Thanks, can you post a link to that type of transformer?
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This is a regular DS: https://www.edcorusa.com/pcw_series
And this is new: https://www.edcorusa.com/xs4400
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Are both transformers the same part number.
This is where I like offers of co companies who have “se” or +”. versions or whatever they call them. For those who’d be willing to pay the difference multiplied by those crazy factors for noticeable HW step ups which are not unaffordable.
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No, the links that yuriy posted are correct, the DS uses a PCW the replacement is the xs4400.
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Thank you Ted, much appreciated.
Were the two transformers the extent of your mods, @yuriy? I’ver ordered a pair. Thanks!
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So now we might guess one of the improvements in a next generation of the Directstream…
Indeed
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@yuriy, please tell us more about what you’re hearing with this transformer replacement. 
Are there better transformers than the xs4400 that will drop right in and improve the sound even more?
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LUNDAHL does offer silver windings as an option in several of their models.
If the pin footprint is a standard, they might have one that will drop in.
The xs4400 is Edcor’s top of the line transformer for this purpose. I haven’t looked for other compatible footprints from other companies. I designed the DS to take three levels of transformers from Edcor
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Any other easy solder out / solder in tweaks? 
Most items on the boards are surface mount, I doubt that they are easy to replace by most people. That’s why I recommended the transformers and replacing the analog board power supply as the two most user friendly mods.
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Thanks Ted, but the analog board power supply is not such an easy plug and play mod, where a certain type fits in exactly, right? I may have to examine the thread again.
You just have to stick a separate quality 12V supply in the box somewhere (or outside for that matter) and plug the analog card into it (with the correct polarity, of course.) It’s best if the supply goes on and off with the DS’s back switch.
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Great! In case there’s a concrete recommendation from you, that would be perfect, otherwise I scroll the thread what others tried…
No, no specific recommendation(s) from me on this.
Ted, appreciate the suggestions. In have the Edcor transformers on the way.
Do you have a part number for the 12v connector on the analog board? I’m thinking of picking up a Farad with a GX16-4 terminated cable and route a mating GX16-4 connector mounted on the Bridge plate to the 12v on board connector.
Not really sure how to tie that connection to the power switch on the DSD, however. What happens if it’s not powered on at the same time? The Farad is on a delay anyways because of the supercapacitor charging.