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Perfectwave Dac - computer audio options

Hi,

I have my Perfectwave Dac and also a Sqeezebox Touch. I have Flac files on my PC.

Where to go from here:

1. Buy a 2010 Mac Mini as a server and run USB to the PW Dac?
2. Buy a 2010 Mac Mini as a server and run a M2Tech USB to coax cable to my PW Dac?
3. Use my Touch coax into my PW Dac as I am now doing.
4. Put my money into the new Bridge from PS Audio and stream files from my PC.
5. Put my money into the new Bridge from PS Audio and stream files from new 2010 Mac Mini? (most expensive option)

Needless to say, this gets a bit confusing on where to go from here for the best performance.

If I purchased a new Mac Min, I would probably by Pure Music to run on it too, based on what I have read.

The upcoming Bridge is priced about equal to a new Mac Mini. I like Rhapsody and Pandora in addition to my music files.

Any experiences or help?

Thanks!
mr_bill
ballan
184 posts
 
Don't rule out the "mini" toslink optical on the Mac Mini. When used with a polished glass optical cable terminated with a mini plug (no adaptors), the optical is better than most "audiophiles" give it credit.

You say you have FLAC files, but iTunes doesn't support FLAC. How do you plan on dealing with this issue?

I recommend trying Pure Music after you get your setup finished, and even then, I'm skeptical about third party software programs at this point. Take it one step at a time.
dtsag
119 posts
 
If you like to get the best out of the PWD, you need the PWT with the PSA I2S-12 HDMI connection. The second best is thru the Bridge. If you don't take advantage of these two methods, you don't need the PWD in the first place.

Once you hear the PWT/PWD combo with the RR HRx disc, you will not turn back.
2chnlben
595 posts
 
Definitely put your money into the Bridge (why own the PWD if you’re not going to get the Bridge). Use your current PC with some interim server software (Twonky works fine) until the forthcoming Tag-N-Play server is released from PS Audio.

Eventually, you can eliminate your PC from the equation altogether - PS will be releasing a router that incorporates their TNP server. There’s no sense in buying a new computer for the Bridge-based music server. In this system, the only purpose of the computer is to run the server software. Basically, the Bridge pulls everything straight from your hard drives (bypassing all of the computer’s audio processors).

Ben
mr_bill OP
347 posts
 
Hi Ballan,
If I would get a Mac Mini, I would rip my CD's over again. I can convert the FLAC files I have with DB poweramp converter if needed.

Dtsag and 2,
Sounds like waiting for the Bridge is a good idea.
I still need a way to get Pandora and Rhapsody into the PW Dac if I get rid of the Touch.
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