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Legacy Wavelet as Preamp/DAC/DSP vs just DSP

I am upgrading from a Legacy Focus SE to a Legacy Aeris and Wavelet system. Many folks tend to use the Wavelet as an all in one and end up walking away from thei preamp and DAC separates. I’m skeptical of doing that, as I love my PS Audio Directstream DAC and Modwright LS 36.5 DM preamp. I can’t imagine the Wavelet would beat those.

I’d love to hear others’ journeys with the Wavelet. Did you find it bested your preamp and DAC? Did you end up using it just for your DSP? What preamp, DAC and cables did you use it with, and what did the A/B tests reveal?

Also, has anyone used it only to process the bass section only and used the rest of the output straight from the preamp? Is that even possible?
Thanks for sharing. 

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Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,828 posts
 
Honestly I'd just pick one or the other.  Keep your PS Audio and current set up or decide the upgrade is worth doing and sell the DAC. Every change requires some sacrifice. :)
erik_squires
15,828 posts
 
One thing that I want to avoid is multiple DAC's in series, and this device does just that.  You could use a separate DAC, but that analog signal will be re-digitized (Analog-to-Digital conversion) and re-DAC'd.

By using it as the DAC, you keep your signal in the digital domain until the outputs.

So, my advice to you is to listen to the whole proposition.  Do you love the Legacay / Wavelet speaker ? Is it enthralling and going to give you a far superior experience than you've had, or no?  If yes, I'd forego another DAC.

Of course, nothing is stopping you from keeping your PS Audio, but the real judge will be your own ears.
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