# Directstream Mk 2 observations **URL:** \ **Category:** DACs\ **Created:** [December 22, 2022, 7:13pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566 "2022-12-22T19:13:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 121
**Author:** ![jkrichards](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/jkrichards/32/191511_2.png) [@jkrichards](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jkrichards)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2023, 1:12pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2442 "2023-07-15T13:12:14Z")
> [@largenmt](#): > > Any updates on scheduling for the revised firmware for the Mk II? [![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/3X/0/d/0d900015c7b135d98ecafad8252f90982026cbe6.jpeg "Crickets (Awkward Silence) - Sound Effect (HD)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpGtBnVZLSk) ---
**Author:** ![vkennedy61](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/vkennedy61/32/41241_2.png) [@vkennedy61](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vkennedy61)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2023, 1:55am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2443 "2023-07-19T01:55:57Z")
There’s this: > **[PS Audio Directstream DAC MK2](https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650002899-ps-audio-directstream-dac-mk2/)** > > For Sale PS Audio Directstream MK2 DAC, this is the most current updated version of this DAC. I have owned it for 5 months and have an opportunity to purchase a very high end DAC at a great price, so I regretfully need to sell this. It is silver and... ---
**Author:** ![akro](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/akro/32/177145_2.png) [@akro](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/akro)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2023, 7:59am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2444 "2023-07-19T07:59:42Z")
Pristine silver ---
**Author:** ![jkrichards](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/jkrichards/32/191511_2.png) [@jkrichards](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jkrichards)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2023, 9:35pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2445 "2023-07-19T21:35:51Z")
No update on firmware however received an email from Scott McGowan about used MK1’s > **[DirectStream DAC Factory Refreshed](https://www.psaudio.com/products/directstream-dac?variant=43692238143778&mc_cid=81a4a7324c&mc_eid=685817016c)** > > In response to the incredible demand for our highly sought-after Directstream DAC MKII, we are delighted to announce that we have a collection of preloved Directstream DAC MK1 units. At PS Audio, we consider it a true privilege to offer these units... ---
**Author:** ![steve.gross](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba8739/32.png) [@steve.gross](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/steve.gross)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2023, 9:47pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2446 "2023-07-19T21:47:51Z")
That price is less than the trade-in discount they gave when I upgraded! Sounds like a great deal to me… ---
**Author:** ![1cdfoley](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/1cdfoley/32/101112_2.png) [@1cdfoley](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/1cdfoley)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2023, 10:19pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2447 "2023-07-19T22:19:33Z")
I will be selling my BACK MK1 in October for $2,000. ---
**Author:** ![weedeewop](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/weedeewop/32/190064_2.png) [@weedeewop](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/weedeewop)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 4:35pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2448 "2023-07-20T16:35:00Z")
Sweet. ---
**Author:** ![Elk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/elk/32/1240_2.png) [@Elk](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Elk)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 8:20pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2449 "2023-07-20T20:20:10Z")
5 posts were merged into an existing topic: [(2) items for sale](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/2-items-for-sale/33553/23) ---
**Author:** ![vkennedy61](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/vkennedy61/32/41241_2.png) [@vkennedy61](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/vkennedy61)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2023, 4:31am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2450 "2023-07-21T04:31:40Z")
Happy Cake Day! CakeDayfoley!! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![downtheline](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/74df32/32.png) [@downtheline](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/downtheline)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2023, 5:23pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2451 "2023-07-22T17:23:15Z")
Been working with vibration and room treatment. I initially had my DS on three Nordost Kones (ac). I found those footers significantly better than other footers I tried incuding symposium Rollerblock jr, Mapleshade brass footers and Synergistic Research MiGs. I found the Kones to give the system more detail, improved spatial imaging. Better ambiance. It’s been a while since I had that in house so I don’t remember other details, but there was a clear winner. When I replaced my DS with the Holo May KTE, I didnt really mess with the footers too much because of its size, and dual chassis configuration. I then replaced the Holo with the MK2. As I made some other system changes I felt that I was battling some tipped up high frequency. Due to size of components I ended up with the Taiko Daiza platform under the MK2, as well as the Symposium Rollerblocks jr between the dac and the platform. The platform sat on its own footers on a walnut shelf (home made) that then sat on Isoacoustic Isopucks on a aluminum frame/ support. Each shelf is isolated by Isopucks. This was great. Best my system has ever sounded. Then of course I started messing with it. I removed the Taiko platform amd put the dac directly on the walnut shelf using its own footers. No good, fuzzy, loss of spatial cues. I didn’t spend much time here. I then put the MK2 back on the Nordost Kones. Not happy. Too much upper frequency energy again. Glare. Clarity improved, detail improved. Sounded great with some flamenco guitar music or simply accompanied voice, but everything else was too much. I simply changed out the Kones for some Rollerblock jrs (always with tungsten carbide balls) and the sound I liked was mostly back. Glare was gone, detail remained, spatial cues good, still some sharp s sounds from voices. Leaner than the configuration of rollerblocks on the Taiko platform. I had aquired some asc isothernal tubetraps (13x36) and put those in place of gik corner bass traps, and this let me dial in the room. Turned the diffuser partially away and voilà! Improved mid to upper bass along with retained or improved spatial cues, no glare, no sharp s sounds. Better sense of ease and enjoyment. ---
**Author:** ![esscee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5e925/32.png) [@esscee](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/esscee)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2023, 12:02pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2452 "2023-07-24T12:02:04Z")
Following this and other threads on DSD Mk2 as well as the latest Manual for some time now. So a question for those in the know, why isn’t there anywhere in the Manual a picture/photo of all the icons that show in the Main display especially the top row? There should be and it can be coupled in the Manual by each selection that is described, thereby showing the user/operator what that selection looks like in the main display. ---
**Author:** ![Vmax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/vmax/32/19896_2.png) [@Vmax](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Vmax)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2023, 11:29pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2453 "2023-07-24T23:29:13Z")
Same reason their isn’t a user interface software where all of the selections are both selectable and work and have been tested before release. Instead silence is golden when you have no answers. ---
**Author:** ![Carousel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/carousel/32/155545_2.png) [@Carousel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Carousel)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2023, 11:59am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2454 "2023-07-31T11:59:35Z")
Small update on DS MK2 noise floor matters when not using a preamp. I swapped out the NAD C298 Purifi amp for a Benchmark AHB2. Only on the top gain sensitivity level of the Benchmark is there a hiss that can be heard from the listening position. The top setting is meant for unbalanced systems though. So it is not even where it should be for my balanced system. I am using the middle sensitivity of the Benchmark. Means my surround systems are out of balance now though as the front left and right are quieter than before. This can be adjusted. It just was not necessary before as I had Rothwell attenuators only on the output from the DS MK2 for stereo use before. The Benchmark sounds so much better though and I can turn down the other channels on my exaSound surround sound DAC in settings. And Dirac will adjust the ARCAM ATMOS when I re-run it for the 9.2.6 system. I will save the Rothwell -20dB attenuators in the DS MK2 box in the basement in case one offspring inherits the DS MK2 and the other the AHB2. ---
**Author:** ![brumtech](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/brumtech/32/27935_2.png) [@brumtech](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/brumtech)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 1:22pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2455 "2023-08-10T13:22:55Z")
> **[PS Audio Perfectwave MKII DAC; D/A Converter; Bridge II; Black](https://tmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/ps-audio-perfectwave-mkii-dac-d-a-converter-bridge-ii-black/)** > > The Music Room is the go-to source for the very best in new, used and vintage home audio products. The Music Room is now the largest online retailer of pre-owned HiFi equipment in the world. Headquartered in beautiful Erie Colorado, The Music Room is... TMR has a “MKII” for sale, but the pics and the price certainly look like the OG. ---
**Author:** ![tonyplachy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/fbc32d/32.png) [@tonyplachy](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tonyplachy)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 1:45pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2456 "2023-08-10T13:45:49Z")
The image in the description is clearly a MK1. ---
**Author:** ![sixpack1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/sixpack1/32/6013_2.png) [@sixpack1](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/sixpack1)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 2:34pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2457 "2023-08-10T14:34:35Z")
The Perfectwave mk2 is the DAC that was sold before the Directstream DAC. It is not DSD based or capable. The confusion is caused by PS Audio calling the newest DAC the Perfectwave Directstream mk2. ---
**Author:** ![brumtech](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/brumtech/32/27935_2.png) [@brumtech](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/brumtech)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 3:07pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2458 "2023-08-10T15:07:11Z")
Thanks, I totally missed that. I’ll learn to read someday! I’ll drink more coffee before posting next time. ---
**Author:** ![tonyplachy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/fbc32d/32.png) [@tonyplachy](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tonyplachy)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 3:28pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2459 "2023-08-10T15:28:26Z")
I see said the bind man! 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![mdsimon2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/97f17d/32.png) [@mdsimon2](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/mdsimon2)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 7:11pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2460 "2023-08-10T19:11:40Z")
Thanks for sharing! I always love it when folks provide their own measurements. Looking back at these measurements I don’t think you were measuring what you thought you were. To confirm you were attempting to measure noise floor without any input signal to the DAC, correct? I don’t think the quoted -30.8/-32.7 dBu and -62.9/-65.4 dBu peak monitor readings are bandwidth limited, I believe they are only used to set the autoranger. They certainly reflect higher overall noise level in the Mk2 than the Mk1 but I don’t think they reflect audible noise level. You have your measurement function set to THD+N which would apply your 400-15K bandwidth limit to the THD+N measurement but because you do not have any output signal from the DAC THD+N doesn’t really make sense. This is why it is reporting 60+% THD+N. If you are making measurements of the noise floor with no input signal I believe you should use the Amplitude measurement function. My preference is to report noise in uV as you can easily compare the absolute noise level across DACs. The other typical way to make a noise floor measurement is to send a -60 dBFS tone to the DAC and then measure THD+N. At such low levels THD+N should be noise dominated. If you measure in dB you can then add 60 dB to your measurement and this will give you dynamic range. This method has the advantage of showing true noise floor in case there is some dynamic muting behavior that artificially lowers the noise floor when no input signal is present. If you make future measurement would also love to see the FFT spectrum. Michael ---
**Author:** ![jkrichards](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/jkrichards/32/191511_2.png) [@jkrichards](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jkrichards)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 7:10pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566/2461 "2023-08-11T19:10:53Z")
> [@mdsimon2](#): > > To confirm you were attempting to measure noise floor without any input signal to the DAC, correct? No. We used the digital out (24bit 96Khz) of the AP going in to the DAC using optical or AES/EBU The DAC always indicated a good digital signal. We also did the FFT spectrum however did not post that. [Previous page](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566.md?page=120) [Next page](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/directstream-mk-2-observations/31566.md?page=122)