PS Audio

The NuWave DAC has now been replaced by the NuWave DSD model with full DSD capability at $1299. PS Audio has taken the technology of the DirectStream DAC and applied as much of it as possible to this lower-priced sibling.

The NuWave DSD is fully asynchronous and accepts PCM inputs up to 192kHz/32-bit from any digital source, including I2S, coax, and USB. (Toslink is of course limited to 96 kHz.) Single or double rate DSD can be input via I2S and USB. All input signals are taken into the NuWave DSD in Native Mode, without Sample Rate Conversion. The input is a simplified Fully Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) known as a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), which discovers sample rate and format, reclocks all incoming data, reduces jitter, waveshapes data output to the DAC chip, and utilizes high speed/low gate count logic to reduce propagation delay for faster throughput. The DAC chip itself is the acclaimed 32-bit ESS Sabre Hyperstream architecture, the output of which is passively filtered to reduce transient distortion. The NuWave DSD's power supply includes a massive analog transformer, seven regulators, properly-bypassed high-speed switching diodes, and a massive 15,000 mFd of storage capacitance. The output stage is a unique Class-A configuration, fully balanced and direct coupled hybrid array (utilizing both discrete semiconductors and ICs), with an extended bandwidth of -3dB at 60 kHz.

While the ability to play DSD is exciting, the NuWave DSD's incredible sound quality from any source, including existing CD libraries, is equally important. Like the DirectStream, the NuWave DSD produces a seamless 3D soundstage from even normal CDs. So this unit will allow you to obtain the best sound quality from your existing library while transitioning your music purchases to the best available sound format, DSD.