NuWave DSD vs NuWave
The NuWave's signal-to-noise is 80 dB against the NuWave DSD's 100 dB and its thd 0.010% against 0.020%. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
NuWave DSD
PS AudioDigitalDACsDiscontinued
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$535
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the NuWave DSD
The PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC, launched around 2015, brings accessible high-end performance with DSD64/128 support via USB and I2S, PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz (USB/I2S up to 352.8kHz per some sources), and proprietary CPLD for jitter reduction and reclocking. Voiced by Paul McGowan to emulate DirectStream character, it uses ESS ES9010K2M Sabre chip (SNR up to 116dB, THD+N -106dB claimed), passive analog filtering, and a hefty toroidal transformer power supply in a 20-pound aluminum/steel chassis made in Boulder, CO. Inputs include coaxial S/PDIF, TOSLINK (up to 96kHz), USB (async), and I2S (HDMI). DSD via DoP only due to copyright limits. Now discontinued, replaced by Stellar Gain DAC, with strong used market presence.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 24-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 192 kHz
- DSD Support
- DSD128
- MQA Support
- No
- DAC Chip
- ESS ES9010K2M Sabre Hyperstream
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- THD
- 0.020%
- SNR
- 100 dB
- Output Voltage
- 5.4V RMS
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Inputs
- USB, Coaxial, Optical, I2S
- Digital Outputs
- Balanced XLR, Single-ended RCA
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 356 × 61 × 211 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 9.07 kg (20 lbs)
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions