Boulder, Colo. — Component-audio supplier PS Audio expanded its DSD DAC selection to two with the shipment of a $1,299-suggested model that joins a $5,999 model.
The new NuWave DSD DAC combines a 192kHz/24-bit PCM DAC with a 2.8MHz single-rate/5.6MHz double-rate Direct Stream Digital (DSD) DAC . The half-width component, which measures 14 by 8.3 by 2.4 inches, accepts 44.1KHz-192kHz PCM via a coaxial digital input, 44.1kHz-96kHz via optical input, 44.1-192kHz PCM via asynchronous USB 2.0 input, and DSD via asynchronous USB 2.0 and I2S inputs.
The higher-priced model also converts PCM to 1-bit DSD, enabling DSD’s higher sampling rate to make PCM content sound less edgy and more linear while revealing music details not heard before, the company contended. The higher priced model also handles PCM up to 352.8kHz.
All input signals enter the NuWave DSD in native mode without sample-rate conversion (SRC). Simplified FPGA discovers the sample rate and format, re-clocks all incoming data, reduces jitter, wave shapes data output to the DAC chip, and uses high-speed/low-gate count logic to reduce propagation delay for faster throughput, the company said.
The Class A output stage features balanced and unbalanced analog outputs and uses a direct-coupled hybrid array that uses discrete semiconductors and ICs.
