I am looking for people’s experience and opinions between these two dacs. I am loving the sound of an APS version 1 mod mk1 but I have had it with the need for reboot every day but when I reboot WOW! ChatGPT claims that the modded APS Mk1may actually sound a bit better but that the APS modded Mk2 may sound very close to the Mk1 but with better reliability. Google AI claims the Mk2 the better sounding dac. I’m getting a modded Mk2 in a week or two and have already found a new home for my Mk1 but I am curious of people’s experience with both these dacs
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I must say that I have heard only excellent things about the Mk2 especially modded but the modded mk1 definitely does have its followers. The fact that mine needs frequent reboots has been bugging me for years so time for a new dac. I found a modded Mk2 in my colour at a good price so I went for it. I am actually excited.
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Think you’ll be pleased. I still have both mk1 and mkii with upgraded transformers (use in different systems). I certainly didn’t go as far as others with all mods, but to my ears, with both on their latest fpga’s, mkii is certainly superior. PMG 512 DAC will come someday I hope, when I can afford, but very happy with mkii in the meantime.
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I am hoping to get the same type of sound from my new APS mk2 as I have been getting with my APS mk1. The reason I am going from the mk1 to the Mk2 is because I am tired of rebooting the mk1 every day. The sound is spectacular though so I have been enjoying the mk1 APS for years now. I am hoping for a more “ plug and play “ with the Mk2. Apparently the need to reboot is much less and the sound is the same house sound. Some say better and others say close. I am very excited for my Mk2. I am also getting 3 RAL power cables to match my other RAL cables. I’m expecting a nice upgrade in sound quality. Very exciting!!
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Please report back when you’ve had a chance for the mk2 to settle in! I’m just one guy, but I’ve never felt the need to reboot the mk1 nor mk2 for SQ purposes, so that problem you had with mk1 still mystifies me.
This is the reason why I am upgrading to the mk2 APS but I have heard of both the Mk1 and occasionally the Mk2 needing reboot. If you put your mk2 in standby apparently that’s a soft reboot.
Yes, I always use the standby power (blue lit button on front off when not in use on both DACs).
On the mk1 that blue button turned off the display. On the mk2 that blue button truly turned off the works of the dac to standby while although resetting the internals the dac needs to rewarm when turned back on. I read somewhere that it was best to keep the mk2 on,no standby, 24/7 but that after a while, weeks or months, the dac could need a reboot. This is what I read somewhere.
I got my Mk2 APS modded and after warming up a little I am delighted. The sound is amazing. It is absolutely an improvement over my older Mk1 APS modded.
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Can you go into detail about the mods on MK1 versus the MK2?
The mk1 has the transformers, vocm mod and external power supply. The mk2 just got the transformers. This was my case. Now there’s more mods that have been discovered and applied but I am not the person to ask about tech stuff. The mk1 can sound spectacular with the appropriate mods but the mk2 sounds good stock or with the transformers.
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Do you know if either one of them have the first or second gen transforms?
The mk1 APS started with version 1 transformers and then changed to version 2 transformers. I think the mk2 transformers have remained the same but I don’t know for sure. If you’re curious about APS transformers you can check out their website. I don’t know the website address but if you google APS Audio Transformers you will get the website. Jeff’s dacs are supposed to be nice but they are not inexpensive.
In six years you can finally experience the PMG DAC Mitch!
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I have an upgraded DSD MkI with the first gen transforms and VCOM upgrade, that I’m thoroughly enjoying. Just curious about the newer upgrades to the mk1 DSD and how it compares to the upgraded MKII DSD.
Would also be interesting if someone could compare a fully upgraded MkI DSD to the PMG DAC.
LOL.
Too funny.
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I’m sure the PMG DAC is going to be much better, but how much better, and is it worth the extra coin? And if not, I’d be better off going with the MU2 or the MPD-8 if I’m wanting to make a signifogant upgrade.
I’m in no rush. I’m happy with what I’m hearing. Why do you say 6 years? Why not 5 or 7 years.
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Audio Snobbery.
I know a guy who has a modded MK1 and likes it. In fact he’s satisfied with it. Imagine that.
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