PS Audio Perfectwave Compared to High End Players

Robert Harley just called the new Meridian 802.2 “the most significant product in the history of the Compact Disk.” (TAS August issue). It costs $16,000 ($17,000 for the 802.2i). Considering dCS has one that runs in the neighborhood of $60,000 – for my money, I would rather spend $16,000. Considering the fact that I cannot afford a $16,000 for a CD player, I consider the PWT/PWD series (at only $6000) a bargain. Both PS Audio and Meridian use an Apodising filter system, which is said to illuminate pre-ringing (well beyond the human hearing thresholds).

If you get a chance to read the article/interview with Meridian’s Bob Stuart (TAS August issue) you will read some very interesting information about pre-ringing, which, according to Mr. Stuart, is responsible for the way CDs sound (“the CD sound”). Pre-ringing (timing domain issues) has more to do with this phenomenon than does jitter (according to Mr. Stuart). Apparently, the Apodising filter does a superior job of resolving the pre-ringing issue than other filters.
I can attest to the fact that the PS Audio Perfect Wave combo sounds fantastic – perhaps because of this type of filter. I have not heard anything from dCS, or the Meridian 802.2. But I can’t afford those products any way. If you have the budget, I would suggest that you try to audition the 802.2. TAS has not reviewed the Perfect Wave combo yet. I highly recommend auditioning those devices too.

It seems that Harley made a similar claim recently about the Berkeley Audio DAC. ("It is my outboard converter of choice for both CD and high-resolution sources—regardless of price.") It would be interesting to read some comparisons of the DAC in the PS Audio versus Berkeley, since these are at least a little closer in price (than the Meridian or dCS) and both advertise cutting-edge technology.

can't wait to hear from un-bias (or not so bias) detailed reviewers. i'm enjoying my set but still look forward to hear some detailed comparisons.

hope a few involve comparing the pwt/pwd against another paired set-up. would also like to see how it stacks up with/without I2S against competitors traditional connections. this would help determine if the pwt/pwd or I2S connection is the real hero. just a hunch from my experience, but i think/speculate a good hdmi connection helps alot.

btw....intro special lets you get the pair for 4k. fun little trade in program that's easy to work with.

A friend has the PSA combo and another has the 808.2. The Meridian owner said the 808.2 killed the Spectral CDP which killed the full DCS stack.
I, too, would like to read about the PWD vs. the Berkley.