Discussions about various firmware releases affecting the sonics are all about updates to the bridge firmware and not the DAC's. The PWD firmware updates have addressed several issues unrelated to sound quality, but some of the issues addressed include better support of burned media formats, decreasing the audible 'pop' when selecting different options on the PWD, and setting the default volume level to 50 at power up instead of 0. It's really pretty easy to update the PWD's firmware. Just copy the files to an SD card (2GB max), install the SD card in the DAC, then power up the DAC and the firmware is updated as the system boots. Remember to remove the card from the DAC so it won't attempt to reload the firmware every time you power up the DAC.
PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC without the transport
I am eagerly awaiting release of the bridge and lens and plan to get the whole turnkey PS Audio music server package once it comes out. I was wondering if it is worthwile to get the DAC earlier and use it with my digital transport (using Marantz UD9004). All I read about is the PS Audio DACs performance when used with the PWT. Is anyone using just the DAC with other transport over S/DIF and how good is it? I am currently using the Xtreme DAC card in my Theta casablanca III.