APS audio transformers

To purchase this upgrade just add it to the cart and checkout. No funds are due at checkout. We will send you next steps and info on where to send your unit for the upgrade. Funds are due when your unit is finished.

This is our Limited Edition unit.  Limited number of units.

This is our upgrade service to upgrade your stock Directstream MK2.  You send us your unit and we upgrade it to our Limited Edition.

Now includes our new Vocm buffers.

The Directstream MK2, in its original stock configuration, has long been recognized as a good-sounding digital-to-analog converter (DAC). It delivers clear, detailed audio that satisfies many listeners. However, like many high-end audio devices, it reveals certain limitations and imperfections that prevent it from reaching its full sonic potential straight out of the box.
 
What sets the Directstream MK2 apart is its remarkable capacity for improvement through targeted modifications. These modifications address the subtle flaws in timing, noise floor, and transparency, thereby unlocking a level of musicality and precision that few other DACs in its class can match.
 
In fact, after such refinements, the Directstream MK2 is widely regarded as one of the best-sounding DACs available 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 MK2 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.

Includes:

An upgraded pure copper AC inlet, Silver input wiring,  Hand-picked transformers. APS Silver fuse.

For the audiophile who demands the very best.

Unbelievable clarity, dynamics and realism.

The Limited Edition is the latest model in a series of the finest and most successful DAC upgrades ever made. Providing even more presence, weight and definition than that of its predecessor, the Stock MK2 with our audio transformers.

The Limited Edition clearly redefines the state of the art at a price that is not inexpensive but represents extraordinary value.

While differences in recordings are immediately apparent, the Limited Edition connects you to the intent of the musicians and the soul of the performance, drawing you in even more.

This unit extracts the room ambience like no other. You can clearly hear the room where the original recording was produced.

Only by hearing it for yourself will you fully appreciate the sonic advancements unveiled by the Limited Edition.

The Limited Edition possesses great bandwidth and resolving power combined with a purity and naturalness that is uncanny – grain and electronic artifacts are simply absent. Bass impact, depth and control is startling, while music ebbs and flows with a dynamic life that is rarely experienced outside the concert hall.

This sale features our transformer upgrade with an R-core internal power AC transformer installed, our Vocm buffers, and the copper AC input with silver AC wiring, while also increasing the capacity of the standard AC transformer.

This is the best sounding MK2 DAC we currently offer.

1) Transformer replacement. Replaced the Edcor AS 4400 cheap transformers with premium Nickel APS Audio R2 Transformers designed to meet extreme audiophile requirements. These transformers also brings up the gain to standard levels.
2) NEW improved VOCM upgrade. The VOCM (Virtual Common Mode ) of these DACs did not have a low enough impedance for the video op-amps used. We corrected this by adding our new superior custom-designed VOCM buffer circuit board to each op-amp power circuit, which lowers the impedance in a more linear and correct manner than the old method of using a capacitor in parallel with R6. As an additional plus, this new circuit also uses less power ( 4 mA ) from the common mode.

3) RF.EMI shielding was added where needed This lowers any noise from entering critical circuits.
4) Performed DC offset tune. Lowers low frequency distortion and increases dynamics. This works together with our new R2 transformers. The DC offset issue is a real problem in some of these DS DAC's. Although it requires a lot of time, the effort is worthwhile because it enhances sound quality. Note: We permanently remove original Vocm dividing resistors with our new Vocm buffer mod.

5) APS Silver fuse.

We take a stock MK2 and compleatly refurbish it with our new Rev 2 transformers, RF shielding, Power Supply upgrades 
 

What you get is an incredable sounding DAC that outperforms even the newest PMG DAC.  The Limited Edition MK2 can be idenified by the new APS Audio Badging on the front and APS Limited Edition silkscreened on the back.