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PS Audio PerfectWave DAC Upgrade

Paul McGowan has leaked some information about a major upgrade the perfectwave DAC that will be coming out within the next few weeks. Pricing as of yet unknown, but current units will be field (DIY) upgradable.

Apparently, major changes were made to the digital processing board, involving changes in the powersupplies, and replacement of CMOS switching for the gates and clocking with analog switches.

Second, new jitter reducing circuitry called NativeX was implemented.

There are more as of yet unannounced new features.

Apparently, SQ on all inputs will benefit, including the bridge. Exciting stuff.
edorr
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
beware what you want, for you may get it.

i have the pwd, and called the company about the upgrade. from what i understand, the upgrade will give you more resolution and greater separation.

this approach seems to be their gestalt for designing most of their products. i have owned many ps audio gear and ever since they introduced their first digital cable , lab cord and other power cords, their subsequent products, have become more resolving and less warm.

i would want to hear the new version before i consider the upgrade, especially, since "cloud" computing is irrelevant to me.
thankful
225 posts
 
I'm currently just using the I2S through a HDMI. Will the upgrade enhance the PWD when played this way? I have heard $800 for early orders. I wished it was much less, however, if it really enhances the music I can go for it.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,638 posts
 
Yes the upgrade is supposed to improve sound quality through all inputs. I haven't heard it so I can't promise that it will though.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
The analog switching improves all inputs "by desing".

It appears the NativeX dejittering circuit improves SQ on all inputs (including I2S) as well, which comes as a surprise to the engineers and Paul, I presume because there was not supposed to be any jitter left (at least not at audible levels) on these inputs.
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
MrTennis does have a good point. That is plunking down money before we've heard the new product. I'd hate to lose any of the fine qualities the PWD has. It sounds so musical the way it is. So if I preorder and install, I hope to have a friend over with another PWD so we can compare the two. If the new version does not sound as good, back to PS Audio it goes.

Edorr, where and when have you heard the digital lens ii is being abandoned? That would be a shame. I have not seen this posted on the website. I've been waiting for it for a while. I'm sure they would sell quite a few.
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