PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
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I wasn't quite sure where to put this.....but it is certainly interesting....

http://www.psaudio.com/shop/nuwave-phono-converter/

NuWave Phono Converter
$1,895

PS Audio’s NuWave Phono Converter, NPC, is a new category for the High End that combines a state-of-the-art phono preamplifier and analog DSD/PCM converter together in a world’s first. This is high resolution audio at its best.

The NPC is a no-compromise approach to vinyl and analog reproduction in a high end audio system. The NPC accepts inputs from any analog source from tuners to turntables. This means users can input anything from an iPod to a $100,000 turntable setup, connecting the output of the NPC directly to a DAC, computer or preamplifier. Once connected you can play vinyl discs or any analog source either directly into your preamplifier, through the NPC’s analog outputs, or DAC through the NPC’s multiple asynchronous digital outputs. You can also connect the NPC to your computer and RIP (record) to your heart’s content in either double DSD or 192kHz 24 bit PCM. This is the device you need if you’re going to build a library.

The NPC produces both DSD and PCM from its digital outputs and high resolution fully balanced analog from its audio outputs. Use the NPC as the vinyl heart of your purely analog setup or digital setup. Either way, albums and analog sources of all types come alive with the NuWave Phono Converter.

High resolution balanced or single ended analog outputs
High resolution asynchronous DSD and PCM outputs
1 stereo analog input from any source such as a tuner
1 stereo phono input
Accepts low output moving coil cartridges (0.3mv)
Moving magnet cartridges
Passive RIAA curve
Resistive cartridge load selector
Mono or stereo select
100% pure analog path for the phono stage
Gain select from the front panel
Asynchronous digital output to 192kHz 24 bit
Asynchronous DSD output at 64X and 128X
Polarity invert function
XLR, RCA analog outputs
S/PDIF, I2S, USB digital outputs
80kHz bandwidth on A/D Converter
Incoming A/D sample rate 352.8kHz
DoP protocols for DSD
Massive power supply
Front panel OLED display
RIP to either Mac or PC in DSD or PCM
Build a library of your vinyl, tape or from radio broadcasts
Record live events or even studio work without compromise
Play live into any DAC with DSD or PCM

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This is one of those products where you wonder why it's taken so long for it to be introduced. It is an interesting idea. I would think most people want separate boxes to make it easy for trying new things down the road, but for someone looking to buy one and be done, it works.
 
Doug - there are many people in the two audiophile clubs I belong to who have been talking about a product like this for a long time. I'm going to buy one and lend it out to them to try (or at least some of the sample rips I make). I suspect many will purchase one. I love the fact that it rips to double DSD (and 24/192 PCM). Talk about having foresight! I know Paul and his team have been tackling this exciting project for a while. We all want the sound of vinyl, with the convenience of digital. This product definitely bridges the gap...exciting!
 
Mike said:
Doug - there are many people in the two audiophile clubs I belong to who have been talking about a product like this for a long time. I'm going to buy one and lend it out to them to try (or at least some of the sample rips I make). I suspect many will purchase one. I love the fact that it rips to double DSD (and 24/192 PCM). Talk about having foresight! I know Paul and his team have been tackling this exciting project for a while. We all want the sound of vinyl, with the convenience of digital. This product definitely bridges the gap...exciting!
Click to expand...

Mike, did you end up purchasing one of these?

Mike
 
MikeCh said:
Mike, did you end up purchasing one of these?

Mike
Click to expand...

Hi Mike - not yet - but I'm planning on it. Too much other stuff going on with the system. I need to wait for the dust to settle. My biggest beef is that there is no convenient way to separate out tracks. Lots of stop, start, tagging. PITA.

Mike
 
Mike said:
Hi Mike - not yet - but I'm planning on it. Too much other stuff going on with the system. I need to wait for the dust to settle. My biggest beef is that there is no convenient way to separate out tracks. Lots of stop, start, tagging. PITA.

Mike
Click to expand...

Hi Mike,

Though I like the idea of the all in one unit, I find myself on the fence due to a couple of things.

One: is the phono section of the NPC better than what I'm currently using?
Two: I would still need a high quality DAC (if I understand correct) to output PCM or DSD to anything other than my computer for future streaming/listening away from the computer. So, even with the convenience of the NPC it's only half of the equation.

More research on my part is necessary to find the right combination of parts.

Mike
 
Hi Steve,

I'm still on the fence and still very much confused about what I need/want.

The NPC would allow a nice (and seamless) interface for me to capture LP's in the digital realm direct to a computer, so in that regard it's quite attractive.

I'm also exploring either the Mytek Stereo192-DSD or Benchmark DAC2 HGC as they both incorporate an ADC + DAC but without the phono section like the PS Audio NPC has. With the Mytek or Benchmark, I could then continue to use one of my existing phono preamps and use the DAC built into the Mytek or Benchmark for other digital purposes too.

I don't know, I think I'm more confused than ever on this topic.
 
I think I posted in another thread the Stereophile/Analog Planet review by Michael Fremer and let's just say he was not that impressed with it as a phono stage.
 
cmalak said:
I think I posted in another thread the Stereophile/Analog Planet review by Michael Fremer and let's just say he was not that impressed with it as a phono stage.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up Cyril! Off to find that review now.
 
Sorry...should have posted it. Of course if you can demo it in your system from a local dealer, that's the best way to go as you can formulate your own opinion.
 
cmalak said:
Sorry...should have posted it. Of course if you can demo it in your system from a local dealer, that's the best way to go as you can formulate your own opinion.
Click to expand...

Agreed about the proper way to listen....an in home demo. However, therein lies the challenge. No dealers around here that I'm aware.

At the end of the day, I think I'd be better off sticking with either of my existing phono stages or purchasing a new/separate phono stage if needed (thinking ultimate flexibility here) and just going with a dedicated ADC + DAC such as the Benchmark or Mytek if the ripping of vinyl comes to fruition.
 
MikeCh said:
and just going with a dedicated ADC + DAC such as the Benchmark or Mytek if the ripping of vinyl comes to fruition.
Click to expand...

Mike...I believe Mikey Fremer uses the Ayre QA-9 for his reference ADC (Ayre Acoustics 9 Series) in case you want to check that one out and compare it to the Benchmark and Mytek units. If you want to go with a more value oriented multifunction piece (Headphone amp, DAC, and ADC), there is the ADL Esprit: ADL GT40 | USBDAC | Products | ADL

Hope this helps.
 
cmalak said:
Mike...I believe Mikey Fremer uses the Ayre QA-9 for his reference ADC (Ayre Acoustics 9 Series) in case you want to check that one out and compare it to the Benchmark and Mytek units. If you want to go with a more value oriented multifunction piece (Headphone amp, DAC, and ADC), there is the ADL Esprit: ADL GT40 | USBDAC | Products | ADL

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Thanks again Cyril. Due to recent budget constraints, I think I'm going to remain focused on my cartridge upgrade first. Between now and the cart upgrade there should be time for me to study this analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog thing a lot more.
 
Mike...sounds like a plan. What cart are you getting and what will it be replacing? Thx
 
Ortofon Cadenza Blue or Bronze...leaning toward the Bronze, replacing a Dynavector 20X2H currently in use.
 
MikeCh said:
Ortofon Cadenza Blue or Bronze...leaning toward the Bronze, replacing a Dynavector 20X2H currently in use.
Click to expand...
I run the Cadenza Bronze and love it so I may be biased, but the sound of these two cartridges differs more than you might think. The Bronze has a hint of warmth to it along with the superbly smooth tracking Replicant 100 stylus, while the Blue with its ruby cantilever and FG70 stylus profile is exceptionally detailed with an emphasis on speed. So I'd say which one you choose should be based upon the direction you'd like to take your system.
 
You guys are killing me...

Please allow me to express an opinion without disparaging PS Audio. But in my humble opinion this is the biggest piece of snake oil I have ever seen. And $1895 solution where an under $100 solution will match it...There is nothing, nothing at all this offers different. Just a fancy box.

I urge you, talk to me before you waste money...at the least..if you can piss away $1895 that easy, then piss away another $100 and try mine also ..side by side...and hope there is a good return program for the PS Audio...serious

I have reviewed this, it offers nothing different, no enhanced, cleaner, better capture ability. The only thing it requires is that you do have a good soundcard for the analog system to pass through into the capture software,

Anyone interested ?
 
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