PS Audio PWD MkII vs W4S DAC2

Cymbop, I have a similar setup with a Touch. Only use digital out to PWD for SqueezeNetwork internet radio. From my experience, sound is superior with the bridge but very very acceptable with Touch.

Several suggestions:

1. Upgrade fuses in PWD
2. Get a good PC. You can pick up a HiDiamond P3 on Agon at good price. In system, I actually prefer P3s to Elrod Statements and easier to use.
3. Replace the Touch DPS with a LPS. Improves sound and lowers the noise level of your system. I got one from Channel Island.
4. With bridge, hardwired is superior to wireless. I found AQ made a huge improvement over generic ethernet cable.

I'm using PWD NOT budgetary reasons but it sounds excellent in my system. I plan to keep mine for a while too. Buy with your ears and NOT ...

Cymbob, are you using the bridge?

A nice improvement is changing the fuses. Try HiFi Tuning Supremes ... direction is back to front.

how-to-open-the-perfect-wave-dac-case-to-change-fuse

While on the PWD MKII DAC topic, has anyone loaded the latest firmware (2.4 something)? Before I make the move, interested to hear comments. Yes, it can be reversed, but it is a pain tooling with these things.

Yes, I'm using Bridge Version:0.2.14f and DAC Version Mark II:2.4.3

These are the latest. This bridge version is more stable. 2.4.3 is the best sounding DAC version so far.

it's very easy to change Dac firmware, just download and copy to the SD Card.

To update bridge firmware, on PWD panel, scroll to Network bridge page and hit Update.

On PS Audio site, there's Official PS Audio PWD Firmware Download and Instructions - See more at: http://www.psaudio.com/vanilla/discussion/6438/official-ps-audio-pwd-firmware-download-and-instructions-direct-link#sthash.EyrUGKQ8.dpuf

BTw, the latest eLyric iPhone and iPad app doesn't work with ios7 so i've been using plugPlayer FYI

Accordinig to a number of posts on the PS Audio forum, the jury is still out on the latest firmware upgrade.

It easy to install so I always want to judge for myself. If you don't like it, just roll back to the previous version. Takes 5 minutes MAX.

BTW, is there a CONSENSUS best sound version?

FYI, Just install a new Bridge Version:0.2.15

You say that 2.4.3 is best sounding DAC Firmware thus far. Was this immediately apparent or was some "burn in" required. (Not sure how Firmware burns in.) Can you elaborate a bit on the improvements?

I likely will try it but want to have some idea of what to expect.

Firmware and software are instructions for a computer to execute a specific task so it doesn't require burn-in.

The most obvious improvement is coherancy of the sound. Everything just seems to flow and improved pace. A possible fix to jitter? Resolution also improved but doesn't sacrifice musicality.

There are multiple versions of PWD so dependiong on your unit, you will prefer a different version of firmware.

My brother has a PWD MKII upgraded from a MKI and he prefers an older firmware version. This is the reason I don't trust forums and just judge with my own ears.