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PS Audio NuWave Dac (NWD)


skullguise

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@ 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 ?

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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 by HeadphoneAddict
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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 by skullguise
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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.

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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 by skullguise
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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 by skullguise
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