PS Audio Discussion Forum

I understand that to use an Itunes library the PWD wlll work like any other USB Dac.

For a wireless set will the Bridge Card be available with the current units or will need to interface with something like Logtech Transporter that will read an iTunes music library?

I am pretty sure the Network Bridge is going to be wireless, is the correct?

Thanks for reading—- Jim

We’d sure like it to be - but that has yet to be decided.  The issues will be if we can make it wireless without affecting the sound quality.  If we can - it’s wireless.  If we cannot, it’s not.  If no is the answer, then we will figure out a recommended way to make it wireless externally.

Currently I am using a wireless network with my Mac Power Book G4 &  Apple Air Port. This configuration utilizes an optical to coaxial “switch” that plugs into one of the digital inputs of a Theta DS Pro (Gen V). Sonically it sounds ok,  but as you can imagine there is room for improvement. 

This configuration is convenient, but I will switch to a hard wired configuration when I receive my PWT & PWD (You’ll pleased to learn, I ordered yesterday based on your recommendation Paul!).

Would you care to offer advise on how I can enhance the quality?

PS If you haven’t done so already, you should publish a “how to” piece on your web site describing how to set up a computer to
the PWD with the PWT connected at the same time.

I would like to borrow the topic and ask about the function of the SD card slot next to the expansion slot. Can I use it to play music stored on the SD card? Thanks.

Paul McGowan - 03 July 2009 07:41 AM

We’d sure like it to be - but that has yet to be decided.  The issues will be if we can make it wireless without affecting the sound quality.  If we can - it’s wireless.  If we cannot, it’s not.  If no is the answer, then we will figure out a recommended way to make it wireless externally.

My vote is Ethernet only. If we want wireless we can use a bridge. Many may have one already. For example my Direct TV, Elite Plasma, Blue Ray are all connected to a bridge. Of course test will tell but my guess is the addition of wireless would needlessly complicate things. A 1g Ethernet though would be real cool if possible.

I also vote for ethernet 1G. My media closet already has CAT 6 ethernet run into it for other devices and I still have room on my switch for the bridge when available.

Ed

James Panek - 03 July 2009 08:38 AM

Currently I am using a wireless network with my Mac Power Book G4 &  Apple Air Port. This configuration utilizes an optical to coaxial “switch” that plugs into one of the digital inputs of a Theta DS Pro (Gen V). Sonically it sounds ok,  but as you can imagine there is room for improvement. 

This configuration is convenient, but I will switch to a hard wired configuration when I receive my PWT & PWD (You’ll pleased to learn, I ordered yesterday based on your recommendation Paul!).

Would you care to offer advise on how I can enhance the quality?

PS If you haven’t done so already, you should publish a “how to” piece on your web site describing how to set up a computer to
the PWD with the PWT connected at the same time.

Great that you ordered a pair!  I think you’re going to be ecstatic and I am anxious to hear what you think.  Indeed, we should publish a piece on how to connect to a computer.  I don’t want to sound flippant, but the USB is not a great way to go - and so the best way to improve the connection between a computer and your DAC is not to have one.    Now, I understand if the music’s on the computer and if the Bridge is not available yet, then there’s little choice but to connect via USB.  I am just not a an.

Having said that, I can tell you that the USB we use is a direct 96kHz/24 bit input converted right to I2S and so - unless you use a Lens (which we don’t have either) then there’s not much you can more than this to improve it.

The Digital lens is still being worked on and, when it’s done, it’ll include a USB input that strips everything off of it, runs it through the Lens and then rebuilds it as perfect for sending to your new PWD.  This will be the best way to go in the end.

Thanks for your reply Paul:

Can you please tell me how the Bridge will work with a computer/server? I am confused
on how that system would be configured.

Sure.  The Bridge (which is internal to the PWD as an add-on card) is a DLNA compatible device that will automatically go out and find any other DLNA compatible device on your network, identify itself and make whatever services are available accessible to the PWD.  For example, if you have a DLNA compatible NAS on the network, the Bridge will discover it and make it available to you.

The front panel of the PWD (the touch screen) will be reconfigured when you add the Bridge so that you can use the front panel and remote to scroll through your library, see cover art, tune in internet radio stations etc.

We are also working in parallel on a remote for the Bridge that may be an iPod Touch app or it may take the form of an entire new hardware piece that allows you to do all this remotely.  I can’t promise that the remote I just mentioned will; come out at the same time as the Bridge because I just don’t know.  But when the Bridge ships, it’ll be automatic as to how it accesses your data.

Paul

Will there be a similar bridge add on for the transport so that we can rip the CD’s to be stored on a NAS or computer?

So today I received and hooked up the PWT (still waiting for the PWD) to my Theta Pro DS and am listening to some
remastered stuff. However, when the CD begins to play, I here a slight pop through the speakers just before the music begins.

Would you have ant thoughts on this small but real matter?

Is ithis nherent to the older Theta DAC? It did not happen with the Theta transport.

Let me know what you think.

Does it happen every time and on every track?  I haven’t heard of that before.  I have never tried it with a Theta - so my guess is that there’s some type of interaction going on.  Does the lock light on the Theta stay lit all the time or blink when this happens?

The lock light on the Theta stays lit and the small, but audible pop can be herd when ever you stop and restart a new track—- I can’t tell wether it makes a pop when starting and stopping in the middle of a track (song)

FYI: Paul I just sent a Theta DS Pro Gen Va back as trade in if you guys want to test with the PWT. I never had it hooked up to my PWT though. Should be there Tuesday.

Kim:

Thanks for the heads up!

Jim

Thanks!  We’ll try it.