Modding the DirectStream DAC MKI

Audio Components DACs
1909

Ahhh, Fantastic!

I’m looking forward to seeing your board. It’s a very clever idea. I imagine there will be several questions about shielding… (hint) :wink:

1910

Shielding will be no issue as this board, which has the complete bottom shielded sits on top of the power supply board which has the whole top shielded.

1 Like
1911

Any idea on price?

1912

Less then $200

4 Likes
1913

Fantastic!

There’s going to be a line.

1914

Very attractive price that will benefit a large number of listeners.
Parts alone installing external psu was over 800.00 USD in my situation.
I think I am going to get one of these kits also.

1 Like
1915

Let us know when available. Hooray for kids who are electrical engineers!

2 Likes
1916

This price does not include the external power supply.

1917

Hi,

I have reached out to few folks on this amazing 1800+ post thread about getting my DAC modded. I am not good at this stuff hence reached out to see if folks can help. Also have talked to Wayne from WCTAudio today.

I also wanted to check with @tedsmith since he lives in Seattle if he or anyone one the forum can suggest some local modders in Seattle and nearby Seattle that I can leverage?

If no other option in Seattle, I will have to figure out shipping and get this modded. Shipping (I have to ship the entire unit only - since I am not confident on opening the unit myself).

Thanks for any pointer for a local tech in Seattle or fellow forum member who can help.

Enjoy your music!

Cheers,
Raghu

1918

You really should remove the cover and just send the board. It’s not that difficult if you know what to do. Here’s a video on how to do it. And while you have the cover off you can also upgrade the fuse which also makes a big difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR_PFNuyc_k&t=32s

1919

Thanks much. I can try, though I am not confident or comfortable about opening this myself. I will wait to see if there are any recommendations for some one to help me locally in Seattle.

1920

We will be ordering the PC boards for this project later this week. Anyone interested in this power supply mod please PM me so I can order enough for everyone who wants them.

4 Likes
1921

Glad someone is coming out with a pwr kit. Thanks jkrichards

2 Likes
1922

Sorry if this has been posted already. I’m a bit lazy to look that closely. What voltage and capacity (watts or amps) power supply is required? What type of power supply connector will be used? Thanks!!

1923

I believe it’s 12 volts

1924

It requires at least 1 amp at 12vdc. I use a 6 amp at 12vdc power supply as I believe by using a large power supply it helps the sound quality.

4 Likes
1925

This true for me, I started with Teddy Pardo, SBooster, HDPex 100 and 200, ended up staying with HDPex 300.

2 Likes
1926

I like the idea of a HDPlex 300, but it really only pans out if you have 3-4 DC powered devices and the rack space.

Currently I have two DC components:

  1. a nVidia Shield Pro that doesn’t seem to care where it gets it’s power. I’ve tried a custom cable to a LPS and plugging it’s OEM wart into a P10. There’s no visual or audible difference.
  2. Uptone UltraCap for an opticalRendu. It’s plugged into a P10. I haven’t experimented with this at all. At this point, until the PSA Streamer comes out, I’m not going to experiment with that part of the audio chain, especially since it might either move to another rig or go away entirely.
1927

Looked to try and find more info about your PCB’S can you direct me to someplace to view a least a photo of a stuffed board and the size of the PCB

1929

How is your prototype performing if it’s ok to ask? Thank you

1 Like