I notice that the fully APS modded DSD Mk1 with external power supply and the DSD Mk2 are going for similar price on US Audio Mart. Which would be the better value? I notice that the APS modded DSD Mk1 goes for quite a bit less here on Marketplace. I have a hunch that the modded Mk1 might be the better value but this is why I ask in this post. I have a fully modded DSD Mk1 and I am not itching for a Mk2. Would there be a good argument for the Mk2 to be a better option?
I don’t own a modded MK1 but I’ve owned an unmodified MK1 and now a MKII. Nonetheless, based on my own experience and what has been posted by others, if both are comparably priced, the MKII is the way to go.
The MKII is still supported with periodic firmware updates that somehow manages to make its great sound even better.
The MKII has a vastly superior USB interface that can be used as-is with great results. This is in contrast with the MK1 where most folks (myself included) resorted to extra pricey devices (Matrix, LPS, HDMI, etc.) to make the MK1 USB listenable by converting it to an I2S signal.
The MKII provides additional capabilities such as selectively lifting grounds and greater user configurability.
The MKII has been designed with significant FPGA margin - approximately 2x of what is required for the initial releases meaning that Ted will have ample room to evolve the device for the foreseeable future without concern for limited resources (a challenge in the latter days of the MK1).
The MKII just plain sounds much better than the MK1.
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Much controversy over which is better. Many say the fully modded MKI is just as good or almost as good, a few said better, but I am with @ViperRGD on this. The MKII has a fully vested future. And for the price used its really good deal. Just saw one for $4500. A fully modded MKI is not much cheaper. I was able to put in the APS transformers in my MKII and wow that made it even better. not sure he still offers that mod or not.
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Thanks for the reply,
I am going to simply enjoy my modded DS Mk1 as with the current exchange rate between US and CDN dollars the price in CDN for anything US is just too much. I upgraded my Mk1 in stages three times so I was able to appreciate the improvements in stages. I actually really like my Mk1 especially fully modded.
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A very rational decision. Your ability to acknowledge the merits of sticking with what you have is both admirable and enviable!
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