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PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC upgrade to DSD?

PS Audio DAC users - I currently have a Perfect Wave DAC with Bridge II, and it seems to me that the next best upgrade to my system is to convert it to a DSD.  I am a neophyte audiophile on a budget, this purchase will be the only major upgrade affordable in the next 6-12 months, what can I expect in terms of SQ improvement?  

Rest of system is viewable on audiogon systems; the short version is Thiel CS 2.3s, BAT VK-55, decent power supply cables interconnects etc.  Weakest part of the sound to my ears is the high frequencies, sibilance and smear in particular.  Responses in prior posts have pointed out the speakers as a weak link, and that is another potential/next upgrade.  Room is fairly well treated but still being optimized.
128x128thosb
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Whoops, should have just gone with "relative" rather than guessing son!  Glad you posted the correction. As for the dsd, obviously many people love it, maybe most. For me, it just doesn't sound natural. Don't know if it's my speakers or what, but I don't hear what everyone else does... and I tried twice.

And I wouldn't be too scared of soldering. Since you won't be putting heat directly on a driver, I doubt you could do anything to hurt your speakers. The worst case scenario is that you over cook a new crossover part, and those odds are low. You don't happen to be in Colorado do you? Happy to help upgrade if you are...
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
I wish, sadly no, and thanks a bunch for the offer.  You've moved me closer to trying this, some day.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
One last suggestion... If you've got the space, you may also consider using screw connections throughout the crossover.  It eliminates soldering and let's you easily swap out capacitors to try different types. That's what Nelson pass uses on his home speakers... see photo #5: https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/jeff-checking-in-pass-labs-xa25-amplifier-and-the-duelund-a...
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
hmmm....thanks for the continuing encouragement....again your advice is nudging me closer to trying.  Still need that second set of speakers tho, else the music dies while the work progresses which would be a very sorry state indeed.
mike_in_nc
1,147 posts
 
Room treatments: really good idea.

And please look at those measurement in Stereophile and think about whether the speakers should stay in your system, given the issue you have mentioned.


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