PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC - Silver
Condition Report
Score: 4 / 5 Excellent
Extremely clean. Shows only minimal, subtle signs of use.
- ✓ Includes Mains Cable
Product Overview & Specifications
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 |
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