I think only Paul (or maybe Chris) could answer this with any certainty.
tony22, I assume you refer to my second paragraph. If so, yes! Probably a pipe dream but this is an unusual situation.
2 Likes
Or, to have the drive (and perhaps some more components) refitted in a PMG chassis.
1 Like
I thought of that a while back, but that would be such a radical “upgrade”, the drive would likely be the only part reused, it would be quite expensive.
PS Audio Heath kit! Who’s in?
1 Like
Let’s first hear Paul’s thoughts on if they think this is somehow feasible.
The circuitry and drive of the last transport we built in the PW series are close to identical to what is currently in the PMG. The reason the PMG sounds so much better has a lot to do with noise, build quality, and execution.
So, if you have a chance to see some of the images of how a PMG is built, you will notice a few things: chief among them is the RF cage that surrounds all the circuitry. Also, you’ll notice the core build of the machined front panel, the way the chassis goes together etc., etc.
When we first launched the PMG transport I was telling people it is pretty close to its predecessor. And that was/is true because the basic guts are the same. As I got to use and know the PMG it became apparent there was a lot more going on than I would have predicted given all of these facts.
In any case, you already have what you’re asking for in the PerfectWave device. It’ll never be as good because it doesn’t have what the PMG has. That said, both are exceptional machines and folks should be proud of their devices, regradless of which they have.
8 Likes
Thanks for that explanation Paul! I’m surprised it’s the new chassis that is the primary improvement and is so noticeable by several forum members. I have certainly heard of chassis design being important, but from my limited experience when a new component is introduced any chassis improvements are one part of a newly designed component. That makes it difficult for the consumer to assess the contribution of the chassis relative to the other improvements. This makes for an excellent case study!
The logical follow on conclusion is the redesigned chassis makes a similar performance improvement for all the other PMG components. That and the significant circuitry changes of the Preamp and DAC helps me understand how you got such a significant performance improvement in both of them. Well done sir!
+1. Personally I think the PST is still an exceptional transport. It’s close to the asymptotic limit of what I think is possible for a mechanical CD/SACD transport. The PMG pushes it just a little closer to that limit, but there isn’t a whole lot of room left at the tip of the curve, IMO. 
3 Likes
Spoken like a true engineer, my friend!
3 Likes
I do like my PST, no doubt about that. Paul’s explanation helps me understand how it can be essentially the same machine but still better yet.
1 Like
Who? Me?
2 Likes
The rest of the family are shopping, and I finished my round of early golf. I am home alone so of course I turned up the volume up to near 90 dbs. The combination of PMG512 and SACD T. produce some of the best music that I have ever heard from my system. The resolution, clarity, silky treble and tight bass from FR30 is just beautiful. SACD has become my favorite way of listening music again.
In the past PST/MK2 produced nice music, but they were at the same level as the streaming from MU2 in my system. But PMGs easily beat PST/MK2, not really close frankly. PMG512 is reaching 200 hours so I may even hear a little better sound later. Fun!
3 Likes
Paul’s comments make me feel a little better about the FOMO I was suffering from after missing the PMG bus. I’ll be living happily with my PST for the foreseeable future. I couldn’t have afforded it anyway, at least not until the IRA distributions kick in, and the whole product landscape may be different by then. Besides, I’m still just thrilled at the performance I’m hearing with the stuff I’ve got.
5 Likes
As you should be, Craig. The PerfectWave SACD Transport is a beautiful instrument (and between us chickens, the one I have at home as well). Yes, PMG is noticeably better, but that doesn’t make the PWT any worse or anything other than proud to be an owner of. Congrats.
5 Likes
If you are using special footers under PMG SACD and 512, do you experience an improvement?
Since day one I put three stack EQ footers on each, and I never tried without them because I assume they would help in reducing vibration noises like they did on other components.
I did try different arrangement and I settle for this:
Two Stack EQ 1 in the front, and one Stack EQ 2 in the back middle. I do that on both 512 and SACD. It seems to sound a bit smoother and more solid this way in my system.
Easy-peasy…remove the Stack and have a listen…Your ears will tell you!
1 Like
Since this is PMG SACD thread, I have absolute zero opinion on PMG512 (oops, can I mention it?).
Put those footers back under SACD transport! Any footer! I am losing dimensions, where is that invisible thick blanket?
Stack EQs are back, I can live again. 
2 Likes
Does power cord improve the sound of a transport too?
I do not know why, but PMG SACD is very reactive to power cord changes. AQ Dragon and SNA Takshaka PCs changed the SQ clearly. But I just put a Crystal Clear Magnum Opus II power cord on it, and it sounded better than both. It sounded better with PST before also. So, this cord will stay with PMG SACD. It is more reasonably cost than my other PCs too. 
2 Likes
Yes, the PMG SACD responds to power cords. I like the Stealth CGLE on mine. Resistance (and the swap-a-thon) is futile.
2 Likes