Just got the PS Audio Perfectwav DAC -- Amazing


For the last year my system has consisted of the Slim Devices Transporter (Transport + DAC) -> Bel Canto Ref1000 -> Anthony Gallo Ref 3.1

I listen to all my music digitally (lossless/flac). I was very happy with my original system but when the Perfectwave DAC came out I was intrigued. For quite a while I debated between the PW and keeping the transporter or modding it via Modwright.

I ended up getting the PW and though I can't compare it to a modded transporter, it blows the stock transporter out of the water. I should note that since the network bridge isnt out for the PW, I am currently streaming music via the transporter -> coaxial out (spdif) -> PW.

I have only listened for ~5 hours so far, but things I have noticed right away is much cleaner/tighter bass. The low end is so much more accurate than it was before. When comparing, the transporter sounded very muddy (even though at the time I though it was quite good). The mids and highs are tighter as well. The separation has improved quite a bit as well. I have immediately noticed that the loudness of different instruments is wider spread than listening to the same songs on the transporter.

Hope this helps! If anyone has any questions about the PW or the transporter I will try my best to answer them.
danyal711
Interesting comments. I didn't know a preamp makes a difference in terms of 3D sound. I may have to demo one to see how it changes my system.

I think I am most interested in how the PW compares to the Modwright transporter though.
Great comparison, PWD vs Modwright Transporter lets hear some thoughts and feedback on the two items.
When comparing source direct to power amp vs source to preamp, the impedance of the poweramp is a major consideration.

Some power amps are just easier to drive then the others.
Count me among those who really like this unit, but find it sounds better with my preamp (and, I've been looking for a different preamp, so I'm not enamored with my current one).

The output impedence of the PWD is 300ohms, and the input of my Ayre V5xe is 200ohms.

My preamp is the Ayre K3
"...the input of my Ayre V5xe is 200ohms"

Hello Ricky. If V5xe is power amp then its typo error, its too low even for solid state amp

Regards
Rafael