[capwkidd]

I am looking for opinions on the sound of theses devices. The perfectwave I would just be using as a DAC, as I use iTunes.... Thanks!

[wilsynet]

Haven't heard any of them, but the PerfectWave has the better reputation.  Also, if iTunes is the primary source, I'd look at the Ayre QB-9, the Tranquility SE and the JKENY DAC as well.

[capwkidd]

Haven't heard any of them, but the PerfectWave has the better reputation.  Also, if iTunes is the primary source, I'd look at the Ayre QB-9, the Tranquility SE and the JKENY DAC as well.

I have no use for a USB only DAC.... my audio comes from my HDMI to SPDIF out... I use an HDMI switch for all my sources.... AppleTV is the primary one....

[wilsynet]

What is the rest of the system?

[ted_b]

You are going to have an impossible time finding someone who heard all three as they play in VERY different price points, the PSA PWD being the high priced anomaly.  There are dozens of reviews, user and professional, about the PWD.  And spending any decent monies on a USB DAC brings up the obvious next question....why iTunes when there are much better sounding software players, many that use iTunes as a GUI and library (Pure Music, Bit Perfect, Amarra, etc)?

[wilsynet]

Are we trying to swat a fly with a nuclear weapon?  When I think HDMI and Apple TV, I don't think super high end, dedicated 2-channel system.  So I wonder if the PerfectWave is going to be noticeably better in the system than say the Peachtree iDac at substantially less coin.

The limiting factor may be many more things than the DAC.  In my experience so far, the room, the speakers, the amplifier and the preamp have more to do with final result than the source.

There are many good values in DACs that will likely get you 90% (or more) of the performance of the PS Audio PerfectWave DAC at less than half the price.