Need to Verify DirectStream DAC MK1 Sunlight Firmware Files

Audio Components
1

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping another DirectStream DAC Mk I owner can help confirm something for me.

I own a DirectStream DAC Mk I and I’ve been trying to install the Sunlight firmware from my current Windom, but I’ve run into an issue that I think might be related to the files themselves.

I’ve followed all the usual steps (freshly formatted 1–4 GB SD cards, FAT32, correct placement in the root directory, inserting with the unit powered off, etc.). The DAC either:

*flashes the PS Audio logo once then shuts off, or
*flashes a number of times, then shuts off, or
*stays solid with no flashing while failing to update.

I was grateful to receive a physical SD card from PS Audio Support, and also downloaded the firmware from the website, and both contain the following files:

DSD00500.hex
DSDG0017.hex
fpg15423.hex
USBL0023.hex
LOADER.CFG

From what I’ve read from other DS Mk I owners, those appear to be the older PerfectWave DAC Mk II multi-processor firmware files, not the typical DirectStream Mk I FPGA-only update files.

My understanding is that every DirectStream DAC Mk I firmware from Snowmass onward (including Windom and Sunlight) should have the following structure:

DSD040x.hex (three FPGA image files)
LOADER.CFG

Since my DAC was running Windom previously without issue, I’m fairly certain it requires the modern DSD04xx-style FPGA files, not the older DSDD/DSDG/USBL format.

Could any DS Mk I owner please confirm what files are inside your working Sunlight (or Windom) SD card? Even just the filenames would be extremely helpful.

And if anyone still has the original ZIP package — or can confirm the correct file names (e.g., DSD0402.hex, DSD0403.hex, DSD0404.hex + LOADER.CFG) — I would be very grateful.

Thanks very much for any help you can offer!

— Aaron

2

I can confirm the file names are correct. I purchased a used DSD mk1 earlier this year and upgraded it to sunlight using the same package. In my case, I upgraded from a much older firmware version (I believe 1.1.5 or 1.1.6)

3

Yes the file names are correct, so probably the right files. I have the original zip file if that would help. If your files got corrupted the zip may help. Send me an email if you want it, gdunn6@gmail.com .

Sometimes rolling back to an earlier firmware and then trying Sunlight worked. But if I remember correctly this helped with early firmware and was no longer a problem by the time of Snowmass,Windom,Sunlight .

4

Thanks very much for confirming. I can’t figure out why these files won’t take. Appreciate the quick response .

5

Welcome!

I hope you get everything sorted.