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I found Jim Austin's review of the PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC in the May issue of Stereophile very interesting.First, to the best of my knowledge it is the first published review where the author used Tidal as a source.
Secondly, in a direct comparison to the DirecStream DAC, about 5x more expensive, he says the DS was better ultimately, but the difference was smaller than he anticipated.
I have not heard either of the above, but I did hear the NuWave DAC prior to the DSD update. Not my cup of tea. To my ears, thin sounding and lit up, but of course that is a matter of taste and system synergy.
Edits: 05/21/16Follow Ups:
I did hear the NuWave DAC prior to the DSD update. Not my cup of tea. To my ears, thin sounding and lit up,...
The NuWave DSD DAC is more than just a "DSD update". It is an entirely new DAC. Just like the Ayre QB-9 DSD is a new DAC vs the prior model QB-9. Hearing the older PS Audio DAC and saying it wan't your cup of tea is fine but it has little relevance to the current model NuWave DSD DAC, IMHO. Apples and Oranges.
I owned the prior model NuWave DAC before buying the current NuWave DSD DAC.
I've had the modestly priced NuWave DSD DAC side-by-side with the Ayre QB-9 DSD and it compared very favorably. I think you own the Ayre QB-9 DSD as well.
In many cases I actually prefer the PS Audio NuWave DSD over the Ayre QB-9 DSD. The NuWave DSD is not at all "lit up" or "thin" and actually more full-bodied, robust, and dynamic sounding compared to the Ayre. To my ears, the Ayre is slightly smoother but more "polite" sounding. Of course YMMV, system synergy and all.
PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC & Ayre QB-9 DSD in my system
another computer on top of DAC architecture. This compromises/modifies the SQ of one dac.
I told Lucy to get that DAC off the Server! She ignored me.
hear the difference?
Could be due to the Tranquility Base :)
When one makes a statment comparing two products, one with a computer on top and one without, good practice needs to be observed.
There is also the issue of a waight on top of one item.
"There is also the issue of a waight on top of one item."
Yes, especially in this case as where the Mac Mini is stressing the daylights out of that clear plastic stand. ;-)
Speaking of stressed, I would be FAR more concerned about the Blue Tooth mouse and keyboard.
I have to agree with you fmak, but the computer sits on a plastic stand.
Edits: 05/22/16
which loads the base on which the dac stands. OK, I used the wrong description.
Good point Fred.
also microphonics
Some have zero understanding when it comes to equipment location, isolation, vibration, damping etc. Things are placed so they look nice, nothing more. There is no regard or interest in sonics.
OMG Fred!
For using ignorance to cover credibility, post a picture with no substance.
"....post a picture with no substance."
Your comments on microphonics and equipment waight prove your inability to comprehend priorities and the core message that I posted.
The inherent sonic character of the DAC remains the same whether it is placed under the computer which is supported above it, or hung in midair with rubber bands. And I have no idea what concerns you might have with regard to the waight of the computer. It weighs a whopping 2.5 Lbs.
As for microphonics, we're not talking vacuum tubes or turntables but based on your spelling of "waight* i wouldn't expect you to understand.
*waight - Obsolete spelling of weight [quotations ▽]. 1882-1889, Various, Old English Plays
Edits: 05/23/16
from most of your posts you have little idea of how to set up high quality audio.
Buying and selling appear to be your main occupation. Picture taking another.
A Systems Architect who has little concept of how to set systems up?
from most of your posts you have little idea of anything technical
random hacking of eBay junk appears to be your main occupation. Pretending to be an expert another
a USB cable butcher who has little knowledge of electronics and computers
you do invent tales that are either untrue or intentionally to discredit.
.
Ah, reviewing the new Playback Designs Merlot series?
Yes Isaak,
Pictured is the Merlot DAC and Syrah Server.
Excellent! Andreas Koch is a brilliant guy
Is this the first time you have used a purpose built audiophile server?
I believe your normal source is an tweaked Asus laptop?
No, I have reviewed and listened to several others.
Which ones Steve?
BTW, how does the PBD server connect to the DAC, via USB?
Totaldac server, Auralic Aires, and Bryston BDP-1 and 2.
The Merlot is connected to the Syrah server with a short USB cable.
Curious as to your take on the Bryston. Don't remember a formal review from you, but form Michael Lavorgna.Will you try the Intona, REGEN, and iUSB 3.0 between the PBD components? Did they supply the USB cable? Are they believers in the digital cable length nonsense? You can tell I am not. And neither is Wireworld. (Great USB cables)
Edits: 05/22/16
The Auralic and Bryston were friends' units that they brought over for a listen. I got to hear them on my system, but I didn't do an extensive evaluation. Look to Michael for a more thorough review.I also have the Oppo board to evaluate from Playback Designs as well.
For your other questions, you'll have to send those to Lucy.
Edits: 05/22/16
What is her email? :)
Yeah, it makes any DAC sound more full-bodied and robust. You should try it sometime, but without your butchered USB cable if you want the full benefit.
Re-reading the review Austin did quote PM in that the Nu-Wave DSD has some trickle down tech the DirectStream. So yes, not just the addition of DSD as you note. But also noted is that they are totally different animals.
I own the QB-9 DSD as well too. I use it mainly for DSD and it is really top notch.
Austin also noted that John Atkinson bought the DirectStream...something interesting to note
If I had extra cash I'd consider the DirectStream too, or possibly their new DirectStream Jr.
I would persontally never consider a DAC that locks me into DSD upsampling.
But if I did (and I don't own a DSD DAC at the moment) I'd rather do it in hardware, as PS Audio does, than in software.
Having heard the Direct Stream DAC a couple times and onece side by side with my Multi-Bit DAC streaming Redbook and Hi-Rez PCM.
I don't necessarily hear a problem in what PS Audio is doing, albeit my DAC costs about a third the list price of the Direct Stream so it certainly should sound better.
It will be interesting to see how long PS Audio continues to distribute software upgrades and if they can continue, as some say they have, improving the performance of that DAC.
I make those decisions based on how the DAC sounds. I really don't care if they use DSD upsampling or a hamster treadmill inside. ;-)
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