I have been changing out the fuse of all my other equipment except the DS, knowing it’s not an easy task to open the DS cover.
I wanted to try buying 4 long screws that will help me to remove the cover. Should I get the long screws of the same tread size and pitch as the screws I remove?
Thanks in advance.
If you want to remove the cover, I don’t know that screws have anything to do with the easing removal. They are just 4 darker coloured screws on the bottom. Some covers are easy some are not. To simplify removal and to avoid possible damage to the cover, this is what you need or a similar one. The tip came from PS Audio support directly:
That’s a great idea. I wish I’d have seen this or Support would have posted it as a good way to get this done. Would’ve alleviated a bit of stress trying to figure out how to wedge that cover off.
I don’t think same thread/size would work, as they wouldn’t fit down into the holes. However, I’m not sure that you really need something long to jam into there, like the one video shows.
I’d try watchdog’s solution. The way I got it done was to angle a small screwdrive into the hole, enough to catch and (gently) push on the edge/rim of what’s just inside the hole, just under the surface, not deep inside.
So,there’s nothing holding the black gloss top plate to the unit but a secure fit? I thought the four screws on the bottom held it in place. Interesting…
The four screws secure the cover but there is a fair amount of friction from the side flanges that hold it in place even without screws. That’s why the suction device works very well at removing the cover.
Lots of fuss about replacing the fuse but not one mention of any sonic differences making it worth the effort/expense?
The cost of the fuses that I’ve used is insignificant compared to the cost of the DSD. Although expensive for fuses. I Have Synergistic Research Blue and HiFi Tuning Supreme. Both sound good. I’ve left the Supreme in the DAC and used the Synergistic elsewhere. The effect is nuanced but there. PS Audio includes what appears to be OEM HiFi Tuning Gold fuses.
Thanks, the question was more about the sonic improvement. I’ve already replaced fuses, and found subtle improvement, in both my P10 and BHK preamp. I think I’ll leave the DSD well enough alone given the grief required to remove the top and lose or disconnect the alum tabs that must be there for a reason.
Actually removing the cover is easy. I use a commercial glass suction device and it takes me few minutes to take it apart and to put it back together. The plastic/foil devices are probably there to ground static electricity. They stay in place if you’re careful.
Thanks,for the info…
Thank you all for your suggestion.
No. The black gloss top is firmly affixed to a metal sub chassis ands it is the sub chassis that is held in place with the 4 bottom screws. And too, there’s a tight fit that clings on as well.
Thanks Paul…
After removing the screws, I find a firm tap or two with my fist on the bottom typically gets the cover popping free.
I highly recommend taking a listen to the Audio Magic SHS Ultimate Beeswax fuse. If whiz bang is your thing, then the SR Blue does wonders, but if a warmer, more accurate tone and more body and articulate instruments is of interest, then I found it’s no contest. Biggest effect in the DS, although I also found noticeable improvement in a P10, one brand vs. the other. A check around will find some modest discounting to make the bite a little easier.
@highstream
Please redraft your 2nd paragraph …I want to understand what you are saying without guessing at the implied and assumed in each sentence. Thanks.
The sentence boils down the differences I found in two locations with two of the Blues and Ultimates, tested serially but not indepenently, as the first Ultimate remained in the DS when comparing the fuses in the P10. For a longer version, see post 538 at http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?453-Audiophile-Fuses/page54
You need all threads. i got mine from PS Audio i wanted to get into my PWT. They work or The Directstream DAC and any other device in the same style cabinet.
I’ve replaced fuses in BHK pre and P10 and realized a nice, modest gain. I hadn’t bothered with the DS until yesterday, I’ve had it for a couple years.
$20 https://www.analogueseduction.net/fuses/amr-audiophile-gold-hi-fi-fuse-20mm-x-5mm.html
Nice, well worth the money and trouble to open the case work. I have no experience with any others besides the stocker.
I’ve not flipped it to compare and probably won’t until a very, very dark rainy night next winter when I’m bored.
Fuse is not in the audio path. Better fuse shall render no sonic benefit here.