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PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC

Not sure if now's the time to ask since this thing hasn't even begun to ship yet, but anyone have any take on whether the new PS Audio PWD is a viable "one box" solution that would rival in quality what a simple NOS dac and USB converter (i.e. Empirical Audio) would provide? Did I tip my hand as to what I own now? :)

Sounds like it will be spendy $3,500+ when you include the "bridge" option to reclock an incoming signal. It doesn't appear to deal with Apple Lossless format (or potentially AIFF), but the one box solution that allows interface via an IPod Touch or similiar device and that offers 16/44.1 via I2S w/o digital filtering looks like it has potential. Of course they had to go proprietary with HDMI to eliminate Empirical or anyone else from the equation for the time being.
mb9061

Showing 6 responses by vhiner

vhiner
544 posts
 
T?aS just reviewed the PW MKII DAC in the September 2012 issue. Here's the bottom line:

"The DAC II is an outstanding buy, even at $3,995, and is one of the most musical front ends available at any price."
– Anthony H. Cordesman, The Absolute Sound
vhiner
544 posts
 
The ever even-handed Mr. Cordesman writes that the Perfect Wave DACII and Perfect Wave transport come very close to his $35K+ EMM labs XDS1/Soolos reference system and he says that on high res recordings the Perfect Wave is "sometimes better." When you consider what an MKI is going for used right now, it makes a lot of sense to get one and upgrade it to the MKII. Could be one of the best bargains in high end right now. I'm loving mine and I've heard some of the best.
vhiner
544 posts
 
He did talk about the bridge and stressed that he would only endorse a unit that works well as a server for his 9000 Cd's and music files. The DAC II met all of his expectations in that department.
vhiner
544 posts
 
Levy03,

It was one of your early posts on a'gon that convinced me to check the PWD out. Many thanks!

Vance
vhiner
544 posts
 
The article is in the September issue, which has been mailed to subscribers like me. It should be on the newsstands by now. It won't be downloadable until September, I believe.
vhiner
544 posts
 
The issue is now available for download at the TAS site.
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