PS Audio has announced the release of the Mount Massive firmware upgrade for its PerfectWave DirectStream DAC MK2, presenting a noteworthy enhancement in audio quality at no additional cost.
Launched on January 16, 2024, the v3.1.0 operating system update, codenamed Mount Massive, significantly elevates the DirectStream DAC MK2’s sound performance by delivering greater resolution, reduced noise levels, and various sonic refinements.
PS Audio CEO Paul McGowan stated, “This is the most substantial upgrade I have encountered in my 50 years in the industry. Mount Massive has taken the performance of the DirectStream DAC MK2 to heights I had only imagined”
The exclusive Digital Lens of the DirectStream DAC MK2, responsible for reconstructing incoming digital data into a jitter-free signal, has been enhanced with a new buffer. Audible noise has been decreased by 10 dB, and ultrasonic noise has seen a reduction of 30 dB. The Mount Massive OS update, crafted by Ted Smith, PS Audio’s digital engineering expert, reflects hundreds of hours of meticulous work. This achievement is made possible by the fully programmable FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) core processing engine of the PerfectWave DirectStream DAC MK2, distinguishing it from designs based on traditional DACs.
The sonic enhancements are substantial, offering significantly improved resolution of intricate musical details. The soundstage widens and deepens, featuring a more open and airy quality, contributing to a powerful, yet refined and balanced listening experience.
Enthusiasts can download the Mount Massive OS upgrade for the PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream DAC MK2 free of charge by following this link. Alternatively, the Mount Massive firmware can be purchased pre-loaded onto a USB drive for $29 by visiting this page.