Perfect Wave Transport & DAC Reviewed

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jim.......Yes. The use the HDMI cable, but not in the way it is used for video and audio. The left and right channel data streams are not combined in the transport, but are sent to the DAC as seoerate signals. This is done to keep from having to combine, and then seperate again the data streams. It is proprietary to PS Audio's Perfect Wave Transport and Perfect Wave DAC.

This is a reprint from PS Audio's site:

I2S through HDMI output
There are two ways to get the digital audio data out of the PWT: standard S/PDIF /AES/EBU digital audio outputs or I2S. I2S (pronounced "I squared S") is the preferred method if you have the PS Audio PerfectWave DAC that can receive it.

To understand I2S it is necessary to first understand the standard digital output, S/PDIF. S/PDIF stands for (Sony Phillips Digital Interface) and was invented by Sony and Phillips over 20 years ago as a simple and convenient method of transferring digital audio over a single RCA cable or optical cable. 25 years ago, when the format was invented, no one ever dreamed that a quarter century later high-end music lovers would not be happy with the compromised performance of S/PDIF.

S/PDIF takes three separate internal clocks along with the raw music data and combines them into one stream and sent out with an RCA, XLR or optical cable to the DAC. Once that single stream is received by the DAC it must be separated back into the multiple clock and data streams in exactly the same timing and form it started. The problem is the encoding and decoding of these complex critical clocks is never perfect. Through this flawed process we get jitter and timing error that we can easily hear.

A much better way of delivering the clocks and the data between the transport and the DAC is to not mix them up in the first place. This is what I2S does. Instead of trying to stuff these clocks and data into one stream, I2S simply transfers the three clocks and the data on separate cables to the DAC. Done in this way, there's no chance for error or increased jitter and the audible results are simply stunning. PS Audio has searched for a long time for the perfect cable to transfer I2S data. Some manufacturers use CAT-5 which is the cable your computer connects up to the internet. We took one look at this method and rejected it out of hand. The best solution we found was HDMI (High Definition Multi-media Interface) . An HDMI cable is the best multi-conductor digital cable made today and it was the obvious choice for the PWT.

Simply use any HDMI cable between the PWT and the PWD and you are transferring data perfectly.

Hi Dan & Jim,

What Dan had stated is the truth indeed. And thats the MAJOR reason for me buying the combo. Moreover, as I have ripped my entire CD collection, English and Mandarin CD's plus in the process of converting my entire DVD collection (using Handbrake) into iTunes (for music, its Apple Lossless and for DVD using Average 4000 kbps Bitrate) stored into a 2Tb HDD connected using iTunes to Apple TV, in turn, using the HDMI into the PWD I2S, I believed I may have achieved a "near perfect" audio/video machine at my disposal than the McIntosh MS750, where its only music - not to mention the ability to get very high quality album art/pictures for the CD's and Videos!!!

So far, playing whatever I have ripped into the 2Tb HDD via iTunes/Apple TV into the McIntosh MA6600 had proven me to be right. At least, the cost tells me its a way much cheaper alternative. Of course, to ensure solid backup and data from being lost, I am going to use a Data Robotics Drobo (8Tb storage capacity as backup). This is by far the cheapest way I can think of in solving 2 of my major problems, keeping the music and movies I wanted but not the discs, storing them in the smallest space possible and freeing up real physical space by selling off those unwanted discs.

As for the decision on the Jeff Rowland amps, the ones I am getting are the 3rd generation Class D amps which Jeff used and modified. I have heard them and they have "unlimited power", 500 watts into 8 Ohm and doubling to 1000 watts into 4 Ohms (which my speakers are), smooth and no longer exhibit and roll off in the highs and mids, but spacious and clear! Auditioned them thru Rockport's Aquila which local friend Ron/Coherence had helped hooked up.

I cant wait to hear (and see) for myself the end results which I had so far found to be more than acceptable via the MA6600.

Cheers!

[McPlanar]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I can tell you this, so far the demand for the PWD/PWT has been very strong. Current orders have been running 4 weeks to fill.

I wonder how much of that is being driven by their trade in program. With right stuff you can shave 2k off of the total price for the set.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by McPlanar

I wonder how much of that is being driven by their trade in program. With right stuff you can shave 2k off of the total price for the set.

I am sure it is a big plus for many people.

[Still-One]

Interesting comparison of the PWT & PWD versus the Berkley DAC. Just another point of view.
PerfectWave combo vs PWT+Berkeley | Computer Audiophile

[SoundEngine355]

How does the PWT/PWD compare to the Mcintosh MCD500 for CD playback?

[jdandy]

SoundEngine355.......Welcome to Audio Aficionado.

There is only one AA member that I am aware of that has both the PWT/PWD, and the MCD500. His member name is JSCC. He has not had the PWT/PWD more than a few weeks, but he is doing a review, and has posted a few comments. Look for posts by JSCC (Jerry). Start here: http://audioaficionado.org/ps-audio/...pwd-setup.html

[two dot]

This is going to be interesting....

[JSCC]

Hi Dan and all,

I shall be doing a comparison on both these wonderful CD machines.

However, the review had to wait as I felt its best that I do it when I had the PS Audio I2S12 HDMI cable as understand this will raise the bar for the PS Audio combo.

As such, I would rather wait for the HDMI cable to be available.

Cheers!

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by JSCC

Speakers would be the Acapella High Violons MkIV. As there are not much interest in them, I opted not to write a in-depth review on of them.

Jerry, I would be very interested in an in depth review if you have time!

[Masterlu]

My Crystal ball shows the I2S12 HDMI cable approaching it's final destination very soon.