Perpetual Tech Dac vs DCS or Wadia Dacs

In a direct comparison (at the same dealer, with the same associated equipment, etc.) a Wadia 860x compared favorably, in some cases exceeding, a DCS Delius+Purcell.

Wadia 860x is less expensive, especially when you consider that you only have to buy 1, not 2, expensive power cords, and 1 less interconnect.

Dan, from above, ad a different opinion, which I understand, but I'm curious if the associated gear in his test was the same (speakers, cables, etc.)?

I echo his advice, both DCS and Wadia make fabulous products, they just go at it a different way. One box player, gof or the Wadia 861 and don't look back. Two piece rig, then test the DCS stuff vs to 270+27ix.

Just my two cents...

Tom

A few people make the mistake of placing their little PT boxes on top of one of their components. If there is enough EMF emanating from the component, the sound quality from the PT units can be severely degraded, particularly the P-3A. The solution is very simple, merely move it away from the offending component. I myself thought I made a mistake buying the P-3A until I moved it from the top of my preamp. Music dynamics were severely constricted until I made the move.

I have to disagree with the "overhyped" sentiment, especially without knowing how well the reviewer paid attention to EMF effects. (Yes it's hyped like any other high-end piece, but I think it's no more overhyped than any other.) I'm even more skeptical when the reviewer fails to elaborate on what made the P-3A inferior.

Listen to the P-3A yourself (with my EMF caveat) and make your own decision. PT has enough confidence to offer a 30 day return policy.

Hi Tom,

Yes you are of course you are correct and I apologize if I came off anti-Wadia. I don't remember the exact configuration when I listened to the Wadia gear. But the dCS was in a rig with almost the same equipment I was "planning" to have at home. I am guilty of not doing a home audition as I was making radical changes to my system and was looking for a piece that would serve as the heart of the system. Given that requirement the dCS gear left a more "favorable" impression on me in sound and function. Again it had more of what I considered important.

Both companies make really great stuff and you really can’t go wrong with either one.

Cheers,
Dan

I've had them all. 861X, Perp Tech. and DCS. My guess is that the assoc. gear is the issue here. In my opinion, the dcs gear is in a class by itself along with the Wadia separates. The up-sampler is the ticket(P1-A) for the Perp Tech. My vote would be for a Perp Tech. P-1-A with a better dac capable of 24-96. Actually, a Camelot Uther MarkII with 24-192 upsampling built in and a 4 volt output with volume control (Skip the pre-amp) is the low cost ticket. Much better power supplies. I've seen them used for 2500.00. Good luck

This seemed like a good spot to ask this question. Is Arcam successful in adopting some of the dcs magic by using their ring dac technology in their new 23 cd player?