APS audio transformers

[PS Audio PerfectWave Transport for the Audiophile]
 

Limited Edition Perfectwave Transport.

Click here for our Limited Edition Perfectwave Transport upgrade your unit.

The PWT is unique among transports in that it is a memory player designed to read both redbook CDs and DVDs encoded with high-resolution audio. In some respects, it takes the place of a computer, yet is devoid of computer parts.

The PWT first reads everything on the optical disc you insert into its drive, then transfers it to an internal PS Audio Digital Lens with 64mB memory. The unit then outputs a digital signal from the Digital Lens’ memory. PS Audio claims that this unique arrangement circumvents many of the errors and most of jitter introduced by conventionally designed transports. It also purportedly elevates playback to the level achieved by a computer hard drive, and manages to do so without introducing computer-related noise. Does not play SACD only or DVD-Audio discs. If a disc is ejected while it is playing and the transport’s “Stop” function is not engaged, the music will continue to play up for to several minutes, until the 64mB memory is totally discharged. The process of ejecting a disc and holding it in your hand while it continues to play is a jaw-dropper for first-time visitors.

The unit’s digital outputs include RCA, AES/EBU, Toslink optical, and a proprietary I2S / HDMI cable interface. The latter is designed to connect to PS Audio’s PerfectWave DAC using PS Audio’s special dedicated I2S / HDMI cable. 

The Perfect Wave Transport and its multi-purpose remote control (designed to simultaneously control PS Audio’s Perfect Wave DAC) have most of the usual functions: play, pause, stop, repeat track, repeat CD, fast forward, rapid retreat, next track, previous track. What it lacks is a “program” function. If you, like me, often wish to play selected tracks in an unusual sequence, you have to remain alert and change tracks by remote control.

The unit also has an unusually large display that enables you to read tracks numbers from, in my case, over 11 feet away. IMHO, this is essential to listening ease and comfort. If you prefer to dim the screen, there is a “DIM” button on the remote control to do just that. What I have been unable to do is turn off the dimming function and restore the display to full brightness without turning off the unit entirely and starting from scratch. At least I don’t lose my programming sequence.

**The PWT is network capable, and can download cover art and song titles from the internet to its large front panel touch screen however the PS Audio’s GlobalNetTM servers for this feature has been shut down long ago so **we bypassed and removed this noisy board to improve the noise floor.

• Power Supply Overhaul: Replaces stock capacitors with premium, ultra-low ESR audio-grade capacitors (Nichicon Gold) to clean up power distribution to the digital processing boards and increase the 5v pre regulator capisitor with a 50% larger size.
• Clocking & Regulation Upgrades: Implements higher-quality voltage regulators and split out the digital board's regulator to stabilize the digital circuits and further suppress clock jitter. The digital board now has it's own regulator and does not share it with the screen and the SD card like it did when in stock form.
• Chassis & Drive Dampening: Adds specialized mechanical dampening material to the internal DVD optical drive housing and chassis to mitigate micro-vibrations generated during high-speed spinning.
• Premium Internal AC Wiring and solid copper Rhodium plated IEC inlet: Replaces standard internal power inlet and stock hookup wires with high-purity copper and silver wiring to optimize the signal pathway.

This modification elevates the PWT's performance to match or exceed much more expensive, next-generation digital components. Listening tests note a noticeably lower noise floor ("blacker backgrounds"), sharper micro-dynamics, increased articulation in the high frequencies, and a wider, more stable soundstage.

PS Audio’s Perfect Wave Transport is a CD/DVD transport for the 21st century. Capable of delivering stellar sound from both redbook and hi-res encoded mediums, and equipped with an internet-augmented display, it’s the finest transport I’ve ever heard in my reference system. 

Design:

Optical Disc (CD) Transport and Memory Player with 64 MB of RAM
Codecs: CD, WAV, 24/88, 24/96, 24/192 on DVD-A
Outputs: S/PIDF RCA and Toslink, AES/EBU, and *I2S through HDMI, *Using I2S will result in zero jitter.
Sample Rate Output 24/192 Maximum (32 Bit Capability When Applicable)
Dimensions: 3.75″H x 14″D x 17″W
Weight: 25 Pounds
MSRP: $2,995 USA

$2495 to upgrade your unit to the Signature Series.

(NO custom internal analog power supply).

$3995 for a complete Signature Series unit. 

(NO custom internal analog power supply).

$2895 to upgrade yours to the Signature Series PLUS.

(Includes a custom internal analog power supply).

$4395 for a complete Signature Series PLUS unit.

(Includes a custom internal analog power supply).

$2995 to upgrade yours to the Limited Edition Signature Series PLUS unit.

(Includes a custom internal analog power supply).

$4495 for a complete Limited Edition Signature Series PLUS unit.

(Includes a custom internal analog power supply).