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Just got the PS Audio Perfectwav DAC -- Amazing

For the last year my system has consisted of the Slim Devices Transporter (Transport + DAC) -> Bel Canto Ref1000 -> Anthony Gallo Ref 3.1

I listen to all my music digitally (lossless/flac). I was very happy with my original system but when the Perfectwave DAC came out I was intrigued. For quite a while I debated between the PW and keeping the transporter or modding it via Modwright.

I ended up getting the PW and though I can't compare it to a modded transporter, it blows the stock transporter out of the water. I should note that since the network bridge isnt out for the PW, I am currently streaming music via the transporter -> coaxial out (spdif) -> PW.

I have only listened for ~5 hours so far, but things I have noticed right away is much cleaner/tighter bass. The low end is so much more accurate than it was before. When comparing, the transporter sounded very muddy (even though at the time I though it was quite good). The mids and highs are tighter as well. The separation has improved quite a bit as well. I have immediately noticed that the loudness of different instruments is wider spread than listening to the same songs on the transporter.

Hope this helps! If anyone has any questions about the PW or the transporter I will try my best to answer them.
danyal711

Showing 2 responses by sgr

sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
I'm surprised your having isssues with the sound of the PWT/PWD combo. I've been pleased before it broke in and since breaking in found it to surpass my older, but very respectable, Levinson Reference 30.6 DAC and 31.5 transport. Right away, the PWT/PWD just seemed to get the music right. I've since upgraded the HDMI cable to PS Audio's top of the line silver HDMI on several people's recommendations. It put the combo even further over the top.
As for volume, I'm currently setting the DAC at 75 to 80 on the volume display and then sending the signal into the ARC Ref 3 preamp. I broke my HDMI cable by playing just the transport into the DAC over Xmas break, for about 2 weeks the Purist Audio break in disc along with others. It sounded better each time I listened, and I assumed the new HDMI cable was broke in then. However, since being home, and having it play in the system, instead of just between the DAC and tranport, I've been amazed at how much it seems to improve each night. I really can't explain why this has happened. But this is what I'm experiencing.

I hope your PWT/PWD starts reaching its potential. But as we all have found out before, a component that sounds great in one system, may not make the grade in another system for many reasons.
Good listening,
Steve
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
Hey 2chnlben,
You are so right. I listend to a trio of brothers play an unamplified musical event, which featured guitars, a violins, a double bass, a mandolin and of course vocals this weekend. It was in a medium sized stage (50 people) in a local coffee house. I've never heard even the best systems come close to the "live" sound. It can be a sobering experience to hear how your "All our Assault" system can so quickly be humbled by the simple pluck of a violin string or tap on a drum.
There is an immediacy, and clarity that no speaker I've ever heard or owned which include Acoustats, Magnepans, Revels,Legacys and many others that can come close to this.
Many of us do not get the chance to listen to unamplified instruments often or at all. That is why Magnepan used to have an incentive for dealers to go hear live unamplified music for which Magnepan picked up the tab. (I'm not sure if they still do this or not.)
At best we have a long way before our stereo systems can sould like the real thing if ever.
So a system's sound reflects our individual conceptions (based on hearing ability and aural experiences)of what an instrument(s) or voice(s) should sound like.
As you said, to each his own. . . about sums it up.
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