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PS Audio PWT and PWD MK II--recent acquisiton

I began a discussion of HDMI cables for I2S under the Cables heading, but my observations and questions about the PWT and PWD MK II are more appropriate here, I think. Having had some time to put this combination through its paces in my system (Modwright KWI-200 integrated, Proac Response D-2 speakers, Rel S-2 sub, Analysis Plus Big Silver Oval speaker cables, Clarus Aqua XLRs, Pangea HDMI) I'm not very happy with what I'm hearing. Yes, the two digital sources (DAC & transport) produce impressive resolution, spatial sense, and detail, but in a way that strikes me as very unmusical. In fact, though there's no discernible "glare" in the sound, it is extremely piercing and seems like it could damage my hearing if I listen too long at even reasonable volumes. 

My Cambridge Audio CXU universal player is much more pleasant to listen to even if it doesn't quite match the hyper-resolution of the PWT. I have a Wyred4Sound reclocker inserted between the CA player and the DAC, connected with Audioquest Carbon coax cables. This produces a much more musical presentation.

I'm open to suggestion here, though. Anybody experienced this, and can you suggest a remedy? My first inclination is just to sell off the PWT as a failed experiment.
cooper52
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
If you're not using the bridge, I'd "downgrade" to the 2.0.2 (from 2011).  I always liked that one the best for the standard inputs.  If you want to try it, send me an e-mail (2.2.0 is the oldest one on their website I could find).  I thought it was smoother than subsequent upgrades and eventually quit trying new firmware.  I had to upgrade the firmware to use the Bridge II, but the bonuses of Ethernet audio overcame what I thought of (like you) as a shriller, less natural sound. 
cooper52 OP
187 posts
 
After experimenting with different firmware versions (with particular thanks to cal3713 for sending me the 2.0.2 version, even though I haven't been able to get it to work), I do notice some differences but they're small and still haven't quite solved the problem. I'm really on the fence about whether a major upgrade of HDMI cable would do any good, but I might consider a significant power cable upgrade. I did this for my Modwright integrated--an Anticables Level 3 Reference--and it improved things noticeably. I've read that these PS Audio units are rather sensitive to cabling.
cooper52 OP
187 posts
 
Short update: neither version 2.02 nor 2.03 seem to work for the PWDII, as they result in a blank screen display. I'd still like to hear one or another of these sounds, however. Any suggestions?
bsme85
151 posts
 
 2.0.2 and 2.03 firmware are not compatible with later PWDII builds  such as mine and most likely yours too. 
cooper52 OP
187 posts
 
Further adventures: trying out different firmware versions, and yes there are slight differences between a few of them, I’ve settled on the latest for both the PWT and PWDII. Sorry I won’t get to hear the earlier versions but as bsme85 points out, they’re not compatible with my DAC.

The issue of shrillness is not really solved, but having done some extensive comparisons between the PWT and my Cambridge Audio CXU, it would be a noticeable step backwards to rely on the latter for my CDs because the image, detail, and resolution of the PWT are so compelling that it would be like going back to high school after completing a graduate degree. Regardless of how much fun you had in high school (I didn’t, but that’s a different story) you wouldn’t want to go back, having graduated and moved on.

I’m pretty sure a speaker transplant would give me what I want, but where to go from the Proacs? They’re very appealing speakers, if a little forward and bright.
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