The PS Audio Directstream MK1 was first released in 2014 making them 12 years old. They were a great sounding and highly sought after DAC back in the day as they extracted the digital signal like no other.. They converted all incoming digital signals to 10x DSD, did all necessary SDM and other necessary calculations using a FPGA chip. (Field Programmable Gate Array). Then sent the DSD signal at 22.5792Mhz through eight (8) special opamps, (four 4 for each channel) then sent through an audio transformer out to the balanced line outputs. Ted Smith designed this architecture for PS Audio. As in all manufacturing, the final product had many cost cutting and saving design changes made to the original design to make it affordable and profitable for market.
Recently most all of these shortcomings have been rectified and upgraded to make this unit one of the best sounding DACs available today.
APS Audio Transformers provides many parts and provides upgrades and also complete units. Their best available unit, The Limited Edition Signature Series PLUS clearly redefines the state of the art at a price that is not inexpensive but represents extraordinary value.
What sets the Directstream MK1 apart is its remarkable capacity for improvement through targeted modifications. In fact, after such refinements, the Directstream MK1 is widely regarded as one of the best-sounding DACs available for under the $15,000 price range. Its ability to reproduce music with exceptional clarity, naturalness, and dynamic expression has yet to be surpassed by competitors within this tier. This makes it a coveted choice for audiophiles who seek the ultimate audio experience without venturing into ultra-high-end price segments.
In summary, while the Directstream MK1 starts as a solid performer, its true brilliance emerges through thoughtful modifications. This journey from a very good DAC designed by renowned Ted Smith to an exceptional one illustrates how expertly executed upgrades can elevate audio equipment to new heights, offering an unrivaled listening experience for discerning music lovers.
