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System upgrade

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After years of standing pat, all of a sudden I'm playing with the components in my system and replacing some of them. April of 2024 it was getting a Rotel CD11. That was essential due to the death of my Cary CDP.

Then last fall it was adding a Geshelli J3. And this past April a PS Audio PerfectWave Transport replaced the Rotel. Along the way were various power cords and digital cables.

Now I'm toying with the idea of getting a PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII. A good one has come up on the used market. This even though I love the J3. But when new, the PerfectWave Transport and DAC got rave notices as a pair.

Now I seek your view, dear Inmates, about whether to add the PerfectWave DAC or to upgrade my SS amp, which is the semi-DIY Life Force 55 and a fine piece of gear.

Would the DAC or an amp be a better upgrade? The range for an amp would be up to about $2k, new or used.

All opinions welcome.

Thanks.

Follow Ups:

Probably your amplifier is a better upgrade - jedrider 15:00:20 06/05/25 (0)
I just upgraded DAC for my PC and for my main system. Overall a success.

I was just aiming for a PC DAC and wound up buying two DACs instead thinking I would give away the el cheapo DAC. The cheapo DAC is on my PC and the upgrade DAC is on my main system. Two wins.

Lets see, that was a Topping (??) K11 and a DA'ART Aurora.

I was due for some upgrade. The K11 needed an upgrade PS and an outboard headphone amp and for PC it now is good enough for casual listening. The Aurora seems good enough as well with tube amplification, but I did change speaker wire.
RE: System upgrade - AbeCollins 08:09:35 05/31/25 (4)
What sonic characteristic are you looking for that differs from your Geshelli J3 DAC and Life Force 55 amp?
Personally, I wouldn't spend too much on a used DAC as there are so many excellent new ones out there in the $1000 +/- range. I'm thinking SMSL, Topping, Denafrips, Eversolo, Cambridge, FiiO, Gustard, and others.

Edits: 05/31/25 05/31/25
- DAC - psgary 16:16:11 05/31/25 (3)
  The PerfectWave DAC is really the only possible upgrade for a DAC that I'm considering because the reviews for the PerfectWave Transport and DAC as a pair got such sterling reviews.
  
  Other than that, it's hard to imagine that the J3 can be beaten for less than minor megabucks. Maybe the PW DAC isn't better but I'm willing to take a chance.
  
  My system sounds great. I'm just scratching the old audiophile itch. You probably know what that's like.
  - Where are they getting the enclosures and boards for PW Dac from ? - Wojciech 15:34:12 06/08/25 (0)
    Venezuela?
  - RE: DAC - Utley1 13:38:53 06/08/25 (0)
    Trump tariffs and 'Denefrips' dac Price has gone up 200% if bought directly from China...Lower prices are available outside of China for the moment but that changes moment to moment.
    Requires research ;company by co.
    Holding off
    - (Open in New Window)
  - RE: DAC - AbeCollins 09:25:49 06/04/25 (0)
    "I'm just scratching the old audiophile itch. You probably know what that's like."
    
    I fully understand! And sometimes it's nice to have matching equipment - PS Audio in your case.
RE: System upgrade - Roseval 03:04:33 05/31/25 (1)
The PerfectWave can be found in the link below. Pretty poor performances.
The Well Tempered Computer
- https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/r (Open in New Window)
- Direct Stream - psgary 09:50:37 05/31/25 (0)
  Good analysis of the DirectStream. He makes an excellent point about designers whose hearing has suffered the slings and arrows of time.
  
  The DirectStream is a different animal. I'm looking at the PS Audio PerfectWave DAC Mk II. It doesn't offer streaming.
  
  Thanks for the information.
RE: System upgrade - Mike K 22:35:18 05/30/25 (1)
A DAC will provide more bang for buck than an amp. Most amps tend to sound the same anyway, DACs not so much.

Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone
- DAC - psgary 16:28:10 05/31/25 (0)
  I think you're right. A used PerfectWave DAC MkII seems to go for $900 - 1200. It's unlikely that an amp in that price range would be better than the LifeForce 55, which cost about $1500, parts and labor, 15 years ago.
  
  Amps are also tough these days due to so many brick and mortar audio stores going belly up. Shipping amps back and forth for a home tryout isn't my idea of fun.
  
  My system is sounding great. This is just that old audiophile "is there better sound around the corner" thing.
RE: System upgrade - Leo loves music 20:33:17 05/30/25 (0)
I've always had a strange thought: there's good jitter and bad jitter. Unfortunately, the PS Audio transport seemed to eliminate all of it, which isn't ideal. However, if that transport can output an SACD signal, it might still be worth getting the DAC.

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