PWT & PWD Review

[JSCC]

HiFi News August issue had a review of the PWT & PWD combo - amply titled "CD & Hi-Res Music Unite - Is this the future of stereo?".

This is HiFi News Verdict, and I quote:

"PS Audio has stuck its neck out a long way to produce this novel crossover product, combining state-of-the-art CD replay, playback of hi-res files off DVD and the streaming of audio from network hard disk storage.

Although still a work in progress, the PerfectWave transport and DAC together represent a bold and largely successful attempt to build a bridge between the old and new audio paradigms.

With all my favoured options enabled - I2S interface, Native mode, filters 1 or 2 - the PerfectWave combination proved to be one of the finest CD players I have ever heard. Effortlessly detailed and yet never cold or clinical, it spits in the face of those who say that CD is inherently unmusical."

Wow! This makes me the more anxious to get my hands on this combo .... !

[Masterlu]

Good review, thanks Jerry!

[Still-One]

When I read the review I decided to wait until they work out some of the kinks before I would add this to my system. As noted the display is too small to see from a normal seating position and their is no means to send that output to a video display ( like the Mac Servers do) and the lack of enough S/PDIF inputs for additional digital inputs.

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by Stillone

When I read the review I decided to wait until they work out some of the kinks before I would add this to my system. As noted the display is too small to see from a normal seating position and their is no means to send that output to a video display ( like the Mac Servers do) and the lack of enough S/PDIF inputs for additional digital inputs.

Hi Jim,

I am glad you took note of this latest CD playback development. Judging from things that are happening, this is probably the way future hi-Res music would be driving towards.

I am hoping by the time the combo are ready for shipment to me (in a couple of weeks time), the units would have most bugs and latest playback software rid off/installed. Of course, DVD-A and SACD playback (without the CD-ROM being changed - but just a firmware upgrade would be a dream). I do know for sure, PS Audio had worked this latest combo in collaboration (if not along the same lines) with Meridian Audio. This was further confirmed in the same August HiFi News reports.

As for inputs, I think they are sufficient for me:

1. The first I2S would be for the PWT to the PWD.

2. The second I2S would be for the Apple TV (which would play the iTunes files - some 300gb/760 CDs (in lossless format) plus video's I ripped into iTunes (Apple TV format but at 4000 resolution). So far, I have done 30 DVD's and think I would have some 500 more to go. Where I can do 4 in a day, it would take me more than a year to rip everything. BUT I will be patient as I will rip first those I want to sell off to make space for the Bluray DVDs that are in-coming.

3. The XLR (AES/EBU) would be for a digital tuner, more likely the Accuphase T1000 tuner as the MR88 had yet to be ready for Singapore market.

4. One of the 2 S/PDIF would be for the MVP871 (or the coming MVP881).

5. The Toslink would be for the Samsung Bluray BDP4600 which I am having now.

I can be patient as my SACD collection is like around 70 pieces while DVD-A is only a paltry 6. So, when PS Audio is ready to have these software, then I will play these discs. Understand the Hybrid SACD output can still be decoded by the PWD, so there would be some out of the 70 pieces I can still enjoy, though not to the fullest potential.

I am very excited about this and am looking forward to taking these into my new setup. For now, the amps I have in mind are the new Class D from Jeff Rowland cause I do know he had the same Acapella High Violons in his testing rooms when doing the M501's.

Power cables will all be PS Audio AC12 while Cardas Clear XLR will connect the DA to the Power Amps. Speaker cables will be Cardas Clear Beyond, a limited production pair. All digital connections will use Wireworld's Silver Starlight 5 HDMI's (for the 2 I2S inputs) while the XLR, S/PDIF will be Platinum Starlight and optical being the Supernova 5+. Trading/selling off the expensive Argento Audio Serenity Reference to fund these new cables.

I am moving away from McIntosh as the main system but will still keep a smaller setup. The MVP871, MCD500 & the MA6600+TM2 (later when TM3 available will be swapped) will either be in the study or bedroom. Speakers had yet to be finalized but would be either PMC EB1i's, Harbeth Monitor 40.1 or even the Sophia 2, all in the same price region. Am not rushing to this as yet cause I dont want to have a lot to move when time comes. Vintage gone to a new home in 2 weeks time!

So, when you next visit Singapore, hopefully, my new home and these systems will be in place for your audition. And of course, tea/coffee at our favorite "hunting" place, basement at the Adelphi or The Coffee Connoisseur at the Funan!

Cheers!

[Still-One]

Jerry

Sounds like you have a plan. I am still not sold on the PS Audio Units, but I have only heard them once a RMAF and I think they have made many changes since then.

If you are thinking about a class D amp the best one out there that can compete with just about anything is the Spectron Musician III SE monos. They will drive anything. here is a link to check out.
The Musician III Mk2

Jim

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by Stillone

Jerry

Sounds like you have a plan. I am still not sold on the PS Audio Units, but I have only heard them once a RMAF and I think they have made many changes since then.

If you are thinking about a class D amp the best one out there that can compete with just about anything is the Spectron Musician III SE monos. They will drive anything. here is a link to check out.
The Musician III Mk2

Jim

Hi Jim,

I had a good read up about these Spectron- The Musician III SE MK2. Although very impressive, I must say I will give this a pass as there is NO direct dealer in Singapore and dealing with Indonesia sellers would be like - best to give it a pass.

The Jeff Rowlands M501 seem a better alternative as they are way cheaper and seriously, the casing alone seem a better build. Though they may not be the last word in Class D amps, at this point, they are suffice to my needs.

I will give share my impression when the final system is set up and going. Lets say giving them a full 2 weeks of playback and run in would it be fair to guage the entire system performance. Meanwhile, the wait is certainly stressing.

Cheers!