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Best DAC for CD redbook playback from a PS Audio Perfectwave transport

I just purchased a PS Audio PWT and will use it to listen to redbook CDs. I've read that the best playback is with an I2S hdmi cable. So, a suitable dac would be one with an I2S input, such as either a Wyred4Sound dac or a PS Audio PWD. But, if it's just for redbook CD playback, can I suffice with an older MK1 version or do the updated versions (which I presume are primarily geared toward improving computer based systems) also significantly improve CD SQ? Again, it's just for CD playback.
tweaknkeep
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Best DAC for CD redbook playback


Get the best you can afford that uses R2R Ladder Multibit dac conversion, as it does it "Bit Perfect" for Redbook (PCM)

Stay away from all Delta Sigma based dacs that are for DSD or otherwise, as they only give a facsimile of Redbook (PCM) conversion.

http://www.mojo-audio.com/blog/dsd-vs-pcm-myth-vs-truth/

Quote: " When a PCM file is played on a DSD or Bit Stream converter, the DAC chip has to convert the PCM to DSD in real time. This is one of the major reasons people claim DSD sounds better than PCM, when in fact, it is just that the chip in most modern single-bit DACs do a poor job of decoding PCM."

Cheers George

tweaknkeep OP
38 posts
 
This review by Robert Deutsch answered all of my questions about CD playback with a PS Audio PWT. The answer to my original question, is yes, it is worth it to splash for the latest DAC instead of the older MkI version. Thanks all, mission accomplished.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/ps-audio-perfectwave-directstream-da-processor-robert-deutsch-feb...
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I have to agree with Robert Deutsch in his assessment of the PWT.  It has consistently outperformed the transport sections of CD players in direct comparison I've heard.  It is a top tier transport for Redbook CD sound quality. 
Charles, 
tweaknkeep OP
38 posts
 
Thanks Charles,

PS Audio told me that they were so confident about the DSD Junior that review units were sent out simultaneously with the product launch, instead of before launching. The Junior was launched in February and it takes a few months to review a product so we should have reviews by the summer.
surge's avatar
surge
30 posts
 
I had the perfect wave mkII and upgraded to the Directstream. It's almost night and day. The DSD is the first time I've heard a DAC that sounds (almost) like analog. 
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