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How does the PS Audio Perfectwave Transport Stack up against the Esoteric P-03?

I am using a PS Audio PWT with my Aesthetix Pandora Signature DAC with great results. Can an Esoteric P-03 or other raise the performance level significantly? I have over 2,000 cd's and will always play them conventionally
in my main system. Put the disc in the transport and hit play...If not the Esoteric, what transport can take it to a new level?

Thanks for looking!

billandsol
11 responses Add your response
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hi,
I have owned the PWT for years and have enjoyed it immensely paired with my Yamamoto YDA DAC. There is much praise of the Jay Audio CDT2 transport from happy  owners and reviewers.   I suspect that it’s as good as advertised and worth looking into. The 6 Moons review was quite a rave. i as do you really enjoy spinning Redbook CD through good digital components. 
Charles
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
3,516 posts
 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/if-you-still-spin-cd-s-their-is-a-reference-level-transport-f...
jab's avatar
jab
450 posts
 

I have never owned either, but listening in the PS Audio room at Axpona, I have to say their sound was smooth, very good. Then moving down the hallway to the Esoteric room was totally different, LIVE, the sound was closer to a concert. Which do you prefer, to sit up in your chair or to relax. Your choice, although an in between would be a Sim Audio transport.

All three are very good, just which presentation do you prefer.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hi Jab,
Regarding your comment I would say that you were listening to entire systems/rooms with numerous and different components. This wasn’t an isolated direct comparison between two CD transports . For example these systems probably had different speakers and likely dissimilar cable looms. These are just 2 significant variables amongst others.

I’ve heard the PWT with the Yamamoto, Metrum Octave, Vega Auralic, Aesthestix, Bricasti SE and Holo Springs DACs. In each case one easily can distinguish their individual sonic characters.
Charles
instlouis's avatar
instlouis
47 posts
 
OP -

It took me years to find a transport that could replace my Audio Research CDT-1 .  I had upgraded my DAC to a Bel Canto 2.5 and it opened up my ears, but something was missing.  Call it a leap of faith, but I bought my PS PWT and never looked back. I eventually sold off the Bel Canto DAC and got the PS DSD ( w/bridge ) so I could take advantage of of I2S connection and improvement in detail, soundstage,  foot tapping & emotion ( mine ) was astounding. 
Like you, I have upwards of 2000 CD's and re-listening to my personal reference CD's and many others makes me want to suggest you keep your PWT and contemplate mating it to a PS DSD.  I know you might find it hard to let loose of your,  Aesthetix Pandora SIgnature , but PS will send you their DSD for a 30 day listen and if you find you want to keep it , they'll give you a fair trade in for your DAC. 

In any event, happy hunting and listening and letting me share my opinion. 

SHAD 
billandsol OP
30 posts
 

Thanks for the responses! I am thinking that I can get better dynamics and slam with a more substantially built unit like an esoteric but there will be no chance to do an A/B without a purchase. The PS is very satisfying and always delivers the goods but I feel like I can get more "drive" and dynamic range....Which Simaudio transport were you referring to JAB?

aolmrd1241
759 posts
 
PS Audio’s DMP is a way better sounding transport than the PWT. In tandem with the DS it is a combo that is hard to beat for the money...On the PS forums there are people using this combo on many six figure systems and they rave about the quality of sound produced. 
jab's avatar
jab
450 posts
 

Well Charles, Yes the rooms had their house sound, since the manufacture set up the room. The PS Audio room had all PS Audio products, transport, dac, pre & amp, power conditioner, I assume all PS Audio cables, speakers ? I don’t remember. The Esoteric room had all Esoteric products. How a product interacts with a system is a variable that can only be answered by a home audition. But the question asked by the OP was the differences in two transports sound, which I tried to answer. You, just tried to one up with a list of products and your preference, with no help to the original posters question, other than be like me. 

OP, Sim Audio only has one transport listed on their site.

Just a side note, I do not own any of these products, just what I have listened to.


charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hello Jab,
My only point is you heard a multitude of components comprising a system. Under these circumstances it is not possible to isolate the contributions of an individual component (in this case the transport). How could this reliably be done?

No intention (or desire) to "one up" anyone. I listed the various DACs I heard just to illustrate that each had its own sound signature paired with the PWT. For an accurate comparison you’d need a direct A/B in the same system with the transports as the only variables. No intention for the  OP to be like me(he already has the PWT). I enthusiastically suggested the Jay Audio CD2 transport (which I don’t own).
Charles

markwatkiss
476 posts
 
Charles it's unfortunate you were the target of such a petty comment.Over the years I have appreciated your input and commentary on audio components.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Mark,
Thank you for your kind comments. Occasionally one encounters a snarky attitude.  Fortunately most forum posters on this site are polite and just want to exchange knowledge and experiences with others. I believe that the overall decorum on Audiogon amongst members is good. 
Charles 
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