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Advantage of PS Audio Bridge II over USB cable from PC?

I play digital content in my system, which includes a PS Audio Perfect Wave II DAC, into an Audio Research SP16-L tube pre, Bryston 4B-ST amp, and Aerial 10T MKIIs. Most of the time, I stream Tidal or Spotify via USB cable from a PC. I have high-speed internet (120 Mpbs down, 20 Mpbs up), piped through a Netgear Nighthawk X4S router wirelessly to the PC. It’s my first high-end audio system, which I built after finding the Aerials at an estate sale for a bargain price, along with some fat Kimber cables.

My question: What benefit if I upgrade the Perfect Wave DAC II with the Bridge II circuit card? Near as I can judge from PS Audio’s website, it would allow me to connect the DAC wirelessly to my home network, and control it from a smartphone or tablet. Aside from those conveniences, what difference in SQ should I expect for the $899 upgrade?   Thanks for any insights.

rwroberts

Showing 3 responses by cal3713

cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
My findings duplicate @cymbop's. Such an improvement with the bridge ii that I never went back to usb. (Although I agree there was more trouble shooting involved).

Also, you should be able to get a bridge for much less than list. Just call any psa dealer and ask what kind of a deal they can give you. I think I paid between 4-5 hundred.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@audioengr Steve, I'm sorry for being dense... Can you tell me how to "Connect earth ground to DC common of the router DC power cable"?  Am I supposed to open the lps and attach a grounding wire that then I route out to a grounding screw in a nearby outlet? 

Thanks for all the input.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Great, thanks Steve.
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