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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
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. 
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