2. digital
  3. 1251963614

Just got the PS Audio Perfectwav DAC -- Amazing

For the last year my system has consisted of the Slim Devices Transporter (Transport + DAC) -> Bel Canto Ref1000 -> Anthony Gallo Ref 3.1

I listen to all my music digitally (lossless/flac). I was very happy with my original system but when the Perfectwave DAC came out I was intrigued. For quite a while I debated between the PW and keeping the transporter or modding it via Modwright.

I ended up getting the PW and though I can't compare it to a modded transporter, it blows the stock transporter out of the water. I should note that since the network bridge isnt out for the PW, I am currently streaming music via the transporter -> coaxial out (spdif) -> PW.

I have only listened for ~5 hours so far, but things I have noticed right away is much cleaner/tighter bass. The low end is so much more accurate than it was before. When comparing, the transporter sounded very muddy (even though at the time I though it was quite good). The mids and highs are tighter as well. The separation has improved quite a bit as well. I have immediately noticed that the loudness of different instruments is wider spread than listening to the same songs on the transporter.

Hope this helps! If anyone has any questions about the PW or the transporter I will try my best to answer them.
danyal711
emailists
923 posts
 
I have played my PWD with and without a preamp. With a preamp, I can hear the real magic happening when I bring the DAC up to full volume. Below that sounds excellent, but not quite as magic.

Direct was excellent as well, and perhaps wider and more defined in the bass, but not as 3 dimensional.

I guess my point is that with an outstanding preamp, I'd go through that. With a mediocre preamp, probably the PWD direct to amps will be better.
dob
577 posts
 
" ...with an outstanding preamp, I'd go through that (i.e. direct to amp). With a mediocre preamp, probably the PWD direct to amps will be better."

Agree, as with any DAC/CDP w/volume control. I have Esoteric SA-50 (being rebuild at the moment by APL HiFi) and Joule-Electra LA-300 Preamp. Day/Night difference in 3D, palpability, in realism and musicality

All The Best
Rafael
danyal711 OP
22 posts
 
Interesting comments. I didn't know a preamp makes a difference in terms of 3D sound. I may have to demo one to see how it changes my system.

I think I am most interested in how the PW compares to the Modwright transporter though.
audiogalore
70 posts
 
Great comparison, PWD vs Modwright Transporter lets hear some thoughts and feedback on the two items.
kschiu
73 posts
 
When comparing source direct to power amp vs source to preamp, the impedance of the poweramp is a major consideration.

Some power amps are just easier to drive then the others.
More to discover