Does the Transport make a significant difference

I had a PS Audio PWDMKII and it's an excellent DAC. I found the bridge was the best digital input. This was confirmed by several reviews on the PS Audio Direct Stream. The problem is bridge stability requiring frequent power restarts/recycles.

Volume is in digital domain so I prefer using a high quality pre with volume set to 100%.

Aerial 7T are very nice speakers.

If it was my system, I would start replacing your preamp. In your budget, there are many high quality units especially used. VTL, Doshi, Aesthetix, VAC ... Then get the Synchro-Mesh reclocker. It has a 30 days money back guarantee so only risk is shipping cost. If the reclocker works as advertised, it should be agnostic to anything feeding it.

12-13-14: Ricred1
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!

My brother upgraded his Perfectwave DAC MKII to Directstream and it was no contest. Also Directstream is more agnostic what's feeding it so probably can't tell the difference between transports. Google Directstream review where several reviewer specifically ask Ted Smith on the design.

I'll repeat my suggestion again and also get a Synchro-Mesh reclocker. It has a 30 days money back guarantee so only risk is shipping cost. It sits between your transport and DAC and if the reclocker works as advertised, you should not hear any differences between transports.

The LAST thing I would get is a transport.

12-30-14: Ricred1
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!

When you get a chance, demo a high quality tube pre in your system and might change your mind. High quality doesn't necessary equate big $$.

What fuses are you using in Directstream? Try Synergistic RED Quantum fuses. I believe your DAC uses 2 small 1A slo-blo