Looking forward to your impressions on the upgrade
I’m three days in on breaking in my APS Limited Edition Signature Series Plus DAC upgrade, so it’s far from being broken in, but I can’t stop smiling. The first couple of days things weren’t quite settled in yet, especially after having the system unplugged for a week, but on the third day the clouds disappeared and the sun came out, and I was spellbound. On the first go around of upgrading the DAC I received the gen 1 nickel transformers and the VCOM mod, and that elevated the DSD MkI to new levels, increasing musically, imaging and extending the frequency extremes. This time around the upgrades were more extensive, and the result unearthed newfound low level details, greater texture to vocals and instruments, incredible slam, bass extension, and dynamics. And most importantly musical timbre rings more true, invoking a deeper emotional connection to the music.
I also received the balanced XLR Galvanic isolators, which do seem to further open up the soundstage.
I haven’t compared the APS to any other DAC’s, but I’m more than satisfied with the level improvements brought about from this upgrade, especially considering the cost.
Keep in mind digital volume attenuation in PS Audio DACs is performed losslessly by upsampling to 32 bits. No data is lost.
Elk is correct in all DACs from us except the latest generation, PMG, where we abandoned that and moved to a true analog stepped attenuator instead.
The big advantage of an analog control vs. a digital one (even if lossless) is that whatever noise etc. are inherent in the signal, that all goes down with the volume.
An analog attenuator is always best, that’s why I’m using a preamp.
This is what I immediately noticed along with the increased clarity and realism. These latest upgrades really made a large difference.
These really opened up the sound stage for me.
I have and can say without a doubt it can keep up and surpass many modern DACs.
I believe DACs controlling the volume is not a good thing. I feel that adjusting the output volume slightly to match other inputs to the preamp is all that is necessary. I never liked using any DAC without a preamp. It never really sounds as good as a proper preamp.
For years I used CD players and DACs with volume controls, thinking less is more. But when I finally tried a good preamp I changed my mind. There are DACs that do incorporate good analog volume controls, like Playback Designs, but 26K is more than I’m willing to spend on a piece of audio gear where the technology is rapidly advancing.
Agree 100% If you own ether the MK1 or MK2 it is well worth the cost of the upgrade vs purchasing a modern DAC.
Perfect description of what the new upgrade brings.
I’m totally getting a major kick out of how far my system has evolved from the last three relatively inexpensive upgrades I’ve done.
#1) Apos 12au7 tubes in the BHK pre
#2) NOS SIEMENS 6922 in the BHK amp
#3) APS full tilt pedal to the metal upgrade to my DSD Mk1
The difference in the sound I’m hearing is FAR from subtle. It’s what I’d expect to hear from upgrading the entire system with new components. The level of purity and clarity is stunning.
I recall besides Apos Ray 12au7 tubes, I also loved NOS Telefunken “Mazda” 12au7 tubes in BHK pre and M1200. Mazda tubes provided a sweeter midrange and tight bass, but I am not sure who is the reliable source for such tubes anymore now that Jess has retired. These tubes are pricier for sure.
After two weeks of continuous-break-in on my upgraded DSD MkI, the sound has blossomed even further. I’ve been focusing on a handful of CDs during the break-in processn in order to get a bead on how things are evolving.
The entire presentation has become more liquid, three dimensional, coherent, with improved PRAT and clarity.
I’m going to continue to let the DAC burn-in beyond the recommend 400 hrs because I’m continuing to hear subtle improvements everyday. I’m using a thumb drive in the PST on repeat, so no wear and tear on the transport.
Which firmware are you using?
Sunlight
I went to APS Thursday night to collect my freshly modified MK2 and to upgrade my MK1 with their latest remote XLR output ground lift feature. This is a useful enhancement to show how lifting the output ground improves sound quality instantly with the remote control while relaxing in your favorite spot. In my system, it truly expands the sound stage. Prior to this upgrade, I consistently utilized their XLR galvanic isolators.
Would this be an improvement over the XLR galvanic isolators? Or is it just a convenient feature being able to switch back and forth in order to hear the improvements?
It’s simply a useful tool to quickly and instantly hear the difference. The final outcome is identical to utilizing their galvanic isolators. Those I demonstrate this to are quite astonished by the outcome.
I don’t have the latest Vocm buffer mod, but Sunlight still sounds inferior to Snowmass 3.0.0. It has the warm, layered, analog-like midrange that is lacking in Sunlight, which sounds bright and fatiguing. Not even a contest in my opinion.
Snowmass is what Jeff recommend for his original upgrades, but now recommends Sunlight for latest VCOM buffer mods.
I still used Sunlight for the original mods, and liked it over Snowmass. Guess it’s all system dependent.
That was my opinion also until I had my MK1 upgraded with the latest Vocm buffers. Sunlight sounds much better now on my system.
Every other day is like getting an upgrade as I continue to burn-in my APS updated DSD MkI.
I know there are those who do not believe in burn-in, but my ears tell me otherwise.
I’m getting closer to 500 hrs of burn-in now and the improvements in imaging and low level detail retrieval are unmistakable. When you’ve listened to certain CDs for hundreds of hours, it’s easy to detect improvements such as imaging and low-level detail. The first track on a compilation CD given to me by USA Tube Audio entitled “Domination” by Peace Orchestra, has some amazing imaging effects. Previous before the upgrades the imaging was pretty good, and extended way in front and behind the speakers. Listening to this track again this morning was kinda spokey, because the imaging was now wrapping around the back of my head, and I was hearing new found low level details that further enhanced my listening pleasure.
Other unmistakable improvements that have devopled with more burn-in, is the bass has gotten tighter and extends lower. The third track on the same CD entitled Flight of the Cosmic Hippo by Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, has more visceral impact, and can be felt with more vigor when the low notes rattle my spine.
I love this hobby when audio products and upgrades exceed your expectations., and allow you to connect even deeper to the music.