PS Audio PerfectWave DAC vs Bel Canto DAC3

thanks Sgr. i've been working hard at getting my system right and it's starting to pay off. i agree with you 100% regarding the pwt/pwd duo. far and away the best digi sound i've ever heard too. they sound good individually, but when paired and connected via a good I2S line...they're outstanding imho.

cheers
Lev

i just upgraded from a krell s-300i intigrated to a levinson 432. am currently using my pwd as a pre-amp/volume control (also have the pwt). have a pass aleph p pre-amp waiting to be connected to compare the 2 set-ups....with vs without a pre.

so far i can tell you this much.....the pwd sounds amazing running straight to the ml 432. i can't imagine how it could get any better then this but i'm still planning on connecting the aleph p in a few days just to make sure.

i'll try to chime in with my thoughts after the camparo is completed. my gut tells me the aleph p will be up for sale in the near future =).

the pwt/pwd is an incredible combo. i highly recommend it. at this point in time, i can't say the pwd or pwt are great individually. until the bridge comes out....using them with other gear just didn't sound as good to me. i'm almost 100% sure this was due to the high grade I2S cable/connection i'm using between the pwt/pwd. comparing this connection with the other currently available connection options....it wasn't even close imho. using the I2S connection really makes this pair shine. the bridge might/could change all this though. we'll see.

good luck.
Lev

wow Sgr, i had an almost identical experience. except for your initial feelings that is. i really liked the duo right off the bat. however... i've never owned a set-up even close to your's so my "bar" was set much lower. used a high grade I2S from day one and glad i did (ps audio's silver I2S-12). much better then the other current options. i also upgraded pc's to ps audio ac-5's. they really sounded good together.

i also noticed a slight vibration issue and went with herbie's tenderfoot's as well. took it one step further and finally invested in a nice rack (steve blinn extrawide replaced my target $199 special). all of this along with several weeks of break-in did the trick. it went from great too incredible for me.

can't say i've listened to many really high end digi front ends but i'm certain that the duo is the best i've heard to date.....and not by a narrow margin. it still blow's me away every time i have a listening session. when paired, tweeked and hooked up right...the duo offers jaw dropping performance imo and one i can't get enough of.

cheers buddy

Lev