Review: Perpetual Technologies P-3a DA converter
Category: Digital
i recently bought the perpetual technologies p3a dac, which i obtained approximately 2 months ago.
my pioneer cdp has been modified (g&d clock, iec plug and damping modifications to transport) and sounds pretty good. i extensively searched audiogon and other sites and eventually (after much soul searching) bought the perpetual technologies p3a dac. i actually bought it from underwoodwally who sells items extensively on audiogon. I bought it for $680us including shipping to perth, western australia. prior to buying the pt dac i had extensively auditioned the bel canto dac 1 which i thought was a good product.
after comparing reviews of the bel canto vs perpetual technologies dac i decided to go with the pt as i thought it would match my system better. my system (if any complaints was a bit too smooth) comprises of the n.e.w. preamp and battery powered amp. my speakers are made here in perth by war audio using 2 x 7inch focal kevlar mid basses and using the raven 1 ribbon tweeter (a very revealing speaker, does not suffer poor quality components).
i initially listened to the pt without breaking in and it sounded pretty reasonable. after about 1 month the highs smoothed out, the bass was tighter and more controlled, the soundstage, depth etc also improved.
i then compared it to my modified cdp and the pt3a was definitely better. the music with the p3a connected seemed to be less grainy/smeared and more transparent. compared to an unmodified player the dac is much better. the bel canto although on a par, is a bit too smooth in the top end for my liking.
well that's about it hope this gives you some insight.
Associated gear
PIONEER PDS-507 CDP
N.E.W. P3 PREAMP
N.E.W. DC66 AMP
WAR AUDIO SPEAKERS
AXON CABLES
Similar products
BEL CANTO DAC1
i recently bought the perpetual technologies p3a dac, which i obtained approximately 2 months ago.
my pioneer cdp has been modified (g&d clock, iec plug and damping modifications to transport) and sounds pretty good. i extensively searched audiogon and other sites and eventually (after much soul searching) bought the perpetual technologies p3a dac. i actually bought it from underwoodwally who sells items extensively on audiogon. I bought it for $680us including shipping to perth, western australia. prior to buying the pt dac i had extensively auditioned the bel canto dac 1 which i thought was a good product.
after comparing reviews of the bel canto vs perpetual technologies dac i decided to go with the pt as i thought it would match my system better. my system (if any complaints was a bit too smooth) comprises of the n.e.w. preamp and battery powered amp. my speakers are made here in perth by war audio using 2 x 7inch focal kevlar mid basses and using the raven 1 ribbon tweeter (a very revealing speaker, does not suffer poor quality components).
i initially listened to the pt without breaking in and it sounded pretty reasonable. after about 1 month the highs smoothed out, the bass was tighter and more controlled, the soundstage, depth etc also improved.
i then compared it to my modified cdp and the pt3a was definitely better. the music with the p3a connected seemed to be less grainy/smeared and more transparent. compared to an unmodified player the dac is much better. the bel canto although on a par, is a bit too smooth in the top end for my liking.
well that's about it hope this gives you some insight.
Associated gear
PIONEER PDS-507 CDP
N.E.W. P3 PREAMP
N.E.W. DC66 AMP
WAR AUDIO SPEAKERS
AXON CABLES
Similar products
BEL CANTO DAC1
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