I should add, no transport. My next step is to try using a Mac mini and ipad. I need to read a little more regarding the best approach, because the last time I tried using a computer to download music I didn't like it. |
My pictures aren't current, I actually have more room treatment. |
Jfrech,
Thanks for the response. I have great respect for your knowledge; therefore I have another question for you...is it wiser to invest in a better preamp or transport? I prefer something that has an option to use balanced cables. I only want to spend 3-4K. Any suggestions? |
Dkarmeli,
I spend what I feel comfortable spending on each component, including wires and power cords. I can only speak from my experiences and I have heard significant differences when changing cables. |
What are the thoughts on removing the preamp and connecting the DAC straight to the amp? |
I'm trying DAC straight into the amp via balanced cables and report my observations tomorrow. Thanks for the food for thought! |
I connected the DAC directly to the amp and listened for a couple of hours. I strongly prefer the sound with the preamp. With the preamp, the music is simply more musical, detailed, and effortless. Trying to get a home audition of a decent transport to hear if it makes a difference in my system. In addition, I'm going to listen to a couple preamps and compare them to what I hear when I change transports. I'm really trying to determine the best way forward. I only want to spend 3-4K. |
The Parasound P5 is a preamp with a DAC, but the PS Audio Perfectwave DAC 2, sounds significantly better. I don't have a problem with my DAC. I'm trying to find the best way forward. What is the better bang for the buck, new transport or preamp? Again, I want to spend 3-4K? |
I sold my Parasound P5 and ordered a PS Audio PWT. My next step will be a preamp. |
Charles1dad,
I really hope you are correct. Adding the PS Audio PWD II was significant to my ears and if the PWT adds a little bit more I'll be extremely happy. Now trying to find a preamp to complete my system. |
Guidocorona,
My priorities are spacing between instruments, imaging,and soundstaging. I want it all done with a neutral, natural sound. The Aerial 7T are very good accomplishing my priorities; therefore I want to maximize their capabilities.
When I added the PS Audio PWD II, my aforementioned priorities improved 30 or so percent. Music that I'm very familiar with had significantly more space and tonality to it. On one CD the lead guitar appeared in the middle, now it's outside the left speaker. My thought process is adding the PS Audio PWT should bring my system to the next level. Why the PWT? I already have the PWD II and it's in my price range.
I'm assuming changing preamps will take me to yet another level. The Parasound P5 performs many functions, but I just need a simple line stage. Why a preamp, because with my current configuration, with the preamp in, I find the music to be more detailed and natural sounding. I've heard significant differences between preamps, that's why I thought that should be the last step. My concern is finding something in the 2-3K range. I always set a range regarding what I'm willing to spend for a specific component.
I listen to Boney James, David Sandborn, Michael Franks, Joe Sample, Jesse J., Najee and many more contemporary Jazz artist. |
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll make a decision on my next move after I receive the PS Audio PWT. |
Knghifi,
The PWD II is only 2 weeks old. It has pushed my system to a new level. Yes, there is better and/or different, but I'm not willing to play the game. I'll add the PWT and be content for now. |
Nothing is wrong with my system. In addition to the new DAC, I changed my digital cable, speaker cable, and went to a balanced cable from amp to preamp. The soundstage has opened up tremendously. |
Unfortunately I don't have the opportunity to audition a new transport or preamp. My other thought was add a JL Audio sub for now and down the road upgrade my source or preamp. All three options are within the same price range. With the exception of my speakers, I've changed everything over the past two months. Whatever option I choose will be the last change for awhile. |
I always like to close the loop when I ask a question. I decided to purchase a Parasound JC2 preamp and PS Audio Directstream DAC. I received both of them a week ago. Improvements, YES; unfortunately I can't tell you what component has had the most impact on the sound. I installed both of them at the same time. |
The deal fell through and I still have my preamp. |
I purchased a Parasound JC 2 preamp. I will post my results next week. |
Raymonda,
Okay you win...I'm not going to argue with you about what I hear in my system. I try to be very careful about not exaggerating my findings. The facts are the soundstage has opened up and there is more spacing between instruments. I look forward to adding the Parasound JC2. |
Nothing is/was wrong with the preamp. I don't have a "new preamp yet"; I'm currently running the PS Audio PWD through the P5. Prior to receiving the new DAC, I was going from my CD player to the preamp. Now I'm going from my CD player via a digital cable to the DAC and from the DAC to the preamp via RCA cables. I won't say all of the changes are due to the new DAC, because I went from a unbalanced to a balanced cable, added the Wireworld Gold Starlight digital cable and changed speaker cables at the same time. I wished I would have changed one component at a time and maybe I could attribute the improvements to one thing. |
Should I upgrade from the Perfectwave DAC II to the Directstream or keep the Perfectwave DAC II and upgrade my transport from a NAD 565bee CD player to a PS Audio PerfectWave Transport? I just upgraded my preamp and this will be my last upgrade for a long time. Your suggestions are appreciated! |
Knghifi,
Thanks for your response. |
I hate this hobby:)! I disconnected my Parasound JC2 and went from the PS Audio Directstream strait into the Parasound A21 amp via balanced cables and it sounds slightly better direct! I tried direct with the PS Audio Perfectwave DAC II and it was terrible... I wish I knew then, what I know now. I could have saved some money. Needless to say, the Parasound JC2 is going up for sale on audiogon! |
