Conclusion

The sub $1000 DAC market is very crowded these days. PS Audio, with their Digital Link, up through version III, has been a player in this field for many years. The NuWave DAC is a game changer in that it uses trickle down technology from PS Audio’s flagship DAC, the PerfectWave DAC II. Quite a few budget DAC units have come through my listening rooms, and none had the build quality and the big, engaging sound of the NuWave DAC.

There was really no area, sonically, the NuWave DAC lacked. If I was to nitpick on the ergonomics, on my wish list would be a sample rate indicator and possibly an optional remote control for selecting input and upsampling. But again, this is a wish list, and these features are rarely, if ever, found at this price.

The PS Audio NuWave DAC simply must be auditioned by anyone looking for a DAC anywhere under $2000. It delivers the sonic goods, is ruggedly built in Boulder, CO, and has an excellent sounding USB input. Far from being the DAC flavor of the month, the NuWave DAC is based on decades of digital engineering. Highly recommended.

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LA Mitchell  - I loved the PS Audio DL III...   |2013-01-02 17:15:28 I would think the NuWave DAC would be outstanding, but I'm curious: how does it compare to the $250 Audioquest Dragonfly? 0   0

andre marc  - Hi LA   |2013-01-02 21:44:08 I have not heard the AQ Dragonfly in my system yet. But I can tell you the NuWave is a class act. 0   0

Timothy Smith  - too close until you add things...   |2013-01-03 09:45:44 I own both and I've got to say, it was only after I upgraded the power cord and started using a Kingrex uArt USB cable ($289) that the NuWave pulled away from the Dragonfly. Until then, I was considering sending the Nuwave back. Now, it's definitely better, but I've spent about an extra $400 to make it so. 0   0

andre marc  - Hi Timothy   |2013-01-03 11:09:57 Thanks for comments... Very interesting observations. Did you compare the other inputs to another DAC as well? 0   0

Timothy Smith  - Other inputs   |2013-01-03 14:08:13 I did. For the Nuwave ranked in order of sound quality: 1. Coax: Cambridge Audio 841C as a transport. Very, very nice sounding. Very organic and alive with good separation. 2. Optical: Squeezebox Touch streaming FLAC files. Also very nice but a touch less organic with less sibilance. Soundstage was also a smidge less than coax in my opinion. 3. USB: Macbook air running Audirvana with FLAC files from a USB hard drive. This was the tricky part. Initially before I performed the changes with the power cord and USB cable (using the stock power cord and a wireworld starlight (I think, the purple one)), I was actually disappointed in the Nuwave. I thought it sounded more sterile than the Dragonfly. The Dragonfly was not as crisp with the highs but was very musical..something just right about it. I thought the Nuwave sounded just a bit soulless which is not what I want out of a DAC. I want to get more towards the sound I get from my vinyl. Once I upgraded to a PS Audio PC3 power cord and the King Rex uART USB cable, it really gave me much more of that organic, musical sound to the music while still giving me the separation and soundstaging I wanted. Whether you think the juice is worth the squeeze or not, is an individual opinion. The Dragonfly is definitely more singular in purpose (i.e. computer playback). I use the DAC for all the reasons above and without the upgrading, I would say the USB is still the weakest link. With the upgrades the USB is very close to the COAX's level. I would say overall the DAC is a solid step up in level from the Dragonfly due to the added versatility of having three inputs. I do think it's almost inexcusable that there is no bit rate indicator on the DAC when a $250 Dragonfly which sounds really good does have an indicator. I have also owned the Musical Fidelity V-DAC v1 and the Peachtree DACiT and used the DAC in my transport and would have to say that the PS Audio Nuwave is the best (although it's $1400 the way mine is configured) so I guess it should be. At this point though, I honestly couldn't say that when I go back into the DAC market I would buy another PS Audio product...not because the Nuwave is bad, but it hasn't given me the "wow" factor like my McIntosh Components, Wilson Audio speakers or Rega RP6 turntable did when I got them. Hope this helps. 1   1

Andre Marc  - Great post...   |2013-01-03 21:19:40 Great post Timothy. Very thorough. I generally prefer TosLink with the Squeezebox Touch because it does not pass on any of the internal noise of the Touch to the DAC. With just about every DAC I have used, coax out of the Touch tends to be a bit rougher. I did note in my review that on my wish list is a sample rate indicator..but it is rare to see it at this price point. Let's not forget the Dragonfly is limited to 96 khz, which probably won't matter to most. Also it is a very specialized product, really only for use with a laptop and probably headphones and powered speakers. I did find the NuWave did improve over time significantly once it settled in. I really grew attached to its sound. Lastly, I hear you on Wow factor, but the NuWave's $1000 price point is a far cry from McIntosh and Wilson territory. 1   0

Tim Smith  - Thanks   |2013-01-03 23:37:38 Thanks! I enjoyed reading your write up as well. Good point about the 96 kHz. I also have not tried the up sample mode yet either. Ill have to play with that. I probably have about 20 hours or so on the Nuwave so maybe it'll settle in more as time goes along. I was listening to Sara K last night which sounded really nice. 1   1

Andre Marc  - Thanks...   |2013-01-04 07:47:58 Thanks for the kind words... I think the DAC will improve. I think one thing that is unique in the NuWave is that is its pretty darn neutral. It does not editorialize. Most "budget" DACs will deviate somewhat. Overall, it is very, very clean sounding. I am going to try the coax input with the Touch later.... 1   0

Paul Letteri  - Ps audio new wave - plus Bryston bdp   |2013-02-03 10:26:14 The nuwave dac is a great product on it's own. I just happened to have the Bryston bdp And it makes every dac I have placed just that much better. Also as far as cables I tried Audioquest diamond, as being the loosest to The Wireworld Platinum . The platinum USB And digital cable just naturally bring everything More into focus .yes a little expensive but Brings your digital to what we call natural And analog sounding. 1   0

peter jasz  - PS Audio NuWave DAC Review     |2013-05-16 00:15:15 What a fantastic review on the PS Audio Nuwave DAC by Andre Marc. This review was simply brilliant: enlightening and articulate. I think perhaps it's time to finally take the Outboard DAC plunge with a DAC as capable, useful and musical as Andre feels the PS Audio Nuwave to be. One of the most succinct yet informative reviews I've read in a long time. Nicely done! BUT, does it sound better in black, or silver !! 0   0

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