Anyone using a W4S Dac 2 ?

thsmith

Looking for feedback on this DAC. Likes, dislikes, wished you had bought something else? Ideally are using USB IF.

punk-roc

There's a bunch of us that are using the W4S Dac-2 now I think. Face being the most eloquent of us I think. There are a number of random threads, I'll try and track down the few I started here in a bit.

I really like mine, I only compared it to my old Peachtree Nova DAC, but thought the DAC-2 was superior. I'll have to find my thread so I don't mis-represent what over people and I thought

Jason

heiney9

Did you search, I only ask because this subject has been debated a lot in the past 6 months. Lots of DAC threads and they all seem to mention this DAC.

H9

punk-roc

Here's my thread, this should get you started..

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?118320-Comparing-the-Peachtree-Nova-to-the-W4S-Dac-2-eek

punk-roc

here's another big W4S DAC2 specific thread

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?119269-Wyred-4-Sound-DAC-2&highlight=wyred+dac

thsmith

Thanks Punk- roc!

I have searched and read many of the post on W4S but are a bit dated now and thought there may be more info since some people have 6+ months under their belt with this DAC.

Face

Still have it, like it, and am glad I didn't buy something else. Asynch USB works without a hitch.

thsmith

Thanks Face, ordered a new MAc Mini this weekend and real close to pulling the trigger on the DAC 2. Seems they hold their value as resell is close to MSRP and sell quickly.

punk-roc

I love my DAC-2.. I still feel the same as I did when I got it broken in (and still loved it right out of the box). Not sure it's ever leaving my system..

Jason

thsmith

Pulled the trigger today. I had a PS Audio DL III and from everything I have read the DAC 2 is a big step up.

leroyjr1

Do you know if there's a difference in SQ between the 1 and 2? Thinking about getting one to go along with the Squeezebox touch.

Toolfan66

Love It!!! This is my first and only stand alone DAC so I can't give you much except it works wonderful and I have no desire to look at anything else right now..

thsmith

Toolfan66 wrote: »

Love It!!! This is my first and only stand alone DAC so I can't give you much except it works wonderful and I have no desire to look at anything else right now..

That's a great place to be. The weakest link will be me setting up the Mac mini.

thsmith

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Do you know if there's a difference in SQ between the 1 and 2? Thinking about getting one to go along with the Squeezebox touch.

Not first hand but there are some cap differences and have read they sound a lot alike.

punk-roc

Choosing the DAC-2 over the DAC-1 is due mostly for the asych USB input (which the DAC1 lacks if i remember correctly). If you are using other inputs the DAC1 might be preferable. Its in one of the DAC2 threads. Again, it was Face that described it the best

Jason

SCompRacer

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Do you know if there's a difference in SQ between the 1 and 2?

This page covers the main hardware/feature differences...

http://www.wyred4sound.com/webapps/i/74030/212814/333112

I have seen a B-stock DAC-1 sold by Wyred with the Low ESR super-caps. IIRC that was or still is an upgrade option.

EDIT: Yup, here you go.... Note that this is not an active page off the Wyred site; it was found with a previous web search. If you are interested in B-stock, they will put your name on a list.

http://www.wyred4sound.com/webapps/p/74030/117839/578791

leroyjr1

Looks like the dac2 fits the bill for me.


Thanks

thsmith

A Black DAC 2 showed on Audiogon yesterday and lasted 15 minutes.

thsmith

New listing

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1327726285&/Wyred-4-Sound-Dac-2-24/192-asynch-USB

dhart86

Got the Dac 2 a couple months ago. Lovin every minute of it!!!!! the other difference between the Dac1 and Dac2, [beside the asych USB] is the DAC2 can serve Pre-amp function. This Dac is a beast! Search Face's previous thread

PolkClyde

punk-roc wrote: »

I love my DAC-2.. I still feel the same as I did when I got it broken in (and still loved it right out of the box). Not sure it's ever leaving my system..

Jason

You feel the same as I do about my Audio Alchemy DAC and DIT PRO. Not going to leave my system until I find a better replacement down the road.

nspindel

The DAC-2 is fantastic. Replaced a Benchmark DAC-1 Pre with it, haven't looked back once. Much more musical than the Benchmark. Didn't really understand what that meant until I compared them. I read in a comparison of the two someplace that when you listen to the Benchmark, you're listening to a recording, but when you listen to the Wyred, you're listening to a performance. It's a fantastic piece, you certainly won't regret owning it.