DSD MK2 Aftermarket Modifications

[Zombie]

@dchang05

Even with side-by-side comparison, there are too many variables involved. For one thing, PMG at first few weeks sounded too sharp in my system, and I was not hearing the dead-silence background I am hearing now. PMG took over three months to sound superb; much longer than both MK1 and MK2 that I used to own. Better pairing of cables, power cords, and platform/footers resulted in drastic SQ improvement too.

My evaluation of two components usually took days or longer to reach a conclusion. My initial impression, if they were close in SQ, was often wrong.

OK… Out of curiosity I revisited this exact comparison in my system for over three weeks. My opinion as well as all the others who has heard these two DACs here side by side has not changed. I still feel the king is the new Limited Edition MK2 hands down. This PMG is 4 months old and has had plenty of burn in time. The PMG is a great sounding DAC direct from PS Audio without any mods. The only difference now with this PMG, is that the built in streamer is now more robust without so many issues from a new firmware upgrade however I’m not convinced this built in streamer is not causing sound degrading issues.

See this post from Darren Myers back in October 2022 about the MK2 in the DirectStream DAC MKII Released. thread.

@DarrenMyers

DarrenMyers PS Audio Senior Analog Engineer

While it’s true that there will never be a component that satisfies every persons unique preferences when it comes to feature sets and UI (I happen to massively prefer the MKII UI and no thanks on putting noisy streamers in top flight DACs)…

This DAC is blowing my MIND when it comes to SQ. It has taken my system to a level I never thought was possible - from a digital or even an analog source. There is a gut punching confidence with this DAC that hits you with an absolute immaculate top to bottom coherency and tonal “rightness”. The palpable 3D imagining, layering, and noise floor “blackness” is intoxicating. I’m swimming in a dimensional room of sound with a big smile on my face over here and everyone that I have shown my system to since installing it has pretty much flipped out, including Chris.

Ted has hit it out of the park on this one people. I’m serious.

I cannot wait for people to hear this masterpiece!

@DarrenMyers

DarrenMyers PS Audio Senior Analog Engineer

(I happen to massively prefer the MKII UI and no thanks on putting noisy streamers in top flight DACs)…

Maybe he changed his mind about this however I agree about the extra noise.

[dchang05]

Since I have not heard of this particular MK2 Mod in my system, I have no additional comment on this subject.

[Zombie]

Does anyone know if the streamer in the PMG can be easily hardware disabled? I noticed there is two fuses maybe one is dedicated to the streamer? Before I release this DAC I would like to give it another listen without the active streamer.

[Audioholic]

That would be an interesting comparison.

[tomhail]

I think one fuse is 120v and the other is 240v. Can’t the streamer be turned off in the menu? I thought somebody reported that somewhere. Manual says “The streamer menu allows you to do two things: • Turn power to the streamer off and on • Set up Wi-Fi”

[brian.fitterman]

Yes you can turn it off in the menu. I believe updates may turn it back on.

[Zombie]

Thanks. Unfortunately I tried to turn it off in the menu however I don’t think it is actually turning off the power to the streamer. I was hoping I would hear a difference.

I can listen to my new Limited Edition MK2 all evening without listening fatigue however I cannot say the same for the PMG.

[tomhail]

Psychoacoustic effect is real.

[Zombie]

Yes it is. That’s why I make sure I have the components I’m comparing setup exactly the same so I can A/B/X them in real time.

[Allears]

@Zombie

I still feel the king is the new Limited Edition MK2 hands down.

After conducting a similar comparison, I concur with your findings. The Limited Edition MK2 offers an exceptional auditory experience, surpassing all other DACs I have evaluated in my system. There is no doubt in my assessment.

[emailists]

I have the MkII with APS transformers. Would I just need the Vcom upgrade? how much is that?
I have an offer from a forum member bring his PMG Dac over to compare with my MKII APS.

[Zombie]

Just contact APS through their website.

Comparing your MK2 with just the older nickel transformers installed will provide limited insights, as the new MK2 Limited Edition offers enhancements beyond a mere transformer replacement. I needed to send in my unit to have it upgraded which included not only the installation of the latest transformers but also several other listed modifications.