If a guy has a wonderful sounding APS modded DS MK1, should the guy buy a stock MK2?
Has anyone in this looney bin gone this route? If so, tell me your thoughts please.
I would say no as you can probably find a used one with APS for 3k. That would be worth an upgrade. Not sure what you can sell the MKI for. Maybe 1200?
What I’m looking for are opinions: Does a stock MK2 sound better than a modded MK1?
And the MK1 would be kept for a future second system.
Hard for me to say. I did not have APS in MKI. I had all the other upgrades though. When I got the MKII I traded in the MKI. So APS came later. So I cannot tell you. I would think its very close. I know APS MKII is way better. So maybe it could be considered a lateral move with an option to upgrade later.
I think you may find a bit of improvement. I have a modded Mk 1 with the Edcor transformers, analog power board with Farad Super 3, and some noise suppressing material installed within over some parts. It sounds really good, but my stock Mk 2 is a bit better (in part because of control flexibility especially galvanic isolation and ground lifting). I know that the APS transformers are reported to be better than the Edcor which may close the gap I have a bit more. So. . . maybe it’s better to save up for a PMG 512 DAC?
There must be a reason we kind of look alike. But $9K is a long way off for now.
You’ll get there before I would but I totally understand. You’re in a hard spot there. . . hard to say without auditioning if the Mk 2 would be a good step forward, a modded one WOULD be I am pretty sure.
Go for MK2 APS! If you can find one it will sound better than both MK1 Mod and MK2 stock. It will not be much more expensive than a stock either because I just sold one.
I know it’s been touched on before, Donald, but now that you’ve had more time with the PMG DAC, just where does the MkII APS fall behind in comparison?
Sometimes you think a component sounded so great and clear, until you hear one that makes you realized how a better component could improve more on clarity and quietness.
Of course I am describing what is the single biggest strength of PMG over MK2 APS, and it’s probably hard to picture it for most. However, owners of both understand my point perfectly. Oh well, what else can I say other than you need to hear it. 
Many times I have experienced an improvement that was obvious, enjoyable, but I would never had known possible. I wouldn’t have thought it was missing, or available.
Better gear does things you can’t expect sometimes. Almost everybody here is satisfied completely with what they have now. Until that new piece of gear arrives to show them what they were missing.
But me, I’m done now. I know what the very best sound is, and I cannot afford it. But I can go and listen to it, which seems nice.
I say again…
(italics mine)
The system I am referring to is probably worth more than I am. And it’s in a custom room in a beautiful house that is worth five times what I am. So, no need to dream, just go visit and enjoy.
I have a friend who fits that general picture. His systems are both incredible. He’s a very private guy so I only go when invited, I’ve been there 6 or 7 times. His main system is easily north of a million bucks (Wilson WAMMs, D’Agostino Relentless)
(I love that this guy’s daily driver is an old Prius)
I was visiting him once a week for a couple of months. Each time I visit it was so much better than the previous visit. He gets new gear monthly.
A purpose built room with a beautiful custom house built around it with some killer Rolling Stones swag! No it’s not mine. Lol
That’s right! I got Paul in there! He was maybe, 6 visits before my last. He thought it sounded good then. Ha! It actually makes me panic now. I can take about two hours of it and I need a rest. Most amusing!
Happy cake day, sir!
Happy cake day!
Happy cake day, Al! 
