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PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC without the transport

I am eagerly awaiting release of the bridge and lens and plan to get the whole turnkey PS Audio music server package once it comes out. I was wondering if it is worthwile to get the DAC earlier and use it with my digital transport (using Marantz UD9004). All I read about is the PS Audio DACs performance when used with the PWT. Is anyone using just the DAC with other transport over S/DIF and how good is it? I am currently using the Xtreme DAC card in my Theta casablanca III.
edorr
edorr OP
714 posts
 
You forgot arguably the most important thing. The PWT uses the I2S interface with the PWD.
levy03
442 posts
 
agree with Edorr (and Rockitman). have had the perfect wave combo since intro almost 2 years ago. the I2S connection took it over the top imho. sounded great using xlr....sounds out of this world using I2S. am streaming from a pc now but still hanging on to my PWT because it sounds so damn good (yes...i still prefer it to the stream). PWT/PWD makes for an outstanding front.
2chnlben
595 posts
 
To Levy, Edorr, Rockitman...and other PWD(+)PWT users:

How do you compare the PWD/Bridge vs the PWD/PWT (on all files - 44/16; 88/24; 96/24; 176/24; 192/24...)? Some users are reporting a difference in sound between the two setups, while others report very little (if any) difference. I am very interested in your opinions on this matter...

Thanks,

_Ben
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
From what I have read on the PS Audio forums on their website, those that have both seem to indicate the PWT may beat the bridge by a bit. The president of PS Audio disagree's however. The PWT with I2S hdmi connection to the PWD is a great combo....natural sounding and unfatiguing for longer listens..., imo
edorr OP
714 posts
 
I don't have the PWT but to me the PWT would have to beat the bridge by a dramatic margin to offset the loss of convenience of controlling the entire library from the iPhone. Throw in the additional cost of a PWT and for me it is a total non starter. Others may feel different of course.
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