Paul left a “Manufacturer Comment” in the issue.
For some reason I always get my issue after everyone else. 
What does the Manufacturers Comment say?
Yes, as Ron mentions, the June issue; I just got mine in the mail today.
JA always uses the same measurement methods for all DACs. I can see the value in that.
However those measurement methods don’t work well in the presence of noise. For example: resolution is the smallest change in input that has the correct (or, some say, any) change in the output. The resolution of the DS and DS Mk II are both much higher than JA quotes. In the original DS Mk I he even complained about some non-linearities down around -120dB and then could see the differences with later software releases. If the resolution were indeed only 18 bits, then how was he seeing measurable differences down near 20 bits?
Another example is that the audible noise on the MK II is clearly better than the MK I, not worse. The differences being caused by the bandwidth on the AP used to measure the noise.
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Someone should explain all this to him in a way that the Stereophile readers see. Just my opinion.
I came away from that review a bit incredulous.
Was it really fair, especially for a journalist with JA’s experience and knowledge to end with a cautionary warning? Is the noise measurable or audible? I haven’t heard a single complaint from users or reviewers about the SQ of this DAC.
Haven’t read the review yet. Bet the issue will be in my mailbox tonight. What a shame there’s even a hint of negative. My mki had the edcore mod and was no slouch: loved the thing. Best money in audio I’ve ever spent. The mkii is easily better, took 5 minutes to notice. Hope PSA sells a ton of them. It seems like it’s been a challenging start.
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What’s more of a shame are the people that live by numbers and their ears.
Considering most of us do not make a purchase decision based on reviews, but on system synergy, as in how a component sounds in our system, I wouldn’t worry about the review all that much. I have not subscribed to Stereophile or TAS for well over 15 years, possibly 20. Last time I browsed through a copy at B&N, it reinforced my decision. For those that do buy based on magazine and internet reviews, it is their decision they must live with.
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We all profess to worship at the alter of “it’s your ears baby”
But wondering if some “threatened” by a review of one of the few remaining entities that represent the old goto for HIFI
To put it simply
Are there now those with doubts as to what their ears are telling them?
Just wondering
I never question my ears as they have never lied to me. I can’t say the same for test equipment!
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Perhaps we’re seasoned audiophiles and buyers. For others and manufacturers it’s different, as potential buyers with less seasoning might be shied away from considering the brand and model. The reviewer bears a responsibility considering his place in the market.
Although I’m yet to read the article and a reviewer has a right to his own opinion, knowing the quality of the MK2, such a conclusion seems too harsh. Especially when leaning on interpretation of measurements. That defeats the purpose of reviewing, IMO.
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Measuring the MK2 can be challenging. For example when we did our baseline measurements it showed that the noise floor was worse than the MK1 however that can’t be true as if you stop playback or play a silent track and crank the volume way up the MK2 is at least half as noisy (hiss) as the MK1 at the same volume.
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That’s the funny thing. He seemed to enjoy the sound and complimented it a bunch. But then said the last statement which is all people are going to remember. Why not call PSAudio first and ask what’s up. Ted in 1 hour of the post of the response. Just not fair to a manufacturer who has supported your magazine over the years. Don’t get it.
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presumably they are measuring too wide a spectrum and picking up the ultrasonics?
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Yes. You must band limit the AP.
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I’ve just read the HFN review and there’s nothing but praise for the sound. It’s a great review and fits with the comments of Mk 2 owners. Having said that, I’ll wait until all the problems are ironed out and I’ll be looking for assurance that the sound doesn’t change significantly as it warms up from cold.
I do not understand the concern regarding a change in sound upon warmup from cold.
Almost all pieces of kit change their sound as they warm from cold, many significantly.
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And to the better…!
Best wishes
Unfortunately, in the Bay Area many audio dealers went out of business from pandemic and the high rent. Even a seasoned audiophile (old) like me will have to rely on reviews in selecting gears. That said, I have not received my Stereophile yet to find out what the big deal was.
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