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PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions

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Posted on November 20, 2012 at 14:04:12
AbeCollins
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The quick summary and a bunch of photos:

To my ears, the W4S DAC2 is ever so slightly warmer, a littler richer, and a bit darker sounding than the PS Audio NuWave DAC.

The NuWave DAC might be ever so slightly more resolving. It creates a nice 3 dimensional soundstage and it's a little more transparent sounding. The top end treble appears to have slightly better detail. I couldn't stop listening to this DAC. I had a 3 hour long listening session yesterday, stopped for dinner, then back at it for another 4 hours until bedtime.

Bass is tight and fast on both DACs. The W4S DAC2 bass is slightly more robust and 'roundish' but just barely. You might know what I mean by 'roundish' if you've ever compared a tight solid-state amp vs a good tube amp. The tube amp is still tight but the bass is often more pleasant, to my ears anyway.

I listened mostly to redbook CD rips and a few 24/96 tracks via USB and basic iTunes on the Mac. No PureMusic, no Audirvana, no Amarra, etc. Both DACs were fed native resolution files. The NuWave DAC was left in Native Mode for all tests.

Both are outstanding DACs. I wouldn't say that one is necessarily 'better' than the other.

As you can see from the photos below, there are some similarities in the construction and even the PCB component layout. The engineer at W4S used to do design work for PS Audio. I'm not sure if they still work with each other. You'll see what I mean when you examine the photos.

W4S uses through-hole assembly and soldering in manufacturing the DAC 2 which is much more labor intensive. The DAC2 also incorporates some 'premium' components but I can't say there's a huge sonic payoff.

The NuWave DAC uses mostly surface mount technology which makes for very efficient automated assembly and cost effective manufacturing. The NuWave casework is nice but appears to cost less than the W4S DAC2. If there's a savings to be passed along to the customer, it's all goodness to me.

I would go for the $1500 MSRP Wyred4Sound DAC2 if you need maximum versatility with inputs / outputs / front panel display / volume control / remote control / and even an HT bypass feature. You get a lot of useful features for the money in the W4S DAC2 and it's a great sounding DAC. I use my W4S DAC2 to drive a power amp directly since it has a built-in volume control. The HT bypass feature allows me to run the output of my phono preamp directly through the DAC2. When switched to HT BYPASS, I use the Volume Control on my PS Audio GCPH phono preamp.

The NuWave DAC is pretty basic with 3 inputs but it's an awesome sounding DAC. The PS Audio NuWave is an incredible value even at $1000 MSRP. I bought mine for less using their direct trade-in pricing of $695 with any DAC trade-in. I actually bought a trade-in DAC new on Amazon for $15 because I didn't have a cheap beater to send them! It took about two weeks to get the NuWave DAC.



Wyred4Sound DAC2 on left. PS Audio NuWave DAC on right



All aluminum housing with hard textured finish paint. Over a dozen tight Torx screws hold it all together.


NuWave has a steel chassis with textured finish. The plexiglass top smudges very easily with finger prints. 10 philips screws secure the plexiglass top.


Thin metal plate sits under the black plexiglass top for shielding.


Take note of the main analog board with large filter caps and the power supply transformer. Remember what these look like.


NuWave Power supply transformer


NuWave voltage regulators and vertical heat sinks




NuWave XMOS chip and Burr-Brown DAC


TL082 JFET-input OpAmp (dual), one TL082 per output channel


12,000 uF filter capacitors. High temperature 105C rated.... but the DAC2 runs rather cool.





Wyred4Sound DAC2 top cover & display



Notice the main analog board with filter caps and voltage regulators. Look familiar?


Note the power supply transformer part number. Look familiar?


Discrete transistors used in audio output stage


Digital board with transformer coupling on the inputs


Discrete transistors in the output stage, yes, But what's this? A JFET-Input OpAmp! One TL0721 per output channel.


22,000 uF Low ESR custom filter caps


Test Setup: Mac Mini, 8GB RAM, 750GB HDD via USB to PS Audio NuWave DAC & Wyred4Sound DAC2. Rogue Cronus Magnum Integrated amp with KT120 power tubes ~100wpc. Thiel CS2.4 speakers.



 

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RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 21, 2012 at 07:20:28
TubeDriver
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 Interesting. The similarities are clear.

 

I listened mostly to redbook CD rips and a few 24/96 tracks, posted on November 21, 2012 at 22:51:23
fmak
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 This is a low resolution review of high resolution dacs.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 22, 2012 at 02:33:28
birddogthecat


 
Wow Abe, You really went all out. Great photos. I have the Perfect Wave DAC 2 + Bridge and the matching PWT. I use JRiver/JRiver App since the PS Audio eLyricMM/App does not really work. I wish the eLMM did work because the audio is somewhat better.

Sorry we missed you in Denver this year. John E. came and is going to visit us at the Chicago show in March.

 

So what do you have to contribute this time Fred ?, posted on November 22, 2012 at 12:12:19
AbeCollins
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 Once again, thanks for your contribution Fred. I saw the same comment from you over in the PC Audio forum.

Like many folks here, I do not spend every waking moment of my life fretting over 192/24 vs 96/24 material. I enjoy my music immensely even if it originates from CD. And as I mentioned in my post, I also tried the DACs with 24/96 material in my testing.

And yes, you can plainly hear the differences between the DACs even with lowly CD quality files so the comparisons are valid.

I have yet to see anything from you that remotely resembles a positive contribution or assisting others. Do you ever contribute to the forums in a positive way or do you mainly lurk in the background anxious to criticise at every opportunity?

 

RE: So what do you have to contribute this time Fred ?, posted on November 22, 2012 at 13:45:08
Bob_C
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Posts: 2667
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 Abe,

Thanks for the info on the DAC!!! Very cool...

But next time be sure to only use HI REZ material!!! How could bare to listen to that utter trash??? ;)


regards
Bob

 

RE: So what do you have to contribute this time Fred ?, posted on November 22, 2012 at 19:54:46
TubeDriver
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 Thanks for taking the time to take pictures and post your impressions.

 

My contribution is simply, posted on November 22, 2012 at 21:48:05
fmak
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Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
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 to point out that you have not made a proper assessment of the capabilities of the dacs.

Using mostly 16 bit material is flawed as a 'test'.

 

RE: My contribution is simply, posted on November 23, 2012 at 09:27:28
Dynobot
 I agree that the FULL benefits of the Dacs were not compared.

Its hard to compare Dacs in 'apples to apples' terms because each Dac is likely to have certain attributes that contribute to its performance that others might not. For example the XMOS USB input. Other features might include 'on-board' upsampling algorithms.

However its best to compare Dacs while they are functioning to their own unique absolute best. For example one Dac might sound best with upsampled material to 24/88.2 while using BNC and the other might sound best using 24/96 via USB. Surely not apples to apples but, it does give each Dac the chance to show the best it has to offer in a comparison.

Lots of ways to skin the Cat.

Other methods might be to compare each Dac with a variety of music [upsampled vs. not] noting which one excels at each sample rate. Compare again using the aforementioned sample-rates with different inputs, then note which Dac sounds the best with 24/96 via USB as compared to 24/96 via BNC etc. A thorough comparison can be exhaustive and very time consuming. Which is why I would just assume compare each Dac in its optimal environment.

 

Your contribution ?, posted on November 23, 2012 at 10:26:22
AbeCollins
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Not a complete test, but not a flawed test.

Like I said, I used 24/96 material and even with lowly CD rips I was able to plainly hear the differences among the two DACs. For those who do not play higher-resolution files (> 24/96), my observations may be helpful.

Fred, have you ever posted anything helpful here in the forums?


 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 23, 2012 at 10:34:28
AbeCollins
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That Perfect Wave combo makes for a very nice setup. I saw the original versions of the DAC & PWT at RMAF a few years ago.

I had my badge all ready to go to the Denver show this year. Unfortunately, a last minute request from a valued customer had me and my collegues working feverishly through the weekend. Looking forward to RMAF 2013.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 23, 2012 at 21:47:30
audioengr
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 Abe - you will not get a good sense of how good these DACs really are by using the USB inputs. You should drive both of them S/PDIF with the same good low-jitter source. I have a lot of customer feedback on this.

All you are hearing now is the difference between their USB interfaces when driven by iTunes.

Do you have a good low-jitter transport or USB converter?

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 00:13:02
Mikey8811
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 I was looking for the DAC trade in offer but can't find it on the site. It seems to be gone.

 

Here it is: NuWave DAC trade-in program, posted on November 24, 2012 at 08:36:13
AbeCollins
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They changed the process. They used to have a pull-down menu where you selected either $695 with trade-in, or $995 w/o trade-in. The offer is the same but the process is just a little different:

"Save $300 on the NuWave DAC by trading in any other DAC. Simply select the color you wish, select the Add to cart button and you'll be taken to the shopping cart page. There you can type in the word tradeup (exactly as it appears here) in the coupon box on the shopping cart page, apply the coupon and the new price will be $696. See below for details. Offer ends November 30, so hurry if you're interested."

I didn't have a trade-up DAC so I bought one on Amazon for $16 - $17.



I ordered my trade-in DAC from Amazon early on, as PS wanted to receive the trade-in prior to shipping the NuWave DAC. They gave me an RMA number to write on the box which I shipped them ASAP. However, the NuWave DAC was on back order and I had to wait about two weeks for the next production run.

I think they changed the process because in the past, they would show the quantity they had in stock for sale at the trade-in price, and the quantity available at the full $995 MSRP. They always had more available at full MSRP and I think some customers may have complained. It made sense to me, but I could see how this might create 'customer sat' issues.


 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 08:43:57
AbeCollins
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I don't know if it's 'low jitter' but I own the rather old Accuphase DP-65v CD player which in it's day, was advertised as being a "Transport / DAC" in a single chassis. Apparently, they took extra measures to separate the two. But who knows. ;-)

It has S/PDIF Optical and Coaxial outputs.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 10:00:53
Bob_C
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 So you are saying that their Xmos USB input on the PS is not low jitter???

"I have a lot of customer feedback on this."

Is the about the W4S and or the PS DAC???

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 10:22:45
audioengr
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Posts: 6017
Location: Oregon
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 The W4S was reviewed by TAS and lot of my customers use it. Steven Stone said it was every bit as good as his $8K Weiss 202 when driven S/PDIF from a good digital source, but not with the USB input. This is the case with a lot of USB DACs out there. They are actually really good DACs, but you would not know it from the USB inputs. These interfaces are not as easy to get performance out of as people think. They have the potential to be outstanding, but they vary all over the map.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 10:24:48
audioengr
Manufacturer

Posts: 6017
Location: Oregon
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 That Accuphase is pretty old technology, so its jitter is probably high by todays standards. Worth a try anyway. Its a good name. I would compare the two DACs using this, along with a good 1.5m S/PDIF cable. Without the good cable, the Transport is useless IMO.

BTW, when testing USB interfaces, the USB cable makes a huge difference too. There are a lot of expensive ones out there that are no good IME. Start with at least something like the Kimber silver, again at least 1.5m is recommended.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 10:46:24
shodulik
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 Holey moley Abe! Thanks for taking the time and crafting this review. Great info and pics.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 10:57:06
Bob_C
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 Ok,

The W4S uses the HiFace OEM with M2Tech code. Are you not currently using the same thing?

The PS is using Xmos.You mentioned you will be going in that direction also.

What makes these different for the GOOD USB input?

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 11:15:35
audioengr
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Posts: 6017
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 "The W4S uses the HiFace OEM with M2Tech code. Are you not currently using the same thing?"

No. I design all of my interfaces from scratch. I do use M2Tech firmware in them.

"The PS is using Xmos. You mentioned you will be going in that direction also."

Likely, but not for performance reasons. For compatibility with Linux with no custom driver and maybe Fixed-point. I can do Linux, but it needs a driver.

"What makes these different from the GOOD USB input?"

Lots of things that are design related, but without giving away any secrets:

1) better custom clocks
2) better custom discrete voltage regulators
3) separate voltage regs for each function
4) reclocking at multiple stages
5) better multi-layer board layout
6) impedance control of traces, connectors and cables
7) use of optimum logic families
8) vibration damping

to name a few. These things all add cost, but in the places that make the most sense.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 12:07:36
Bob_C
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 Thanks for the info...

 

Bob, re: "HiFace OEM with M2Tech", posted on November 24, 2012 at 12:45:10
AbeCollins
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 Can you explain that to me? Is W4S using this on the S/PDIF inputs?

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 24, 2012 at 12:50:31
AbeCollins
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 I plan to do more playing around with the DACs, including the use of Pure Music software or other player on the Mac.

The only S/PDIF coaxial I have for the Accuphase is too short for the current component layout. I'll look into 1.5m coaxial as well as USB.

thanks

 

RE: Bob, re: "HiFace OEM with M2Tech", posted on November 24, 2012 at 13:16:49
audioengr
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 USB OEM interface is used only on the I2S input. The S/PDIF input does not use the USB clock or hardware.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 25, 2012 at 05:02:37
Seadog
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 Wow Abe, You really went all out. Great photos. I have the Perfect Wave DAC 2 + Bridge and the matching PWT. I use JRiver/JRiver App since the PS Audio eLyricMM/App does not really work. I wish the eLMM did work because the audio is somewhat better.

Sorry we missed you in Denver this year. John E. came and is going to visit us at the Chicago show in March.

Christopher

Qui tacet consentit.

 

RE: Bob, re: "HiFace OEM with M2Tech", posted on November 25, 2012 at 08:17:12
AbeCollins
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 So on the W4S DAC is the USB input circuitry / firmware OEM'd, and taken in thru I2S bus? Thanks.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 25, 2012 at 08:28:54
AbeCollins
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 I had my badge all ready to go but ended up working that weekend. Hope to make it to RMAF 2013.

 

RE: Bob, re: "HiFace OEM with M2Tech", posted on November 25, 2012 at 11:01:11
audioengr
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Location: Oregon
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 Yes it is the M2Tech OEM interface module and output is I2S.

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on November 27, 2012 at 08:40:58
audio39
Audiophile

Posts: 669
Joined: July 15, 2003
 Hi Abe,

Thanks very much for taking the time to prepare all of this! Your comparison is much appreciated, and the photos!!! - amazing.

I have run the Wyred DAC in my system and liked it very much, I have since purchased the Lite Audio DAC-83 and am very pleased and impressed.

I always enjoy your posts,

Rick.

 

excellent article! thanks n/t, posted on November 30, 2012 at 06:54:26
panhead
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 n/t

 

What I liked best..., posted on November 30, 2012 at 16:04:03
rick_m
Audiophile

Posts: 6230
Location: Oregon
Joined: August 11, 2005
 ...was the ersatz plastic top on the PS unit to complete the iPAD Vib!

Industrial design is a strange business, trendy means copy the leader.

Thanks for the super review.

Rick

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on December 2, 2012 at 15:38:41
Theron D
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Posts: 790
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Joined: June 21, 2004
 great review and pics. I have a PS Audio DLIII and love it connected to some Dynaudio BM5A. Wish the NuWave would have had volume control I would have jumped all over it. I control volume within iTunes which I know am reducing bit length but that's all I have to work with...
-Theron Day

 

RE: PS Audio NuWave vs Wyred4Sound DAC2 - Pictures & Initial Impressions, posted on December 3, 2012 at 02:36:54
Seadog
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Posts: 609
Location: The Beaches of North Carolina
Joined: April 14, 2007
 Abe,

I am sure that you are aware that John E. went the HAL (Hollis Audio Labs) MS-1 route. The news is that Analogue Bob has also gone the same direction but for the DAC. Bob ordered that Channel Island Audio (CIA) Transient MKII Asynchronous USB Converter versatile asynchronous 24 bit/192k USB converter with optional VDC•5 MKII High Current Power Supply.

All the components are to arrive this week. I will keep you posted.


Christopher

Qui tacet consentit.

 

RE: Here it is: NuWave DAC trade-in program, posted on December 4, 2012 at 15:06:40
bikeman05


 
Slightly off topic, but the $15 DAC you traded in (available on Amazon and eBay) is the most worst sounding DAC I've ever heard. Looks like I am not the only one who traded in this DAC :-)

 

Enjoyed the revue and ordered one to go, thanks. nt, posted on December 12, 2012 at 19:54:12
jqunac
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Location: Central Indiana
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