[I’m not even opening the discussion about other ways to do Vocm mods]
Just start with throwing away the stock inlet and install at least Furutech FI-06
Regulators swap with Sparkos + rectifying bridge upgrade in the stock power supply is equal to what APS transformers bring.
UPDATE: If you swap all electrolytic caps for audio grade ones, power supply mod brings even more than what APS transformers bring.
Shielding is a must before the next steps.
But don’t apply RF/EMI material directly to the chips. And don’t wrap ribbon cables in such material. All of that is nonsense and could be even harmful.
If you got this far, then make sense to install better XLR connectors to clear and improve everything even further.
And remove/desolder/ground everything that is not in use. You can also use a better hook-up wire and solder all connecting points (except ribbon cables)
Sorry for the confusion. I wasn’t asking for upgrade suggestions as this DAC has most all the upgrades you mentioned plus a lot more. I am very happy with the sound quality I’m getting. Much better than my dCS Bartok and Chord Dave. I was only asking about a fuse recommendation.
Thanks anyway.
I’m far from disappointed.
Quote. I know that with APS transformers, Vocm mod, and* addiction PSU*
What is “addiction PSU”?
My unit has more upgrades than you stated.
I was going to upgrade my Bartok Apex to the Vivaldi Apex however decided on the Signature Series Plus instead. My wallet agrees. . I am moving my Bartok to the theater and selling the Dave.
It does come with audio grade caps. According to APS the analog power supply is a very special supply designed specifically for this application. They even included a printout of all the great measurements.
Could you show the measurements of your unit so maybe we can compare?
No. I compared it to the Bartok Apex. The difference was similar to the Signature Series. I think I made a good decision in the end. If money was of no concern I probably would have picked the Vivaldi Apex for the build quality.
Update. Sorry I mistakenly thought you were referring to my post.
From the pictures, I didn’t see any audio-grade caps.
I have the same measurements of APS transformers, like you have. They, of course, relevant for the end result, but not really. Because you’re are listening the whole DAC through these output transformers.
You didn’t compare your DirectStream DAC with DCS buy measurements, did you?
I did compare it directly in my system.
The price difference is 5 times, but I didn’t feel Rossini was really better in any aspect. While my DirectStream DAC blew Bartok out of the water. In the end, I’m proud of what I have achieved. Thus, I very recommend for everyone who started the modding path, to go to the end. It’s very rewarding.
I have 6 sheets of measurements including the ones that came with the transformers. They will send actual measurements of your unit upon request. I think you are making too many assumptions here.
Okay, I didn’t know they were providing 6 pieces of paper these days. I don’t have that. But again, even if I have my 6 pieces of paper, they won’t tell you what my DAC sounds like.
My other points were based on the pictures of Signature Plus I saw previously.
So did you send your DSD MkI to JK Richards to have it upgraded to the signature plus, or did you purchase it with the upgrades already installed?
I had JK Richards do the APS transformer and VOCM mod to my DSD MkI, and I love it, and I’m thinking of having him upgrade it to the signature plus. Just wondering how much of an improvement that would bring to the table?
I had my mk1 fully modded by JkRichards and love it. I enquired for curiosity sake the cost of my fully modded Directstream to the Signature version and it was around $2000. The loss I would take was too much. If ever I did itch for the Signature version I would sell my Directstream privately and then buy the Signature straight out. Although I am sure an improvement can be had with the Signature version I feel my dac nice enough as is.
If you can solder, you can do better than Signature Plus for the half of this money.
As far as I understand, you have APS transformers and Vocm done at this point.
Just install an additional PSU for the analog board, swap LM317 with Sparkos, swap capacitors and rectifying diodes, and dedicate the unused regulator to the processor/display board. And, of course, throw away the stock inlet. And you will be amazed… and for only $1k you will beat Signature Plus
Hi Anton
I have a Keces P3 feeding an analog supply board with a custom Neotech Silver 20awg dc cable and I had the power inlet upgrade to a Furutech R NCF inlet. I also have SR purple fuses in both Keces and Directstream. My dac is nice as is. I am not mechanically inclined enough to further upgrade my dac as is and I don’t believe Jeff does the type of further upgrades that you mention. My dac does sound good. I upgraded in stages doing the upgraded power supply board and Keces P3 along with XS4400 transformers. I sent my dac first to Dan Santoni in Canada and then twice to JkRichards for further upgrades. I was put off by the loss I would have to take to upgrade to the Signature version. For example I was offered $200 value for my version 1 nickel transformers when they cost me $800 plus $400 labour. $2000 to upgrade to the Signature version without PSU is just too expensive in my opinion but my dac is nice just the same. I had the benefit of hearing each improvement. The transformers and VOCM upgrades were the best improvements but the Keces P3 is nice.
Yeah, I feel you. Just to pay $300+shipping once for the transformers swap is a rip-off. You have sent your DAC multiple times: the expenses added up to the point where it’s economical impractical for you to make any other upgrades.
And I say you are absolutely right in your decision. Because this upgrade (Signature Plus) for $2k is still a compromise [I explained it in detail above].
So, APS transformers and Vocm mods were the best known improvements until we did the stock power supply mods. Once the “source” (digital part) has better power, you hear more [better SQ] through the analog part. And it makes perfect sense.
To be clear, I’m not bashing Jeff here or putting down other upgraded DirectStream DACs.
It’s just that it’s not only me who swapped the regulators and rectifying diodes (together with some other minor mods) and heard the improvements comparable to the APS transformers swap.
My point is: you cannot [even if it’s claimed to be ultimate] improve the analog part (transformers, Vocm, dedicated PSU) and leave the stock PSU as is and say that this is the best what you can get from this DAC. Because you can get more, and these are not marginal improvements.
. I am moving my Bartok to the theater and selling the Dave.