but if I am not mistaken it is heard over the speakers, which does not seem to be the case with your setup.

Do let us know if any of your tweaks /  adjustments / upgrades eliminates the hum. Congrats and wishing you much enjoyment with the MKII!"

I have a Niagara 5000 and there is zero noise with it in my system.

Does the PS Audio mk2 DAC have an Ethernet board that allows you to stream from Qobuz, etc.? How are software upgrades installed? Thanks.

is the Ethernet board standard or an extra cost option?  Thanks. 

@hgeifman the thread just above your query addresses this question - no the PS Audio DAC MK2 does not support any type of direct music streaming - you must purchase a separate network bridge.

PS Audio insist the network card was always only intended for firmware updates. Contrary to that insistence the MK2 doesn’t have any menu items for upgrading the firmware. The 2.6.2 firmware released this week won’t install from the USB drive when I tried yesterday - will try again today. There are no instructions about what format the USB drive should be though using FAT32 didn’t work; just tried with APFS which didn't work either. The update doesn’t include anything for OTA updates through the network card and there is no published timeline for when updates will happen OTA. The manual nor the website (AFAIK) has absolutely no mention of the fact that firmware downloading isn’t ready yet.

When I said this new product was half baked I was being very kind.