I upgraded from the DSII.
Instant wow.
With no break in or cryogenics, no incantations or spells, it’s already better.
My first reaction is that it’s airier, crisper and clearer. Same volume, more music.
Worth it, imho. Thanks team.
PS feeding it signal from an AirLens which is fed by a Roon server… I have an all tube amp/pre-amp set up, reaching a homemade baffleless speaker, fwiw.
Welcome to the forum! Thanks for the report. So you decided to skip the internal streamer huh? Curious minds want to know…
Congrats on the DAC, and the tubes!!
I confess that I had no idea there was an internal streamer–the surrounding gear (airlens and Exosound server) have been steady and stalwart contributors. If anyone has had a good experience without them, would leave to hear!
I have no experience with Airlens or the PMG DAC. Some have reported initial problems with setting up and operating the internal streamer but once worked out (new firmware) it is said to be a bit better than the Airlens in sound quality.
In any case, I am happy to hear your are enjoying the upgrade, that is what matters most. I have a DSD Mk2 so I especially appreciated your report!
I had to use the eversolo while they figured out the streamer issue. But I will say the internal streamer sounds better than being fed by an eversolo. much better. Give it a try.
Greetings: i wanted to weigh in on this subject. I have had the new PMG Transport since late July and the new DAC since early Sept. First let me say that both pieces were a very nice upgrade sonically over their immediate predecessors (DSD DAC and the SACD transport). I was pleasantly surprised by the sound improvement from the transport. The new DAC was also a wonderful improvement and I am in total agreement with Seth. The streamer part of the unit was not working properly and PS (with their customarily great customer service-thank you James and Delia) sent me a new unit. Same for my friend Bob M. The new unit is now burning in (and i think they need about two weeks) but the streamer is working great (and a big sonic improvement over my Blue Sound Node-no surprise there). All in all, if these products are within your budget, I would highly recommend them.
I got the PMG pre and transport end of June and the 512 end of July. I always wondered how much of the improvements were from the pre versus the 512. I still have a BHK pre but am not so curious that I want to switch them out. From this thread and others it seems the 512 improvement is substantial on its own. (Since I don’t stream I can’t say anything about streaming problems. Mine is an earlier unit so maybe or maybe not.)
The only problem with my 512 is that it usually won’t restart via the rear power switch, takes 3 or 4 recycles before the screen comes up and it initializes. It’s a minor inconvenience.
For the transport I have had problems with disk repeat. I have set it to repeat and when I checked later it had stopped and the icon was off. Presumably it only played the disk once. This makes breaking in components a pain.
If you’ve had this problem here is a possible fix. Dim the screen and then set to repeat. So far this has worked. Set in the opposite order it may or may not repeat.
thanks for the tips. i too have had an issue with putting a disc on repeat as sometimes it works and sometimes it does. same goes for the USB thumb drive. go figure? if your unit is an earlier one, there have been some updates that you can download right to the unit if it is plugged into your router or even using wi-fi. if you are not sure about the current versions, check with Delia at PS.
My listening room is in a separate building, no connection to the external digital world. I will check with PSA on Monday. Maybe there is a firmware download on the PSA site.
I appreciate the info.
Nice! A true music cave.
When I was in a previous home I had a basement listening room with my office in the room above. I could tell the difference whether the computer was on or off, not dramatic but easily heard. I don’t feel deprived not being able to do both at the same time.
You are a lucky dude. you can download the software to a thumb drive and then go from there. check with Delia on Monday. or you can try this.
What You Need to Start
1.
To update the main DAC UI firmware
o
USB thumb drive
o
The PMG Signature 512 DAC v2.5.4.zip file from the PS Audio website
o
Ensure your PMG Signature 512 DAC is plugged in during the upgrade
2.
To update the streamer code
o
A solid and reliable network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi)
Update the main DAC UI Firmware
The DAC and Streamer firmware may be updated in either order, but we recommend updating the DAC firmware first, then updating the Streamer FW.
Prepare the USB drive
1.
On your PC or Mac, unzip the downloaded filed (see How to Unzip Files below).
2.
Copy all the files from the unzipped folder to your USB drive.
Update the Firmware
o
Plug the USB stick into the FW slot on the back of the PMG Signature 512 DAC.
o
Using the switch in the back of the unit, power the unit off, then power it back on.
o
The Logo will blink 25-30 times, then stop.
o
The unit will boot automatically.
o
The update is complete. It is safe to remove the USB drive.
o
You can go into the Menus | Versions to verify you are on the correct firmware.
Update the Streamer Firmware
o
Turn the unit on and wait for it to fully boot.
o
If it is not already enabled, enable the Streamer. Enter the Menus and select the Streamer sub-menu. Press the green power button to enable.
o
Make sure that either an Ethernet cable is plugged into the Streamer or that you have setup the Streamer with a Wi-Fi connection. Streamer firmware can only be updated “over the air” via the Internet.
Hi Kent,
I’ve attached the firmware for the DAC here. It should be pretty simple:
Copy the pmg_dac_v2.5.4.bin file onto a USB. This USB needs to be formatted as FAT32 (not ExFAT or NTFS)
Place the USB in the back of the DAC, then power it off and back on using the rocker switch
The logo button will blink for up to a few minutes as the DAC updates, then reboot
Check the firmware version by going to the Menu > Versions. Look for “FW” in the middle of the screen. You should see that line now say 2.5.4.
Second, you will want to update the streamer firmware.
Make sure the streamer is connected to internet (green icon, or check for an IP Address by going to menu > streamer)
Go to the streamer firmware menu (Menu > System > Streamer FW)
The screen should indicate that there is a new version available. Hit the green checkmark, after which the download and install will begin. This can take a few minutes as well.
When complete, the screen will show “Firmware updated to 98380d”. You can exit by tapping anywhere outside of that menu box.
Check the version again by going to Menu > System > Streamer FW. It should now say “Version 2.1.98380d is the latest”
Please give those a shot when you can and let me know if you still have any lingering issues, or of course if there’s any difficulty in getting the firmware updated.
Best,
Delia Lynch | Lead Support Specialist
1-800-PSAUDIO | 720-402-3921
psaudio.com Boulder, Colorado
Thanks for the contact info. The 2.5.4 firmware is on the PSA website but the transport firmware is not, so I’ll call PSA to see if I can get it. I’m breaking in speakers and my “fix” is working so not a problem for now, but it would be nice to have it working properly.
good luck.