PS Audio PerfectWave DAC Upgrade

Mrtennis, my experience is that the upgrade's effect on sound quality depends critically on which version of the firmware you install after the upgrade. The SD cards that are shipping with the Mk2 board contain firmware version 2.1.0. The sound with this firmware is very extended at both frequency extremes but perhaps a bit too hot in the treble and a bit too clinical...great for a laid back system, but not so great in more highly resolving systems.

The sound quality of the Mk2 digital board is significantly different if you instead install the earlier version of the firmward, version 2.0.2. This is available on the PS Audio website in the "support" section. You just copy these files onto the SD card, replacing the files that are pre-loaded onto the SD card. This can all be done with a $5 SD card reader from Best Buy, Staples, or Radio Shack.

With the 2.0.2 firmware, my guess is that you would really like the Mk 2 upgrade. The main difference I noticed was substantially improved bass, but a mid-range and treble that is still warm and very musical. In other words, real improvement over the Mk1 DAC that doesn't veer towards overly clinical, fatiguing, or bright in any real sense.

Wit both firmware versions, the soundstage of the DAC widens pretty significantly, which is another very noticeable area of improvement. That said, the soundstage of the Perfect Wave DAC is still not all that wide.

I know there has been some debate on the PS Audio forum, with numerous upgraders complaining that they are not happy with the latest firmware version, 2.1.0. In response, PS Audio has allowed owners to download the earlier 2.0.2 version of the DAC firmware to see whether they prefer the earlier version. My impression from the PS Audio forums is that Paul McGowan prefers the latest version 2.1.0, but has kept version 2.0.2 available. Moreover, they are supposedly developing a new version that they hope will be btter than other firmware version.

Anyone have this experience with the Mk. II upgrade?:

I am getting "skips" or brief interruptions in the music, when running a MAC book via USB into the DAC (it really does "sound like vinyl"!). Happens with two different USB cables, but not with a CDP running in via coax. The problem did not happen with the Mk I board, and happens in different places on alternate playings of the same track, so I'm disinclined to blame the MAC or software. Power is dedicated circuit, running through BPT conditioner.

Have been in contact with PSA, but no resolution yet. Thoughts?

Thx,

John

hi mcondon:

i appreciate the distinction between the two versions of the mark 2 upgrade.

the question is will i prefer the 2.02 upgrade to not upgrading at all ??

i know that question cannot be answered definitively, but i notice significant changes accruing from varying digital cable.

the cost of the upgrade may be better allocated to another area in the stereo system.

MrTennis:

Based on what I have read of your posts/threads, I truly believe that you would be thrilled with the improvement the MKII upgrade provides compared to the MKI version. Bass control may indeed be improved - as suggested by Mcondon, but what I notice most is the increased sense of air and the openness of the overall sound stage (a better definition of the combined total - i.e.: a more spacious, more involving overall presentation offering better tonal balance and timbre).

The MKII is clearly better than the MKI, but it is not a night and day difference for most people. Since you can discern clear differences between digital cables, the MKII upgrade will be a very noticeable improvement for you. It's smoother if anything. Definitely not more clinical.

Mrtennis, for some the funds of the upgrade may be better applied towards a state of the art tennis racket. For the rest of us the upgrade is a no brainier. We are enjoying our upgrade every day, some of the best bang for the buck ever in high end audio. Cheers!