Is it true, I realize the firmware updates stop at Sunlight for the DS Jr., but are the parts still serviceable, thnks
Better to ask support. Typically, as long as the parts or part that failed is available, they’ll be able to replace/fix it. Once the source dries up though…that’s the end of the line. In my experience, they don’t set a hard line in the sand to stop supporting a device. It’s all about parts availability.
My DSD jr developed a buzz back in November and I was told no parts were available. They couldn’t repair it and they didn’t want it returned in trade.
Gotcha!, only reason I ask is TMR won’t even make an offer due to they say as of last year PSA will not support repairs therefore they can not purchase it, it’s a shame considering the unit is in brand new condition with latest firmware available with less the 50 hours before boxed up, I will try it in the open market, it is a great sounding dac though, already fell down the gopher hole couple years ago and purchased the DS MkII, oh well.
Thanks
What??!!
I have a Jr. that I need to work forever! It is my all time favorite DAC!!!
Sadness!!
ouch
This kinda scares me. Mine is pristine. Not a really a huge investment but nothing i want to just put out for the trash guy.
Yikes. Sell and recoup what i can? Upgrade?
Al !. You want a 2nd jr? You probably got an old MSB Cascade in the storage room you are not using?
You might try contacting a local repair shop to see if they would be willing to try to repair it.
I do have a great repair shop nearby if needed . They are always busy. My Rose has a dac chip …
If an emergency arises.
Not sure what a replacement would be. Mk1 maybe. TT2. DeBussy, lampizator, AMI, Weiss, dcs, Ayon, BAT, Mola. Hmm
I replaced mine with one of the refurbed Mk1s they had on sale back in November.
As stated in my second reply my DS Jr. is in mint condition, only reason I asked was TMR will not purchase due to the fact PSA does not support repairs as of last year apparently, reason given was,
“Hi Kevin,
Thank you for pointing that out—I took some time to ask a few more questions on my end, and here’s what I found. While PS Audio does still post the software updates for the DirectStream Jr., there’s a known thermal issue with the bridge circuit, likely due at least in part to the smaller casing. Unfortunately, this has led to them no longer having parts available to service these units, even though they continue to support other models like the PerfectWave DACs.
I hope this provides some clarity.”
Good info. I wonder while reading the above can a Jr owner open the box and remove bridge/card and mitigate the problem?
I remember reading the bridge card(s) are the heat producers due to power required.
Or at least PSA letting the community know that there is a build issue and what the issue is, now DS Jr. owners are stuck with a known inferior product in some way. . Yes one can trade up to a newer PSA component, but one can ONLY trade in to PSA which costs more money, I just think it sucks to learn this from a fine company as TMR.
The community has known the DS Jr runs hot for a long time. This example is from 2016:
Contacted PSA about removal bridge. Got the wrong person so no info. Good chat though. Guess the gold would be newest version so to speak. My jr is pretty warm for a DAC but not hot by any means. Amp is about the same and Rose runs the warmest.
The network bridge on the DSJ is easy to remove. It separates from the main board with a gentle pull. To avoid bending pins make sure to pull the bridge straight up. I never had any issues running the dac without the bridge, and in fact it even sounded better once removed
GREAT info thanks. If you could please PM or just give a hint on where to begin that would be great. I need to move some equipment to get to the Jr but sounds like a cool project for tomorrow. Hopefully its just screws and a top panel but not always that simple
In regards to the dreaded hum, here is detail on how it can be fixed…
“The PS Audio Directstream Jr. hum issue took a bit of time to track down. Fortunately, I was able to get the schematics from PS Audio. I found that the +8V power supply to the analog section was significantly low, and from there pinpointed the cause as two bad electrolytic capacitors. I replaced these two caps, retested, and now the unit is hum-free. Parts: $15. Labor: $85.”