Well said Anton. When I first received my DAC I experimented with several firmware versions and settled with Snowmass 3.00. At first it was a tie between 3.00 and 3.05. They are very close in sound however I felt 3.00 had something special that I can’t really put my finger on. It seemed just a little more revealing. Give it a try. It’s probably more system dependent.
I found an old topic on this here.
Start at the end and work backwards.
APS theory on the older firmware is that Ted Smith worked at fixing hardware issues with his later firmware. With most of these hardware issues resolved now, going back to previous versions can be beneficial as there is no need for them patches.
In an earlier post on this topic by Turbotk he states that he had to use Snowmass in order to use only one pair of the opamps. Maybe this is a clue???
Food for thought.
I remember something else they mentioned. The DC offset fix they do improves the dynamics as these transformers do not like DC and makes them less efficient along with raising the low frequency distortion. Over time it can magnetize them. In other words high DC offset can destroy the sound and the transformers themselves. They report seeing it as high as 12mv. This is the reason they developed the Revision 2 transformers. Another reason they think Snowmass works better for them.
I want to apologize to you for my immature way of conducting argument.
I’m not know-it-all, but I must admit when I feel I’m right and somebody is wrong I’m losing control in argument.
I spoiled your impression from the purchase. But I never had this as an agenda.
I projected my personal issues onto our argument, and stopped responding to forum members’ attempts to calm me down.
Please accept my sicere apologies.
I edited my previous posts to moderate my expression of thoughts.
Though I don’t question the difference your power conditioner brings, it’s not the case here.
In this DAC DC from inlet won’t get all the way to the output transforners. So, the DC that might get in the output transformers is of different nature.
A friend is bringing his modified DirectStream DAC over today to so we can hear the difference between the two. Listening to his DirectStream is the reason I purchased the Signature Series Plus. His is the original unit that has the VOCM mod and the original APS transformers installed. Will post my thoughts later.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. I’ve been enjoying VOCM/APS modded MK1 and have not compared with the new signature plus, but with many high-end DACs and came to a similar conclusion. At this level, they all have slightly different presentations some more analytical and others more musical, but I wouldn’t call one better than others. The modded MK1 really strikes the right balance between resolution and musicality.
I learned that cleaning up your source (networking and power on the source) will have a far greater impact on the performance at this point than going further with additional upgrade.
I am listening to In A Silent Way at this very moment, and feel like I am in a club listening to Miles and Chic performing for me.
My fully modded DSD Mk1 1st version APS transformers sounds great but I would love to hear someone’s unbiased opinion between the original APS transformers and VOCM mod version and the Signature version. I love my original modded version just the same.
Even if an unbiased person would make this comparison, it won’t give you any insight on the difference in transformers.
The additional PSU for the analog board will give the most impact among the upgrades on the limited list in the Signature Plus version.
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So, several changes at once in this comparison. I bet, there will be a noticeable difference.
When I had APS transformers and I finished my Vocm (and stock PSU was still in stock condition), I tried with and without the additional PSU for the analog board. And the improvements were noticable across the whole bandwidth.
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Waiting for @Allears to report back.
Don’t forget to test on the same firmware!
We had fun yesterday comparing my Signature Series Plus with my friends modified Directstream.
He had his DAC upgraded last year by APS with the standard VOCM mod, the original APS nickel transformers and some power supply mods. Both units have Snowmass V1 (3.00) firmware installed (The APS recommended firmware)
We started off listening to his DAC. We switched all the cables from mine to his and set the DAC’s volume to 92. It sounded really good although I could hear the deficiencies in comparison to what I was used to hearing however I didn’t say anything. We both listened to his favorite tracks. I picked a couple of my favorites then we switched in my DAC. The first few seconds they sound very similar however after about a minute he looks at me and states I wish mine would sound so real. It was so obvious after a few minutes of play the difference was so big, its chameleon like, mood-lifting performance and energy gains were…so real sounding. You need to hear to believe it how it handles double drums, fast solos, percussive instruments and quick shifts in dynamics. Nothing will slip past its gaze like it knows exactly what it will be playing. With the Signature Series Plus, expect an unlimited well of explosive dynamics and that’s how we both felt it was with every musical genre. It was rich sounding, full-bodied, but also very defined, preserving sharp leading edges. You could hear the room it was recorded in so clearly. Detail retrieval or transparency are redundant with a unit like this, as it will playback every single bit of information with utmost accuracy and in a very life-like manner. It doesn’t sound like digital, it sounds like music played back in real time, by real musicians sitting in front of you, playing just for you. When it comes to resolution and dynamic range, My DAC single handedly outperformed his DAC.
Don’t get me wrong his DAC sounded wonderful just not as good as the Signature Series Plus.
Before he left last night my friend ordered the Signature Series Plus upgrade at the VIP price and never looked back.
