PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC - Silver
PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC - Silver
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Score: 4 / 5 Excellent
The PS Audio NuWave DSD is an audiophile-grade Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) designed to deliver high-resolution digital playback across both PCM and native DSD formats. Built into a heavy aluminum and steel chassis hand-crafted in Boulder, Colorado, the NuWave DSD derives much of its core design philosophy from PS Audio's flagship DirectStream DAC. Powered by a massive analog power supply featuring a custom toroidal transformer, seven multi-stage voltage regulators, and 15,000 µF of filter capacitance, it delivers dynamic, low-noise audio reproduction.
At the center of its digital architecture is the ESS Sabre 32-bit Hyperstream DAC, coupled to a custom Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) input stage. Operating in Native Mode without sample rate conversion, the CPLD identifies, reclocks, and shapes incoming data to eliminate jitter prior to conversion. Analog output is handled via a passive filter network and a fully balanced, direct-coupled Class-A hybrid output stage, delivering extended bandwidth and ultra-low output impedance for seamless integration into high-end audio systems.
KEY FEATURES & PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES
- Native Mode Processing & CPLD Clocking: Direct bit-perfect signal path bypasses sample rate conversion (SRC) degradation, utilizing a simplified FPGA/CPLD to reclock data and eliminate jitter.
- 32-Bit ESS Sabre Hyperstream DAC: High-resolution digital-to-analog processing engine paired with passive analog filtering to prevent harsh digital artifacts.
- High-Resolution Asynchronous USB & I2S Inputs: XMOS-based asynchronous USB and native I2S via HDMI handle PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD (Single 2.8 MHz / Double 5.6 MHz) via DoP or raw streams.
- Fully Balanced Class-A Hybrid Output Stage: Discrete semiconductor and IC hybrid topology delivering high drive capability with low output impedance across balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connections.
- Linear Analog Power Supply: Built around a heavy toroidal transformer, 7 individual regulators, high-speed bypassed diodes, and 15,000 µF total capacitance.
- Solid Metal Billet Construction: Heavy steel and aluminum chassis designed to minimize mechanical vibration and electromagnetic interference.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) |
| Brand / Manufacturer | PS Audio |
| Model Designation | NuWave DSD |
| DAC Chip Architecture | ESS Sabre 32-Bit Hyperstream Architecture |
| Digital Input Processing | CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) Reclocking in Native Mode |
| Analog Output Topology | Fully Balanced, Direct-Coupled Class-A Hybrid Array (Passive Filtering) |
| Supported Digital Formats | PCM (up to 192 kHz / 24-bit) | DSD (Single-Rate 2.8 MHz / Double-Rate 5.6 MHz) |
| Digital Inputs | 1x Coaxial S/PDIF (RCA), 1x Optical S/PDIF (Toslink), 1x I2S (via HDMI), 1x Asynchronous USB 2.0 |
| Coaxial & I2S Input Capability | Coax: PCM 44.1 kHz – 192 kHz | I2S: PCM up to 192 kHz, Native DSD64 / DSD128 |
| USB Input Capability | PCM 44.1 kHz – 192 kHz | DSD64 & DSD128 via DoP |
| Optical Input Capability | PCM 44.1 kHz – 96 kHz |
| Analog Outputs | 1x Stereo Pair Balanced XLR, 1x Stereo Pair Unbalanced RCA |
| Maximum Output Level | Balanced: 5.6 Vrms | Unbalanced: 2.8 Vrms |
| Output Impedance | Balanced: 200 Ω | Unbalanced: 100 Ω |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 20,000 Hz (+0 / -0.3 dB) | Overall Bandwidth -3dB @ 60 kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | < 0.01% (1 kHz, 0 dBFS) | < 0.2% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0 dBFS) |
| Signal-to-Noise Floor | < -80 dBV |
| Power Supply & Consumption | Internal Linear Supply with Toroidal Transformer (15W Consumption) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 210 x 360 x 61 mm (8.3" x 14.0" x 2.4") |
| Unit Net Weight | 5.4 kg (11.5 lbs) |
| Country of Origin | Designed, Programmed, and Hand-Crafted in Boulder, Colorado, USA |
Pre-owned Terms & Condition
Pre-owned Terms & Condition
Our Grading Guarantee
All equipment listed on this site undergoes a multi-point inspection by our staff. While we use a standardised 1–5 Grading Scale, please note that "pre-owned" implies some degree of previous life. We strive for transparency and use the following terms:
- Visual Inspection: Condition grades are subjective but applied conservatively. We provide high-resolution photography of the actual unit for sale (no stock photos). We encourage buyers to zoom in on all images as they constitute part of the formal product description.
- Functional Testing: Unless labelled Grade 1 , all units have been tested for power, input/output integrity, and basic mechanical operation. Vintage units (20+ years) are tested for "period-appropriate" functionality; unless specified, internal components like capacitors are original.
- "Fair" Exclusions: Items graded 1 (Fair) are sold strictly for parts or repair. These items are ineligible for returns, refunds, or "Item Not as Described" claims regarding their condition.
- Return Window: If a unit arrives in a condition significantly different than its assigned grade (e.g., a Grade 4 unit arrives with a shattered faceplate), you must notify us within 24 hours of delivery.
Condition Grading Guide
Condition Grading Guide
Mint
Visually and mechanically indistinguishable from a new unit.
Excellent
Extremely clean. The item has been handled with care and shows only the slightest signs of use.
Very Good
Looks "used" but has been respected.
Good
Functional, but shows its age.
Fair
Functional, but may have some damage or missing parts.
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