Modding the PS Audio Directstream DAC MK1 and MK2

We have decided to build and offer our external power boards.again.  We have many request for them.

PM if interested.

plug and play solution that will allow you to use the internal PS or the external one. If no external PS is hooked up the unit will use the internal PS. If the external PS is hooked up then the External PS will be used. It will be automatic and also will pass the power to the analog board at the correct time during power up. This will be a card that slides in the Bridge port with the external power supply connector and LED indicator. All one needs to do is move the analog PS plug to the new board and connect the supplied cable to the analog board. Kit will include the cable with the 2 pin connectors for the external power supply and the DSD.
We make the cables out of 14AWG 2.4mm OD Silver Plated FEP Wire High Purity OFC Copper Cable.

The green LED indicates the external supply is power on and being used.

I overlooked the reason some didn't think Snowmass 3.05 sounded better than other versions.

We revisited this with the original Rev.1 transformers and the difference between the firmware is very close. We feel Windom or Sunlight do sound very good however with the new Signature Series MK1 DAC Snowmass definitely outshines the others.

Just wanted to post my limited experience with the APS transformers in the MKII. I’ve only had them playing 48 hours or so. I don’t know Jeff other than dealing with him through the purchase and install of the transformers, but what he and his son have created are a revelation. I have only dreamed of sound this good. The reference tracks I use have never sounded anything like this, even in more expensive systems. the purity of sound, the intimacy of vocals, the realism, staging and separation are abundant in spades. My system, being beryllium for mids and tweeters, along with an electrostatic super tweeter, can be brutal, letting you hear every shortcoming with sources. The APS transformer upgrade, in my system I think is bigger than an amp or preamp upgrade. As can be seen from the response curves Jeff posted, yes the treble is more extended and crystalline than the stock Edcore units. Buzzy brass from the Athena Rachmaninoff Symphonic dances sounded much more like real horns and less buzzy mess. I could hear much more of Bill Evans hands doing different things and get a much better sense of the piano’s soundboard in general. Right now I’m not using a preamp, so I’m only playing my DSMKII between 40 and 70, so when I finally put a preamp back in the system, I may hear even more goodness. I’m not running Massive firmware yet, as I didn’t want to change too many variable at once, but it will be interesting to hear if I like Massive more than Antero. I do hope Jeff decides to offer the MKII transformers again some day, as I’m trying to convince a friend with a MKII he needs to do this upgrade.

How much of an improvement are the new signature series MKI transformers, and is a trade in possible?