In Barn for Review: PS Audio PerfectWave SACD Transport

Catch the perfect wave.

The PS Audio PerfectWave SACD Transport spins your basic CDs along with their Super version, reading the raw DSD layer from SACDs and sending that higher-resolution data out through the unit’s  I2S output (over HDMI) to similarly-capable DACs (like the PS Audio DirectStream DAC). There are also Coax (1x RCA, 2x BNC) and 2x XLR outputs which, when used as pairs, the BNC or XLR outputs deliver double-rate DSD (DSD128) via DoP to so-endowed DACs.

The PerfectWave also sports a USB-A input up front for playing back stored files — MP3/WMA/AAC (~48kHz/320bps), WAV/FLAC/AIFF (~192kHz/24bit), ALAC (~96kHz/24bit), DSD (~5.6MHz).

In an effort to eliminate noise from the PerfectWave’s output, signals are transferred, from the input stage to the output stage, by a form of focused beam short-wavelength radio signals. Think galvanic isolation. Each stage also has its very own board and power supply for the same reason, while an FPGA is employed for data buffering and signal clocking, post digital lens.

The review unit is dressed in all black brushed aluminum, with silver being the other option. Both versions include that mirror-finished black glass-like piano-finished wood top plate and I would call the build quality very well done. The included remote helps keep yours hands, and prints, at a distance.

Weighing in at 22 lbs, the PerfectWave offers hefty solidity.

PS Audio PerfectWave SACD Transport
Price
: $6499.00

Specifications

Physical

Unit Weight: 22 lbs [9.97 kg]
Unit Dimensions: 14” x 17” x 4” [ 36cm x 43cm x 10cm]
Shipping Weight: 31 lbs [14 kg]
Shipping Dimensions: 20.5”x 24” x 10” [52cm x 61cm x 25cm]
Color Options: Black, Silver

Power Requirements

Input Power: Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption: 30W

Media

Optical discs: SACD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/, DVD-R*/-RW*/+R*/+RW* (*Audio data file only)
USB Drive: USB Flash Drive with audio files
Supported File Formats: MP3/WMA/AAC (~48kHz/320bps), WAV/FLAC/AIFF (~192kHz/24bit), ALAC (~96kHz/24bit), DSD (~5.6MHz)

Outputs

I2S: 1 I2S output for PCM and DSD (raw)
Coax: 1 output for PCM and DoP
BNC: 2 outputs for PCM and DoP, Use in tandem for double-rate DoP
XLR Balanced 2 outputs for PCM and DoP, Use in tandem for double-rate DoP
RJ45 and WIFI Ethernet and WIFI for over-the-air code updates

Company Website: PS Audio