We have come a long way in fixing the distortion and noise issues in these MK1 DAC’s
Here are the original distortion figures.
Here are the FFT of the corrected Limited Edition MK1.

We achieved this by adding snubbers in the correct places.
JK Richards PS Audio DSD MKI transformer upgrade
I sent my PS Audio DSD MKI to JK Richards to be fitted with the upgraded nickel transformers and VOCM caps. Should be arriving today. Will follow up with a comparison review once the upgraded DAC settles in.
Here is a link to the lengthy thread covering the evolution of the PS Audio DSD mods.
https://forum.psaudio.com/t/modding-the-directstream-dac-mki/2680
Approximately a year ago, we began incorporating snubbers into the power supply of the Limited Edition. This significantly reduced the noise floor. This method has not been used in these MK1's previously; however, it made a significant impact, prompting us to conduct R&D on this process for the MK2, where we are seeing considerable success. Further updates will follow shortly... |
The Limited Edition upgrade for Directstream has gained significant popularity this year. Last week, we barely managed to maintain our 2-day turnaround. Working 18 hours daily, including weekends. We have also updated our customer reviews. Thank You! |
Elevating the MK2 Upgrade: A New Benchmark in Sound QualityBuilding upon the success of our Limited Edition upgrades—now exceeding even the sound quality of the newer modified MK2—we have embarked on a mission to elevate the MK2 enhancements to an entirely new level. Our focus has been on refining the power supply, a critical element in achieving pristine audio performance. Through extensive research and testing, we determined that the existing regulators and rectification components, credited to the expertise of Ted Smith, already represent the pinnacle of quality and efficiency. Nevertheless, we identified an opportunity for further improvement by introducing a dedicated R-Core transformer specifically for the analog board power supply. This strategic addition has yielded noticeable enhancements in sound clarity and overall performance, confirming that even the best systems can benefit from thoughtful refinement. Additionally, we addressed a common issue in the digital board’s power supply: the need for a reboot following power glitches. By increasing the capacitance in this section, we have effectively eliminated this inconvenience, ensuring uninterrupted and reliable operation even under unstable power conditions. We are currently finalizing these upgrades to ensure it meets the highest standards of reliability and sonic excellence. Soon, this enhanced power supply configuration will be available to discerning audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience from their MK2 systems. In summary, while the foundational power components remain exemplary, the integration of a dedicated R-Core transformer for the analog section marks a significant step forward. This upgrade underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio fidelity, promising users a richer, more immersive soundstage. Stay tuned for the release of this exciting advancement that continues to redefine what the MK2 upgrade can achieve. |