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PS Audio PerfectWave DAC vs Bel Canto DAC3

I am about to revamp/upgrade my entire system and I am looking for opinions regarding a DAC/pre-amp. I currently listen mostly to iTunes (apple lossless) into a Cambridge Audio DACMagic and CA 640Av2 integrated, but I would like to substantially upgrade and move to a DAC/pre-amp combo with a power amp. The top two contenders are the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC and the Bel Canto DAC3, both of which offer laptop/iTunes connectivity with usb inputs as well as volume/input control to function as a pre-amp. I have auditioned the PS audio but not yet the Bel Canto. What should I know (other than the Bel Canto DAC3.5 about to be released and the use of the Bel Canto USB link for USB to SPDIF conversion)? I am currently using Totem Rainmaker speakers but would upgrade those as well.
rogercmd
vladimir
346 posts
 
There is a new competitor for top of the USB DAC heap I would like to listen to, the Ayre QB-9.
levy03
442 posts
 
i just upgraded from a krell s-300i intigrated to a levinson 432. am currently using my pwd as a pre-amp/volume control (also have the pwt). have a pass aleph p pre-amp waiting to be connected to compare the 2 set-ups....with vs without a pre.

so far i can tell you this much.....the pwd sounds amazing running straight to the ml 432. i can't imagine how it could get any better then this but i'm still planning on connecting the aleph p in a few days just to make sure.

i'll try to chime in with my thoughts after the camparo is completed. my gut tells me the aleph p will be up for sale in the near future =).

the pwt/pwd is an incredible combo. i highly recommend it. at this point in time, i can't say the pwd or pwt are great individually. until the bridge comes out....using them with other gear just didn't sound as good to me. i'm almost 100% sure this was due to the high grade I2S cable/connection i'm using between the pwt/pwd. comparing this connection with the other currently available connection options....it wasn't even close imho. using the I2S connection really makes this pair shine. the bridge might/could change all this though. we'll see.

good luck.
Lev
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
Levy3,
You are so right about the PWT/PWD. This combo is the best digital I've heard. I sold my Levinson 30.6/31.5 because of it. Sounds like your system is really progressing!
levy03
442 posts
 
thanks Sgr. i've been working hard at getting my system right and it's starting to pay off. i agree with you 100% regarding the pwt/pwd duo. far and away the best digi sound i've ever heard too. they sound good individually, but when paired and connected via a good I2S line...they're outstanding imho.

cheers
Lev
jdoris
972 posts
 
Hi Sgr. On the thread linked below, it seemed like you were favoring the Levinson gear over the PW. Did your judgment change over time? Why?

Best,

John

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1245900512&openusid&Sgr&4&5&st50
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