All DSD MK2 DAC owners were promised many firmware updates that would “improve” their unit year by year, obviously not many years.
The units are still under warranty yet due to not very flattering reviews PS decided to develop another way forward, right or wrong that is up to them.
Ted, during his many posts, revealed that there was still plenty of memory available to improve the firmware/performance of the unit which was likely a big selling point to buyers.
Now we see PS introducing this new DAC which they say is better than the DSD MK2 and good for them for doing so.
They have missed a big trick here, instead of saying no more firmware for DSD MK2 why not give a few more firmware updates to keep buyers of DSD MK2 happy. Never know those users may stay with PS for sometime.
However, by not giving any more firmware updates then PS will likely lose some buyers who may well never come back to PS.
They could have waited another year, but of course that might have meant Paul having to sit through another 50 different versions of firmware that Ted will have sent him to decide which one to release.
Time will tell of course, but only have to see some posts where PS owners have said that they will go elsewhere.
How common is it that an audio manufacturer takes trade-ins? Especially in the fast-moving digital realm.
So cloistered I am, PS Audio is the only one I know.
The thing that stands out to me with this new DAC was the secrecy surrounding its development. Previously PSA was open and upfront about their line. It helped to give the community a sense of inclusion with development. I remember those informative posts that Ted used to make here with fondness. The reality of the development team’s decision to stop development of DS DAC and go a different direction in secret feels like a bit of disrespect to those of us who have bought into all the technology of the DS line. This trade in offer only reinforces this feeling of abandonment.
I was listening to my system last night and the true value of my MKII to my system struck me. I’m enjoying sound on a level now that has been transformative. My MKII has exceeded my expectations for it. It does everything so well that I feel no need to consider replacing it. A $3000 offer certainly reinforces my decision. DAC development will continue to advance for sure but the MKII will continue to be the heart of my digital system until it no longer makes me excited about turning it on. Certainly that’s not going to be anytime soon.
Well said R. I feel the same way about the value of the Mk II. Before replacing it with another DAC I’d try a transformer upgrade. I love this DAC and it remains the heartbeat of my system. I even used it very successfully for years in tandem with my NuWave Phono Converter for vinyl playback–the sound was excellent.
I understand the need for the company to continue with new products, but I tend to keep a product longer than many perhaps–no desire to replace it now, in addition to not being fiscally fleet enough to.
Indeed and it is a concept that is frankly on the chopping block in internal meetings. We do this to honor our customers and make it easy for them to upgrade. It is a royal pain in the butt to do but we have done it for years. There’s been talk about it. The problem is there’s always grumbling. No matter what amount we offer in exchange someone’s not happy. I get that this is human nature, but when that turns on us it makes us wonder if we’re doing more harm than good.
In the end our goal is always to serve our community, what we call our HiFi Family.
Sometimes that’s a bit of a chore.
I am very torn on what to do. In many cases I try to upgrade/swap before something crashes in value. If I dont, i keep for a long time. I am trying to see what to do about this unit. Do I say I am happy (which I am) or do I move on and do the next thing. And by next thing I mean a meaningful upgrade. I do not think I will be doing the PGM as its just not getting me where I want to be and the trade is not what I thought it would be, as well as not being able to use my credit. if the credit=trade-in, I would probably do that. I know its only 750 difference. But something says I should keep or go to MU2. So i need to decide to see what I can get for MKII or keep.
My suggestion for current MK2 owners (not that anyone asked😊) who are disappointed by the trade-in value being offered towards the purchase of PMG components is to sell your MK2 on your own. It took two months but I recently sold my mint MK2 with almost a year of warranty remaining for $4300.
The $3000 being offered by PS Audio is 33% which is better than the typical 20%. A $4500 trade-in allowance, as some have suggested, would be 50% of MSRP and there is no precedent, to my recollection, for trade-ins of that magnitude (highest I recall was 40%).
never expected any purchase to have trade in value; that PSA does it remarkable…it is a nice bonus
My understanding is Ted is out of the game for personal reasons. The ability to update the FPGA FW is out of PSA’s hands. One could more or less see the writing on the wall when the MK II was released, Ted’s age being one, and the release debacle associated with the Mk II. Fortunately the later was sorted out and the latest FW update addressed many concerns. In general buyers seem to be happy with their units. Those that were not quickly returned them.
The more that I think about it if I do anything it would be the transformer upgrade. I think that would be my best band for the buck. Has anybody heard the upgraded MkII and the new PMG Dac?
I upgraded to the MkII from the MkI in part based on the idea of future improvements via firmware upgrades. If I knew that the MkII was going to be one and done I would have also looked at other DACs in the market place. I didn’t and that is shame on me. I might have still picked the MkII but who knows.
I don’t begrudge PSAudio developing new products as a company should grow and improve their product line. I also appreciate that they offer trading in older equipment. You have to balance the ease of the trade in value vs the effort involved in selling on the used market.
I have the BHK 300 amps, BHK Pre and the MKII Dac so I’m heavenly invested in PSAudio up to this point. All my dealings so far with PSAudio have been good and fair so I no complaints in that regards.
I look at it this way, it is part of their marketing scheme. MSRP reflects the potential for trade-ins, typically 30 to 40% of MSRP. Typically, 12 months from initial product launch it is offered at a 30% discount with no trade-ins or credits allowed. Underscoring this marketing strategy. For some the trade-in is great, for others there may be better options. The key is to beat PSA at releasing trade-ins to the used market.
The transformer upgrade was great. I did it. I am hoping if I sell that would be why. Its done already and burned in ready to go.
That’s why I was thinking 5k for mine. Most are not listed 4000-4500. The upgrade is 1400 and you have to ship. Someone may by mine and sell theirs for 4k and its still cheaper and easier..no down time too. Am I convincing myself here…hmmmm
So, drop the trade-in program and permanently lower MSRP by 20% across the board. Seems to be a win-win.
Your system and room rate an MU2 IMHO.
Thanks
PS has a great trade-in program, a great convenience and great option to have…
I’m going to be happy with my MKll and AL. I’m at the point where I can spend a lot more money for small increments in sound.
Has the trade-in alowance for both a Mk2 with an AirLens been anounced?
I asked and a MK1 trade in is actually $2250 according to PSA
That makes sense, thanks!