We’re still noodling on alternatives. The kit idea isn’t one we have been able to figure out how to make it fly. We also talked a great deal about a trade in credit.
Paul McGowan said We're still noodling on alternatives. The kit idea isn't one we have been able to figure out how to make it fly. We also talked a great deal about a trade in credit.What if the kit only provided the touchscreen and all electrical hardware except the case (blue power button, rear IEC connector and power switch, all necessary internal cables not already in possession of the users) and let the customers make their own case? That way it's cheaper for PSA and there's no mistake where this DAC came from when it goes on the resale market. . . .
–SSW
Either this, or a simple folded metal case. Inexpensive, yet effective.
+1 With all of the required holes for mounting everything.
Elk said Either this, or a simple folded metal case. Inexpensive, yet effective.That would be a bare aluminum sheetmetal case, say .040" wall with the proper cutouts. We can paint it ourselves.
–SSW
Any return to base solution is unlikely to work for all of us outside the USA. And I would prefer to have a PWDII (authentic or DIY) than cash.
Is there anything difficult involved in re-using the PWD boards from a DIY perspective? Is it just which display and IR sensor or is there more to it?
I’m capable to make a chassis and back plate. Others might want to get it made locally. The mains hardware is easy to source at whatever spec we desire.
I think that the biggest issue would be the display and controller board. The rest of the hardware and even a front panel switch would not be hard to purchase and/or make. Certainly, a custom case would not be too hard to make or have made.
I don’t want to kill my perfectly good PerfectWave DAC Mk.II (upgraded) just to have a DirectStream a bit cheaper. Yes, I know that the difference in price between a nre DS and a kit is not pocket change, but I would prefer to move my PWD into System Three to replace the NuWave DAC that is currently there. However, at the moment I can afford nothing, so I will continue to enjoy my PWD Mk.II until I can get a DS. 
J.P.
Part of the problem for us is support. We can’t just sell a touchscreen or a chassis or even a bag of screws without supporting it. The deeper we get into it the harder it gets. Imagine me selling you a screen. You put it in a shoebox, connect it up and it doesn’t work. Now what? That’s the problem. At least when we do an upgrade kit like we’re doing, we have only so many issues that come up and we work hard to support and make sure they get handled, if not, we gladly take the unit back and do the work ourselves. We make it right.
To do that level of service, and that’s the only level of service I am interested in doing, it takes resources, time and money. We make that money by upcharging the kits enough to cover our costs. If we’re lucky we even make a profit which we can use to invest in new products.
This always winds up being the issue.
Why not do it as a Kickstarter? You know you can at least break even when the minimum number of people sign up. When you reach your minimum goal, those who pledge get charged immediately so you get all the funds right away. So you’re not out the up front costs and ‘hope’ enough people buy in. By setting a minimum Kickstarter goal, if there’s enough interest to meet that minimum it gets into production.
If not enough people pledge, so be it, you just don’t make the chassis. You’re not out anything except the time it took to make the Kickstarter. And people who pledged won’t get charged anything, either (per Kickstarter rules)
Just a thought.
–SSW
Paul McGowan said Part of the problem for us is support. We can't just sell a touchscreen or a chassis or even a bag of screws without supporting it. The deeper we get into it the harder it gets. Imagine me selling you a screen. You put it in a shoebox, connect it up and it doesn't work. Now what? That's the problem. At least when we do an upgrade kit like we're doing, we have only so many issues that come up and we work hard to support and make sure they get handled, if not, we gladly take the unit back and do the work ourselves. We make it right.To do that level of service, and that’s the only level of service I am interested in doing, it takes resources, time and money. We make that money by upcharging the kits enough to cover our costs. If we’re lucky we even make a profit which we can use to invest in new products.
This always winds up being the issue.
Hi Paul. I absolutely get your point. And I do really appreciate your committment to fixing things that go wrong, esp when it’s often our own fault. That’s why I suggested we buy the parts and take the blame ourselves, but I understand this could easily get messy (and expensive).
I appreciate the upgrade paths you provided and think we’ve already gotten plenty of value for money. FWIW I don’t think we’re entitled to any cash back for the old boards, sorry if anyone gets miffed about this.
I’ve never seen you say what you intend do with the old PWDs and boards that you upgraded at PSA (although some forum members have put words in your mouth, maybe I missed a post of yours). It would be helpful to know whether you intend to offer refurb’d PWDs.
Whatever the outcome I am very appreciative of my wonderful DS, the FW upgrades and ongoing PSA support.
Paul, how about finding a “box maker”, giving them the specs, and letting them sell the box and the missing component to customers so there would be no need for PS Audio to provide support as it wouldn’t be a PS Audio product, strictly speaking? They could pay you a small royalty per box to cover your costs and provide a small profit.
Definitely. A 3d party has been discussed at length and is a good idea. Any suggestions?
How about 3D printing the box?
Hello Paul,
Do you need the display part to get it working?
Is it possible to make a working pwd II (old pcb’s) without the display pcb?
Yes, you need the display. Won’t work without it.
Paul,
It doesn’t appear there is enough interest for a third party to become involved. I completely understand the significant effort needed to design and support a “modified” unit. Would you be willing to trade the unused PerfectWave components in toward another fine PS Audio product?
FYI, the DirectStream has exceeded all my expectations.
Thanks,
Lee
Paul,
I would get my DS kit tomorrow if you guys would give me $500 credit to send the MK II guts back to Boulder. 
Any chance this deal could get set up before the end of summer? 
Vance
Yes, I think this might be able to happen but we haven’t finalized anything.
Ok Paul.
if it is possible to order a display pcb.
i can create a working PWD!?
No, not at this time.