Modding the PS Audio Directstream DAC MK1 and MK2


I would like to continue discussing all the mods we have created for these two DAC's as it seems PS Audio is no longer allowing discussions about them on their forum.

For reference here is a link to the closed discussion.

https://forum.psaudio.com/t/modding-the-directstream-dac-mki/2680

128x128richardselectronics

@richardselectronics 

Hey Jeff I thought the heat sinks with the mod installed would get hot?  Is there a way to correct this?  Or is it not something to worry about?  

There is nothing to worry about however there is 4 heat sinks, two of which are not being used or at least not very much (without the Bridge installed) and do not get hot.  By installing a heat spreading material between these heat sinks distributes the heat more evenly.  I have used M.2 heat spreading material.

 

Just gently spread the heat sinks slightly apart and slide the heat sink pad (for a M.2) it between the heat sinks. I held the heat sinks together with a U shaped metal spring wire I made up.

 

Speaking of heat sink heat, I had to replace the transformer in a Mk1 this past week. But the original is a custom unit rated 8v secondaries, 2 x 25VA and not available. I chose an off the shelf 6V rated out 2 x 25VA unit and tg it's working fine, with less heat across the linear regs too of course. It's actually delivering about 7.4V AC V out in mine. The original toroid has a band shield, and there was room in there to wrap a band shield around the new one. I went with this one: Triad- VPT12_4170

TK