®
Quick Start Guide
Owner’s Reference
NuWave DAC
©2012 PS Audio International Inc. All rights reserved.
Quick Start Guide C
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
15-044-31-1
PH: 720.406.8946 [email protected] www.psaudio.com
Rev C
There are two types of audio outputs on the NWD, balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA).
To use balanced requires a preamp, integrated or Control Amp that has a balanced Input. These
outputs are the preferred method of connection as a balanced XLR type of output allows the lowest
noise connection between NWD and preamp, and allow owners to take advantage of the high
common mode rejection characteristics of balanced. Be sure to use a high quality well shielded and
well regarded interconnect for this critical link.
RCA or unbalanced inputs will be the typical inputs as many preamplifi ers, surround processors,
receivers and integrated amplifi ers have only this standard type of input. Be sure to use a high quality
well shielded and well regarded interconnect for this critical link.
Plug either the RCA
or the XLR outputs
of the NWD into a
line level input on the
preamp, integrated,
Control Amplifi er or
Receiver.
Select the sample
rate you wish. There
are two choices
available on the
front panel: Native
and 192kHz. What
comes out of your
transport, CD player
or computer can be
44.1kHz 16 bit up to
192kHz 24 bits in its native mode. The NWD will use the native sample rate as presented if you select
Native mode. If you select the 192kHz mode, the digital music will be upsampled to a higher sample
rate of 192kHz. Choose which mode you wish by listening and deciding which sounds best on your
system. Our recommendation is Native Mode.
You can select between Native Mode and Upsample mode while the music is playing to compare
the sound. Please note that in Native mode the native sample rate will always be used. In upsample
mode, all sample rates will be upsampled to 192kHz 24 bit.
Once everything has been connected, use a high quality AC cable to power the NWD. DACs in
particular are quite sensitive to AC power and produce a bit of line noise themselves. Make sure you
have a high quality, shielded power cable to power the NWD, such as a PS Audio AC Series cable.
Use Only a High
Quality Shielded
Power Cable
Select Native or
Upsample
Unbalanced
Balanced
