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Perfectwave Dac - computer audio options

Hi,

I have my Perfectwave Dac and also a Sqeezebox Touch. I have Flac files on my PC.

Where to go from here:

1. Buy a 2010 Mac Mini as a server and run USB to the PW Dac?
2. Buy a 2010 Mac Mini as a server and run a M2Tech USB to coax cable to my PW Dac?
3. Use my Touch coax into my PW Dac as I am now doing.
4. Put my money into the new Bridge from PS Audio and stream files from my PC.
5. Put my money into the new Bridge from PS Audio and stream files from new 2010 Mac Mini? (most expensive option)

Needless to say, this gets a bit confusing on where to go from here for the best performance.

If I purchased a new Mac Min, I would probably by Pure Music to run on it too, based on what I have read.

The upcoming Bridge is priced about equal to a new Mac Mini. I like Rhapsody and Pandora in addition to my music files.

Any experiences or help?

Thanks!
mr_bill
edorr
714 posts
 
Someone on ComputerAudiophile.com commented The new HiFace EVO USB to AEU sounds nearly as good as the PWT. I personally will be receiving my bridge from the first production badge within the next few days and hope this is is good as it gets. Little concerned about the iPhone app and stability usability issues streaming from a NAS though. Will know more next week.
sangykim's avatar
sangykim
1 posts
 
Just installed the bridge on my PWD. (my system is PWD -> Krell 400XI -> MIT cables -> B&W 803S)

I can't seem to tell a HUGE difference in sound quality playing FLAC files between the Bridge from my NAS OR Toslink from my MacMini (using Songbird to play). Maybe there is a slight difference but a $700 difference? Hmmm...not sure. But to be fair, I only spend less than 48 hours w/ the Bridge. I'll need to continue my listening.

Net net so far:

- Bridge: nice and very convenient w/ NAS especially with ipod,pad or upcoming Tag-N-Play server.
- For $700, you can buy a used MacMini + used iPad/pod to accomplish pretty much the same output....slightly more cluttered but not a HUGE degradation in sound output.

My 2 cents.
edorr
714 posts
 
Sangykim - This comes as a surprise. My brdige sounds close to my Marantz ud9004 (with AC-12 powercable, and silent running audio platform), which is less of a surprise. However, the bridge should trounce toslink straight from a computer.

To me the bridge certainly sounds much better than playing directly from the PC using the Transit USB to Toslink converter into the PWD, which is comparable to your MacMini setup.
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