 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
98.165.101.148
In Reply to: RE: Good question posted by AbeCollins on December 02, 2016 at 18:45:21
Back in June last year, I asked you about the W4S DAC-2 and Ayre QB-9 DSD and you mentioned the Ayre is in another league, presumably that was before you got hold of the NuWave DSD. Now you think the NuWave DSD is the best sounding ?
My DAC is a W4S DAC-1 (with cap upgrade, so it should be the same sounding as DAC-2 up to 24/96). Recently I have ripped my small SACD collections into DSD files, in order to play them through my DAC-1 I have to convert the DSF files into 24/96 PCM files (a lossy process). I wonder whether there would be much gain by upgrading to a DSD capable DAC like the NuWave DSD (also for playing 16/44.1 and 24/96 files), and am now hesitating if I should spend the money after reading your post.
Would appreciate your advice. Thanks.
Follow Ups:
welcome to the world of "flavour du jour". May I suggest buying last year's flavour used at 50% discount?
The W4S DAC2 was not a bad DAC compared to the Ayre QB-9 DSD or PS Audio NuWave DSD. These are all excellent DACs of slightly different flavors.
I found the the DAC2 to be a little darker sounding and maybe not quite as detailed and agile as the Ayre. I'm not sure how to explain it but the Ayre sounded quicker with better attack. The Ayre was smoother yet sounded more extended up in the treble and revealed more. That being said, I would think the DAC2 might do better in a brighter sounding system. So the Ayre was in fact better to my ears in my setup.
When I got the PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC I felt that it was just as good as the more expensive Ayre at 1/3 the price but I actually prefer it over the Ayre, slightly. The NuWave DSD DAC has a little fuller sound with more weight in the lower notes yet retains the smoothness and detail of the Ayre.
The NuWave DSD DAC as with many recent DACs will handle DSD playback over DoP. I can't tell you if that will sound any better than your DSF files converted to 24/96 PCM but I suspect it will.
If it were my DAC1 I would not continue to upgrade it. This DAC uses an older USB input, is limited to 24/96, and if I recall correctly it required proprietary drivers even on Mac. No amount of upgrading will get it to higher PCM resolutions or DSD.
The NuWave DSD is $1299 MSRP and it looks like PS Audio direct sales will give you about $390 in trade for your current DAC making the final price $909. I've seen DAC1's going for about $450 - $500 used. A dealer might give you a better trade if you're thinking replacing your DAC1.
Abe,
Was there a difference in sound quality between the NuWave and NuWave DSD on PCM files?
Thanks.
Andy
Sorry for the late reply here but I think we may have discussed this via private email.
The NuWave and NuWave DSD are both excellent but I did hear some improvements in the NuWave DSD even on PCM files. Enough of an improvement that when I received the PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC I no longer felt the need to keep my Ayre QB-9 DSD. I slightly preferred the NuWave DSD. Selling the Ayre put some cash back in my pockets. ;-)
nt
Post a Followup:
| FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
