PS Audio NuWave Dac (NWD)

[shellylh]

^This!

[purk]

@ Skull

In any case, with the trade-in (I traded a DAC that cost me all of $89 shipped, for a $300 credit) and cost of $695, I think this is a very good DAC. In the long run, I still will probably be happier with the M51.. But this is just real good stuff.

Won't have a ton of time to listen over the next few, but hope to have a few more thoughts at the end of the weekend.

What was the traded in DAC ?

[HeadphoneAddict]

I remember that PS Audio didn't recommend using both RCA and XLR at the same time with the DLIII, but it worked just fine for me. It works with the PWD Mk1 as well, so not sure why you're having issues with the NuWave and using both outputs at the same time.

Also - I wonder if they'd take one of those old Creative 3D Crystalizer USB DACs in trade for the $300 off. When does that trade-in offer end?

Edited November 29, 2012 by HeadphoneAddict

[skullguise]

Purk, I traded in a cheap Chinese AKM-based DAC I got on eBay.

EDIT: like this one, but even a bit cheaper: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Finished-2496-AK4396-CS8416-DAC-With-Transformer-case-/110767440205?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item19ca41014d

Larry, offer ends tomorrow, see http://www.psaudio.c...hop/nuwave-dac/

.

Edited November 29, 2012 by skullguise

[HeadphoneAddict]

Purk, I traded in a cheap Chinese AKM-based DAC I got on eBay.

EDIT: like this one, but even a bit cheaper: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Finished-2496-AK4396-CS8416-DAC-With-Transformer-case-/110767440205?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item19ca41014d

Larry, offer ends tomorrow, see http://www.psaudio.c...hop/nuwave-dac/

 

 

Well, I'm facing some large vet bills, so I'm out.  But thanks for the info.

[shellylh]

You can now get a NuWave for $795 without a trade-in.  I'm still tempted.  

[Mr.Sneis]

Don't do it Shelly!  It's not quite received my stamp of approval   Which I know doesn't mean all that much heh.

[shellylh]

Thanks. I am going to hold off on it. Maybe get the Parsound instead... but maybe I'll just stick with the trusty ECD-1.

[TMoney]

Has anyone tried the W4S DAC 2? I really like mine. I need a DAC in $500 range for work rig though. Is the PS Digital Link III a good buy at the $450 range?

 

If you are still looking for a DLIII I just put mine up for sale over at the other site.

[skullguise]

Got a tiny bit more time with the NuWave this weekend, more like Sunday afternoon....all I said before remains: this thing does space & detail very well, does some very nice resolution of instruments and voice in that space.  I don't have them side by side, but still say the NAD M51 is even more resolving and neutral.  The NWD seems to get a bit more air up in the treble, though.  It has a very slight lushness or warmth that is musically appealing.

 

This is a very good, perhaps great DAC at the $695 price, and still a relatively easy recommend at $795.

Edited December 11, 2012 by skullguise

[jpelg]

Todd - Any thoughts compared to the Arcam r-DAC?

[skullguise]

Hi,

 

Never compared them head to head, but I did have the rDAC for a couple months.

 

Based on MEMORY - so take it as you will - the NWD strongly beats out the rDAC on things like bass extension, total space/soundstage, and detail retrieval.  I remember the rDAC as being VERY musical, even if it wasn't the end-all.

 

At around or at least twice the price, I'd still recommend the NWD if the system will fit it and you can afford it.  It also offers balanced outputs (discrete IIRC, not opamp based), and my brief test into a cheaper Stax balanced amp proved it to be great-sounding.

 

Not so much info, but without a doubt I prefer the NWD.

 

One of the compares I also want to make, and it may be easier to set up than the NAD M51 comparison, is the Neko D-100 MkII to NWD comparison.  Not a lot of time to do that, but I'm hoping during the Xmas holidays I can set something good up....

Edited December 12, 2012 by skullguise

[purk]

If you are still looking for a DLIII I just put mine up for sale over at the other site.

Thanks for the offer. Got my Audio-Technica AT-DHA3000 back from my tech and it is working great again....so I won't need a DAC for work.

[jpelg]

Thanks for the info, Todd. A local hi-fi shop has an demo r-DAC available for $299 & I was tempted.

 

How are you connecting the NWD? Are you using the USB input from a computer, or are you also using one of the SPDIF-type inputs?

[skullguise]

Coax SPDIF right now, from a Sony SACD player for 16/44 out.

[cowboyab]

How many of this thread use PC+USB DAC, and how many use CD+DAC? I am very intersted with this question, because for digital sources, is the DAC more important or the front end (PC or CD) more important seems a interesting question.

[skullguise]

Yes.

[crappyjones123]

Maybe

[shellylh]

No

[jvlgato]

Yes No Other

[morphsci]

Maybe yes, maybe no. But I prefer to hang around the drugstore drinking chocolate malted falcons and giving away free high schools.

[cutestory]

Just because.

[The Monkey]

How many of this thread use PC+USB DAC, and how many use CD+DAC? I am very intersted with this question, because for digital sources, is the DAC more important or the front end (PC or CD) more important seems a interesting question.

 

The New York Jets.

[CarlSeibert]

No Dinny, the cheetah.

[wink]

Either way, it's no show-stopper....