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PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC...

nooshinjohnnooshinjohn Posts: 18,193
in Going Digital
Just picked it up today and will integrate it into my rig sometime tomorrow. This will be replacing all three of my disc sources as I will be going to a server based setup for my digital music. Anyone have experience with this DAC?
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, TriangleArt Reference SE with PS Audio NuWave Phono converter, Walker Precision Motor Drive, ClearAudio Stradivari v2 cartridge and Origin Conquerer Mk3c tonearm, Polk Audio "Signature" Reference Series 1.2TL with complete mods, Pass Labs X1 two channel preamplifier Signed by Poppa himself, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII, Krell Evolution 525a CD Player, Pioneer Elite SC-65, Oppo UDP-205 Blu-ray , Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk audio AB700/800 "in-wall" surrounds

Comments

  • LegenderLegender Posts: 471
    I've got one. Pretty happy with it. Don't have it hooked to a server. I pump digital ALAC files out of my iphone into it. I believe consolidation is a good thing and this DAC should work fine for that. I like the separate remote and can use as a preamp if needed.
    Music: Oppo103 - Parasound JC2 - Parasound A21- SDA 3.1
    Theater: Denon 3808 - B&K 7500/Emotiva XPA-3- RTi12, CSi5, RTiA7x4, PSW505
    Sleeping: Marantz 70005 - Harman Kardon 2400 - SDA 2
    2 Channel: Cary 306 SACD - Canary Audio 906 - Pass Labs x250 - PS Audio Perfectwave DAC, Polk LSiM705, SVS SB13 Ultra
    Office: Dell Optiplex, Emotiva XDA-2, Adcom 5500, LSiM 703
    Spares: Yamaha CA-810; LSi 15; Kenwood Basic M2a, Yamaha M60/M80, Polk Monitor 7, SVS SB13 Ultra
  • Moose68BashMoose68Bash Posts: 3,541
    I have one of each of the PS Audio PerfectWave DACS -- MK I, MK II, DirectStream.

    I use a PS Audio Bridge I in each of these -- two are on my LAN, which includes a Synology NAS that I use for most of my listening.

    The PS Audio Bridge I has a problem with gaps in playback, which are annoying, but not totally "disqualifying."

    Because of the above problem, I intend to upgrade to the Bridge II, and if you plan to use a bridge, I advise you to use the Bridge II.

    As far as the SQ of the MK II DAC is concerned, I think it is excellent. It was a very pronounced improvement over my Cambridge Audio Azur 840C, which had very good SQ.

    One feature I value in my PerfectWave DACs is the variety of inputs. I use them all -- USB from my laptop, coax from my iPod docks, Toslink from my TV, I2S from my PerfectWave Transport, Ethernet from my LAN/NAS.

    Happy listening! :)
    Family Room, PS Audio PW Transport, DirectStream DAC; AQ Sky XLRs, Perreaux SM6 MKII Pre; AQ Sky XLRs, Perreaux Prisma 750 Amps or CAT 600.2 Dualmono Amp, Morrow SP7 Speaker Cables, SDA SRS 1.2tls (RD0198s, Dreadnought, Black Hole 5, Acousta-Stuf, Dynamat Extreme, JBWeld. Vr3 Mods: "The Abbot" Monastery-Level Xovers, Custom Internal Wiring, Binding Post Plates, & SDA ICs).

    Exercise Room, Wadia 171 iPod Dock, PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC, AQ Sky XLRs, Perreaux SM6 Preamp, AQ King Cobra RCAs, Perreaux PMF3150 Amp, Dreadnought, Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables, SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers).

    Synology 713+ NAS on Gigabit LAN serving PW MkII DAC & DirectStream DAC.
  • nooshinjohnnooshinjohn Posts: 18,193
    Thanks for that Moose... just got it hooked up and running the audio out via USB on cheap USB cable to the balanced outs through the Pass X1. The sound quality is far better than any of the disc based playback devices I have now. As a result, they will all be going up for sale soon. The best part is that I can now enjoy my audio again while juggling the need to care for my son.

    My turntable will also be getting the boot in favor of a more modest unit, as I can't justify 20k in gear just sitting around and looking pretty.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, TriangleArt Reference SE with PS Audio NuWave Phono converter, Walker Precision Motor Drive, ClearAudio Stradivari v2 cartridge and Origin Conquerer Mk3c tonearm, Polk Audio "Signature" Reference Series 1.2TL with complete mods, Pass Labs X1 two channel preamplifier Signed by Poppa himself, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII, Krell Evolution 525a CD Player, Pioneer Elite SC-65, Oppo UDP-205 Blu-ray , Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk audio AB700/800 "in-wall" surrounds

  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 14,864
    Before you sell those, have you used them as transport only? To me, a CD transport + external DAC is still coming out slightly on top.
    audiothesis.com/

    Speakers: Harbeth: 30.2, SHL5+; Usher: Be-10, T-515; Rosso Fiorentino: Elba, Pienza, Certaldo, Fiesole, Volterra; Polk: T50, Signature S15, RTA 15tl, RTi12; Sonner Audio Allegro Unum, Legato Unum, Legato Semis, Legato Duo; Emerald Physics CS-2.8; Klipsch KLF-20
    Preamps: Shuguang S200MK, Dayens Ampino, Parasound P5
    Amps: Shuguang S845MK, Dayens Ampino Monoblocks, Parasound A23
    Integrateds: Triode Corporation TRV-88SER, MastersounD: BoX, Dueventi, Compact 845, Evolution 845; North Star Design Blue Diamond
    Sources: AURALiC Aries, Denon HEOS Link, North Star Design: Magnifico, Supremo, Incanto, Intenso, Venti
    Cabling: Wireworld
    TV: Sony XBR-75X940C
  • nooshinjohnnooshinjohn Posts: 18,193
    I will get the PS Audio transport as soon as I find one in silver.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, TriangleArt Reference SE with PS Audio NuWave Phono converter, Walker Precision Motor Drive, ClearAudio Stradivari v2 cartridge and Origin Conquerer Mk3c tonearm, Polk Audio "Signature" Reference Series 1.2TL with complete mods, Pass Labs X1 two channel preamplifier Signed by Poppa himself, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII, Krell Evolution 525a CD Player, Pioneer Elite SC-65, Oppo UDP-205 Blu-ray , Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk audio AB700/800 "in-wall" surrounds

  • EndersShadowEndersShadow Posts: 15,919
    DSkip wrote: »
    Before you sell those, have you used them as transport only? To me, a CD transport + external DAC is still coming out slightly on top.

    Maybe, but then factor in convenience of having all the music you own at your fingertips digitally....... = win
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • nooshinjohnnooshinjohn Posts: 18,193
    I also have the Oppo I can use for that porpose if needed
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, TriangleArt Reference SE with PS Audio NuWave Phono converter, Walker Precision Motor Drive, ClearAudio Stradivari v2 cartridge and Origin Conquerer Mk3c tonearm, Polk Audio "Signature" Reference Series 1.2TL with complete mods, Pass Labs X1 two channel preamplifier Signed by Poppa himself, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII, Krell Evolution 525a CD Player, Pioneer Elite SC-65, Oppo UDP-205 Blu-ray , Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk audio AB700/800 "in-wall" surrounds

  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,538
    edited October 2017
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    I will get the PS Audio transport as soon as I find one in silver.

    Check with the music room (TMR) on the Gon, that’s where I recently picked up mine in silver ... factory refurb PWT approx 1K, with warranty

    Also, about a year ago PS Audio had a fire sale on P10 AC regenerators ..I’m just wondering if something else is coming down the pike
    I know the P20 is coming out soon . . .
    With the DSD in full production, the PWD is out of date ... I predict another fire sale
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Definitive Technology BP-2
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 105
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • nooshinjohnnooshinjohn Posts: 18,193
    I found a black one. I guess I could always place it on the HT side of the stack
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, TriangleArt Reference SE with PS Audio NuWave Phono converter, Walker Precision Motor Drive, ClearAudio Stradivari v2 cartridge and Origin Conquerer Mk3c tonearm, Polk Audio "Signature" Reference Series 1.2TL with complete mods, Pass Labs X1 two channel preamplifier Signed by Poppa himself, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII, Krell Evolution 525a CD Player, Pioneer Elite SC-65, Oppo UDP-205 Blu-ray , Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk audio AB700/800 "in-wall" surrounds

  • nooshinjohnnooshinjohn Posts: 18,193
    edited October 2017
    One thing I have found is that this thing will take even poorly recorded material and strip away some of that compressed feeling and really open up the soundstage as well as the dynamic range. It has also worked well with the REL S5 sub. I still don't really hear it at all, but the lower end really has a nice floor to it, which brings better definition and clarity to the rest of the spectrum.

    Staging is so good that I have walked up to my center channel, thinking somehow it was on. Imaging is absolutely fantastic.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, TriangleArt Reference SE with PS Audio NuWave Phono converter, Walker Precision Motor Drive, ClearAudio Stradivari v2 cartridge and Origin Conquerer Mk3c tonearm, Polk Audio "Signature" Reference Series 1.2TL with complete mods, Pass Labs X1 two channel preamplifier Signed by Poppa himself, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII, Krell Evolution 525a CD Player, Pioneer Elite SC-65, Oppo UDP-205 Blu-ray , Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk audio AB700/800 "in-wall" surrounds

  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,538
    Moose68Bash wrote: »
    I have one of each of the PS Audio PerfectWave DACS -- MK I, MK II, DirectStream.

    Happy listening! :)

    Not to derail, but .... please comment on the PWD vs the DSD

    Does the DirectStream smoke the older versions? or just different? TY
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Definitive Technology BP-2
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 105
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • Moose68BashMoose68Bash Posts: 3,541
    GlennDog wrote: »
    Moose68Bash wrote: »
    I have one of each of the PS Audio PerfectWave DACS -- MK I, MK II, DirectStream.

    Happy listening! :)

    Not to derail, but .... please comment on the PWD vs the DSD

    Does the DirectStream smoke the older versions? or just different? TY

    I have each of the DACs in a totally different system in totally different environments, and I never did an A-to-B comparison of the DSD with either of the earlier versions.

    The upgradable firmware of the DSD is definitely and advantage. Over the versions that have already been released I have experienced significant improvements -- albeit that it is often difficult for me to distinguish "different" from "better" in an objective way.

    I do recall that when I installed the DSD, my wife and I both felt that the improvement was worth the investment, but I have to say that I am pleased with the performance of both the MK I and the MK II in my other systems.

    Sorry that I can't be more definitive, but it has been awhile since I replaced the MK II with the DSD in my main system. As I said above, about all I can remember is that my wife and agreed that it was a sound (pun intended) investment! :)
    Family Room, PS Audio PW Transport, DirectStream DAC; AQ Sky XLRs, Perreaux SM6 MKII Pre; AQ Sky XLRs, Perreaux Prisma 750 Amps or CAT 600.2 Dualmono Amp, Morrow SP7 Speaker Cables, SDA SRS 1.2tls (RD0198s, Dreadnought, Black Hole 5, Acousta-Stuf, Dynamat Extreme, JBWeld. Vr3 Mods: "The Abbot" Monastery-Level Xovers, Custom Internal Wiring, Binding Post Plates, & SDA ICs).

    Exercise Room, Wadia 171 iPod Dock, PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC, AQ Sky XLRs, Perreaux SM6 Preamp, AQ King Cobra RCAs, Perreaux PMF3150 Amp, Dreadnought, Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables, SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers).

    Synology 713+ NAS on Gigabit LAN serving PW MkII DAC & DirectStream DAC.
  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,538
    Thanks Moose!

    My PWT has made a great improvement in SQ (over my Oppo 105)
    Then I upgraded to a separate DAC, procured thru Skip.

    I started with the entry level North Star Intenso, that sounded great. Then upgraded to the Supremo . . . very very nice SQ. Full, robust, wide sound stage. Deep base, too.
    I've only used it w/ redbook CDs, so far.

    The Intenso never had a chance to break-in and the Supremo is breaking-in as I write this . . .
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Definitive Technology BP-2
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 105
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 10,811
    Ummm its Bass Glenn and not the green, white, stripped or brown kind unless it Reeally good Bass.... o:) o:)
  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,538
    220 ... 221... Whatever it takes… I hate auto correct
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Definitive Technology BP-2
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 105
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
  • nooshinjohnnooshinjohn Posts: 18,193
    Is the PST worth the price, assuming my disc days are behind me?
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, TriangleArt Reference SE with PS Audio NuWave Phono converter, Walker Precision Motor Drive, ClearAudio Stradivari v2 cartridge and Origin Conquerer Mk3c tonearm, Polk Audio "Signature" Reference Series 1.2TL with complete mods, Pass Labs X1 two channel preamplifier Signed by Poppa himself, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII, Krell Evolution 525a CD Player, Pioneer Elite SC-65, Oppo UDP-205 Blu-ray , Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk audio AB700/800 "in-wall" surrounds

  • GlennDogGlennDog Posts: 1,538
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Is the PST worth the price, assuming my disc days are behind me?

    Assuming PST equates to PS Audio Transport . . .
    Conventional acronym is PWT

    Believe you me… It does get confusing!

    All I can say is my PWT (PerfectWave Transport) experience is very limited but it was night and day difference over the Oppo,
    Long short, yes!
    I feel it was worth the 1K factory refurbished with one year warranty

    Disclaimer: I’ve done nothing with it except spin Redbooks and she still being run-in
    Power Rogue M180 monos & Adcom GFA 5802
    PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Rears Definitive Technology BP-2
    DAC North Star Design Supremo
    Source PSA PWT & Oppo 105
    Pre/Pro Integra DHC 40.1
    LCD Samsung LN46B750
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Pre Cary SLP-98 F1
    Center Salk HT2C
    Wires MIT S3.3
    PSA PC AC-12
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