Gazjam
13-06-2025, 21:59
Had this Dac a few years now, upgraded the hardware and Firmware to keep it up there with the best of the Dacs.
Very analogue sounding Dac, can listen to it for hours, Zero fatigue or digital glare,
Its discontinued now, and was going to upgrade to its Mk2 version, but I took a different path...
When it was announced it was being discontinued, Ted Smith (its Designer) engaged with folks on the PS Audio forums to advise on ways to maximise its sound quality, as He was releasing no more new Firmware updates for it and it was "end of line".
I followed the Thread closely as I enjoy upgrading my gear, and implemented all the mods discussed on the Thread HERE:
https://forum.psaudio.com/t/modding-the-directstream-dac-mki/2680?u=aps
Heres my Dac, and what comes in the Sale.
https://i.imgur.com/TFt5h7m.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/3S1SfYp.jpeg
https://64.media.tumblr.com/519b4c6d5d958ac694a623d4c1c4c272/tumblr_inline_p9kvm0Kv5p1se02zi_1280.jpg
The Top spec upgraded Farad linear PSU for the Analogue Output Stage cost a grand in itself, in addition to cost of the other mods.
Looking for £2700 Delivered
UK Only please.
Some more info on the Mods:
1. Fit custom power supply board allowing external linear PSU to sperately power Analogue output stage.
* Cleaner power, and separating the digital and analogue stages. Reduces electrical noise and cross-talk inside the Dac.
https://i.imgur.com/pI1i6A3.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/i1kIooc.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/R0tZT3J.jpeg
2. Farad Super 3 SUPERCAPACITOR BASED linear power supply to power the above, Farad's top spec supply with SR Purple Fuse, Furutech Rhodium IEC inlet, their level 2 solid silver 2 DC cable. Basically cleaner than a battery supply to important bit of the Dac, the Analogue output stage. Also in house custom wound Toroidial TX.
* INFO HERE: https://faradpowersupplies.com/super3/#features
https://i.imgur.com/D3Zpv0o.jpeg
3. Upgraded Edcor XS4400 transformers
* (as fitted to the MK2 version of the Dac)
https://i.imgur.com/2BWtwLr.jpeg
4. Upgraded film resistors (VOCM Mod)
* Improves how the upgraded Transformers power the Dac.
Also:
5. Internal case vibration damping with SilentCoat damping material
6. RF/EMI treatment using Stillpoint ERS material applied to specific chips of digital circuit.
* Location of treatment as recommended by Designer Ted Smith
https://i.imgur.com/LIE4nXE.jpeg
As I said,
The Top spec upgraded Farad linear PSU for the Analogue Output Stage cost a grand in itself, in addition to cost of the other mods.
Looking for £2700 Delivered
UK Only please.
Thanks. :)
Very analogue sounding Dac, can listen to it for hours, Zero fatigue or digital glare,
Its discontinued now, and was going to upgrade to its Mk2 version, but I took a different path...
When it was announced it was being discontinued, Ted Smith (its Designer) engaged with folks on the PS Audio forums to advise on ways to maximise its sound quality, as He was releasing no more new Firmware updates for it and it was "end of line".
I followed the Thread closely as I enjoy upgrading my gear, and implemented all the mods discussed on the Thread HERE:
https://forum.psaudio.com/t/modding-the-directstream-dac-mki/2680?u=aps
Heres my Dac, and what comes in the Sale.
https://i.imgur.com/TFt5h7m.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/3S1SfYp.jpeg
https://64.media.tumblr.com/519b4c6d5d958ac694a623d4c1c4c272/tumblr_inline_p9kvm0Kv5p1se02zi_1280.jpg
The Top spec upgraded Farad linear PSU for the Analogue Output Stage cost a grand in itself, in addition to cost of the other mods.
Looking for £2700 Delivered
UK Only please.
Some more info on the Mods:
1. Fit custom power supply board allowing external linear PSU to sperately power Analogue output stage.
* Cleaner power, and separating the digital and analogue stages. Reduces electrical noise and cross-talk inside the Dac.
https://i.imgur.com/pI1i6A3.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/i1kIooc.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/R0tZT3J.jpeg
2. Farad Super 3 SUPERCAPACITOR BASED linear power supply to power the above, Farad's top spec supply with SR Purple Fuse, Furutech Rhodium IEC inlet, their level 2 solid silver 2 DC cable. Basically cleaner than a battery supply to important bit of the Dac, the Analogue output stage. Also in house custom wound Toroidial TX.
* INFO HERE: https://faradpowersupplies.com/super3/#features
https://i.imgur.com/D3Zpv0o.jpeg
3. Upgraded Edcor XS4400 transformers
* (as fitted to the MK2 version of the Dac)
https://i.imgur.com/2BWtwLr.jpeg
4. Upgraded film resistors (VOCM Mod)
* Improves how the upgraded Transformers power the Dac.
Also:
5. Internal case vibration damping with SilentCoat damping material
6. RF/EMI treatment using Stillpoint ERS material applied to specific chips of digital circuit.
* Location of treatment as recommended by Designer Ted Smith
https://i.imgur.com/LIE4nXE.jpeg
As I said,
The Top spec upgraded Farad linear PSU for the Analogue Output Stage cost a grand in itself, in addition to cost of the other mods.
Looking for £2700 Delivered
UK Only please.
Thanks. :)