Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2
Toolfan66
Posts: 18,183
My new and first stand alone DAC is in the house..
I won't get any time with it till the weekend but that will give me some time to read up on it more before hand. I will say the build quality is great,and packaged to withstand the hands of UPS!!! without having my ears on it yet as it stands the only weak point if one really wanted to pick one would be the remote very cheap IMO but I doubt I will use it much after I get it all set up..
I almost went with the Benchmark, I got to see them at the audio show last year and from what I got to hear they sounded good, and the build quality from the outside looked great but I read mixed reveiws about it, then Mike (FACE) changed my path for my first DAC with the W4S. so when I get her up and going I will post my thoughts on it..
Till then CHEERS!!!!!
I won't get any time with it till the weekend but that will give me some time to read up on it more before hand. I will say the build quality is great,and packaged to withstand the hands of UPS!!! without having my ears on it yet as it stands the only weak point if one really wanted to pick one would be the remote very cheap IMO but I doubt I will use it much after I get it all set up..I almost went with the Benchmark, I got to see them at the audio show last year and from what I got to hear they sounded good, and the build quality from the outside looked great but I read mixed reveiws about it, then Mike (FACE) changed my path for my first DAC with the W4S. so when I get her up and going I will post my thoughts on it..
Till then CHEERS!!!!!
Post edited by Toolfan66 on
Comments
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go W4S!2-Channel - So far...
Pre: Dodd ELP
DAC: W4S-Dac2
Source(s): Computer and Denon 2910
Amp: Parasound HCA-1200II
Speakers: LSi9s - Vr3 Fortress Mod -
You have more restraint than I have... I'd be knocking off work early and keeping the family up late. :biggrin: Congrats on the purchase... those things look awesome!
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On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »You have more restraint than I have... I'd be knocking off work early and keeping the family up late. :biggrin: Congrats on the purchase... those things look awesome!
Likewise!
I can't wait for the review! I've heard a lot about this DAC, good things of course. -
Can't wait for the review. Very nice new toy.Living Room Rig:D
Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
Xbox360/PS3/WII
M.Br. setup:)
Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
Computer Rig:
Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's -
TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »My new and first stand alone DAC is in the house.. I won't get any time with it till the weekend but that will give me some time to read up on it more before hand. I will say the build quality is great,and packaged to withstand the hands of UPS!!! without having my ears on it yet as it stands the only weak point if one really wanted to pick one would be the remote very cheap IMO but I doubt I will use it much after I get it all set up..
I almost went with the Benchmark, I got to see them at the audio show last year and from what I got to hear they sounded good, and the build quality from the outside looked great but I read mixed reveiws about it, then Mike (FACE) changed my path for my first DAC with the W4S. so when I get her up and going I will post my thoughts on it..
Till then CHEERS!!!!!
Wonder if you sent the oppo back and got this intead -
Oh my,in my Jack Benny Voice.....You will need at least 500hrs of burn in/break in time, before you give it, any serious review,right guys?
PolkAudioClyde -
mine took about 200 or so2-Channel - So far...
Pre: Dodd ELP
DAC: W4S-Dac2
Source(s): Computer and Denon 2910
Amp: Parasound HCA-1200II
Speakers: LSi9s - Vr3 Fortress Mod -
TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »My new and first stand alone DAC is in the house.. I won't get any time with it till the weekend but that will give me some time to read up on it more before hand. I will say the build quality is great,and packaged to withstand the hands of UPS!!! without having my ears on it yet as it stands the only weak point if one really wanted to pick one would be the remote very cheap IMO but I doubt I will use it much after I get it all set up..
I almost went with the Benchmark, I got to see them at the audio show last year and from what I got to hear they sounded good, and the build quality from the outside looked great but I read mixed reveiws about it, then Mike (FACE) changed my path for my first DAC with the W4S. so when I get her up and going I will post my thoughts on it..
Till then CHEERS!!!!!
I joined the W4S DAC-2 club, too. Mine will arrive early next week, can't wait :biggrin:Gears shared to both living room & bedroom:
Integra DHC-80.3 / Oppo BDP-105 / DirecTV HR24 DVR /APC S15blk PC-UPS
Living room:
LSiM707's / LSiM706c / LSiM702 F/X's / dual JL Audio Fathom F113's / Parasound Halo A51 / Panasonic 65" TC-P65VT50
Bedroom:
Usher Dancer Mini 2 Diamond DMD's / Logitech SB Touch / W4S STP-SE / W4S DAC-2 / W4S ST-1000 / Samsung 52" LN52B750
Other rooms:
Audioengine AP4's / GLOW Audio Sub One / audio-gd NFB-3 DAC / Audioengine N22
audio-gd NFB-10.2 / Denon AH-D7000 -
I've had it for a number of months now, it's fantastic - I also use it as a preamp. It has a few hiccups with the addition or removal of other USB devices while using it as a soundcard via USB, and maybe some other software side glitches, but is a fantastic device. Enjoy it! Great choiceCurrent System:
Paradigm Signature S2 v2
Conrad Johnson MF2500
Wyred4Sound DAC2
Audioquest Black Mamba II
For Sale:
3x Wilson Cub's
Conrad Johnson MF2500 -
I have read that people sometimes have some software issues with it.. but I haven't a single issue the last few months I've had it.. Just plugged my netbook into it and its be perfect every since.. 5+ hours a day
I never disconnect or add any other devices though.. just leave my netbook attached
Jason2-Channel - So far...
Pre: Dodd ELP
DAC: W4S-Dac2
Source(s): Computer and Denon 2910
Amp: Parasound HCA-1200II
Speakers: LSi9s - Vr3 Fortress Mod -
Congratulations!
Looking forward to more reviews and opinions on this unit.
I have been running a W4S DAC-2 in my system for a while now. I've been very happy with it. -
I have read that people sometimes have some software issues with it.. but I haven't a single issue the last few months I've had it.. Just plugged my netbook into it and its be perfect every since.. 5+ hours a day
I never disconnect or add any other devices though.. just leave my netbook attached
Jason
I run it on XP, and do run games and music simultaneously, so I think it might have to do with how the software (since it doesn't go through a sound card) combines those streams before sending them via USB to the DAC. I doubt I would have any issue at all if I ran it from a soundcard with a digital output, but I prefer to use USBCurrent System:
Paradigm Signature S2 v2
Conrad Johnson MF2500
Wyred4Sound DAC2
Audioquest Black Mamba II
For Sale:
3x Wilson Cub's
Conrad Johnson MF2500 -
I've had it for a number of months now, it's fantastic - I also use it as a preamp.
That's exactly what I'm going to use it for.
For my computer (Squeezebox server) which is in my little office, I already got a Kingwa NFB-3 DAC.
The W4S DAC-2 is going to be dedicated for my bedroom set and won't need any computer connection. It will be paired with my Logitech Touch via digital coax for music streaming, with my Oppo BDP-95 via analog RCA for Bluray/SACD/CD play, and with my DirecTV DVR via optical for sattelite sound. It will be connected directly to the Emo XPA-2 amp (although I'm thinking about trying a matching W4S stereo amp soon, too :biggrin:). Well, at least that's my current intention. With this setup, I won't need to use my Denon AVR-4810ci in the bedroom via Zone2 connection anymore.Gears shared to both living room & bedroom:
Integra DHC-80.3 / Oppo BDP-105 / DirecTV HR24 DVR /APC S15blk PC-UPS
Living room:
LSiM707's / LSiM706c / LSiM702 F/X's / dual JL Audio Fathom F113's / Parasound Halo A51 / Panasonic 65" TC-P65VT50
Bedroom:
Usher Dancer Mini 2 Diamond DMD's / Logitech SB Touch / W4S STP-SE / W4S DAC-2 / W4S ST-1000 / Samsung 52" LN52B750
Other rooms:
Audioengine AP4's / GLOW Audio Sub One / audio-gd NFB-3 DAC / Audioengine N22
audio-gd NFB-10.2 / Denon AH-D7000 -
Mine is connected via USB for 2 channel, surround sound and gaming is connected to my receiver via the HDMI out on my video card, never had an issue in Win7x64.I run it on XP, and do run games and music simultaneously, so I think it might have to do with how the software (since it doesn't go through a sound card) combines those streams before sending them via USB to the DAC. I doubt I would have any issue at all if I ran it from a soundcard with a digital output, but I prefer to use USB"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche -
congrats! Hope you enjoy the unit and also let us know how you plan on using it. USB or from a CDP into it etc.
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pics man, pics...Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »My new and first stand alone DAC is in the house..
Congrats! I've had one for quite a while and I'm very happy with it. It will be in my system for a long time. As others have mentioned, the software can be a tad annoying at first, but it's pretty minor. I've put my DAC2 head to head with the Perfectwave DAC and the only difference I could detect was a slightly wider soundstage with the Perfectwave. Looking forward to hearing your impressions. -
TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »My new and first stand alone DAC is in the house.. I won't get any time with it till the weekend but that will give me some time to read up on it more before hand. I will say the build quality is great,and packaged to withstand the hands of UPS!!! without having my ears on it yet as it stands the only weak point if one really wanted to pick one would be the remote very cheap IMO but I doubt I will use it much after I get it all set up..
I almost went with the Benchmark, I got to see them at the audio show last year and from what I got to hear they sounded good, and the build quality from the outside looked great but I read mixed reveiws about it, then Mike (FACE) changed my path for my first DAC with the W4S. so when I get her up and going I will post my thoughts on it..
Till then CHEERS!!!!!
Has anyone done a direct comparison of this unit vs. the Benchmark? Very curious to hear thoughts.Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance. -
One question: can it be controlled by a Logitech Harmony? If yes, does it involve manual addition?Gears shared to both living room & bedroom:
Integra DHC-80.3 / Oppo BDP-105 / DirecTV HR24 DVR /APC S15blk PC-UPS
Living room:
LSiM707's / LSiM706c / LSiM702 F/X's / dual JL Audio Fathom F113's / Parasound Halo A51 / Panasonic 65" TC-P65VT50
Bedroom:
Usher Dancer Mini 2 Diamond DMD's / Logitech SB Touch / W4S STP-SE / W4S DAC-2 / W4S ST-1000 / Samsung 52" LN52B750
Other rooms:
Audioengine AP4's / GLOW Audio Sub One / audio-gd NFB-3 DAC / Audioengine N22
audio-gd NFB-10.2 / Denon AH-D7000 -
Mine works flawlessly using USB and W2K7. J River is the way to go on Windows for a media player. You'll want the full version to get the kernal streaming mode.
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One question: can it be controlled by a Logitech Harmony? If yes, does it involve manual addition?
Yes, and possibly. Same code set as Wyred STP so you may find that in the database. I can't use the remote for my DAC-2 because I also have the Wyred STP-SE. -
My plan is to use it USB from my laptop, and Coaxial from my CDP for now. I will post some pics later tonight if I get the chance.
I would like to know how the Wyred STP-SE holds up to the Adcom GFP-750!!!!! I love my pre amp but that STP-SE looks very nice!!! -
I have never heard the Adcom but I like the guts of the Wyred better. :biggrin:
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Got her up and running!!! sounds good so far, hearing my videos on my system was awesome..
will report back later... -
I should have purchased a DAC a long time ago!!!! This thing is awesome!!!!
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It's one of the more impressive DACS that I've heard in awhile. I'd put it above the Bryston easily as I've owned one of those as well.
Mike(Face) is also who turned me onto the brand during the last Polkfest.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
Thanks Mark.
That answers one question I had from that gathering. I thought Mike's DAC might've been the one referred to in Larry's thread...
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
It's one of the more impressive DACS that I've heard in awhile. I'd put it above the Bryston easily as I've owned one of those as well.
Mike(Face) is also who turned me onto the brand during the last Polkfest.
What about the Benchmark?? If I remember correctly your not a fan of them. The W4S is fun to play with, I love the volume control and that it can be used as a pre, not that I have tried that yet but still a cool feature. I only have about 20 hours of play time on it but it sounds great, I still have my 1C's in my rig and I'm loving it. I have been debating on leaving them there for a while and just put my 1.2tl's away. I really like what I'm hearing using my laptop. I still have a few things I want to mess with and spend a few more hours with it but I can see where and why the CD is slowly going away for the most part.. -
Yeah, I've owned one of those as well TFL....and I'm not a fan despite some vague love on this website. Steveinaz is a big Benchmark fan and I respect his position and listening ability but haven't experienced the same love for that product. The W4S product is one of the better DACS(+) I've heard in the last year based on all the options it gave me, let alone a solid design. For me?! That's pretty big from a personal standpoint.
However, it doesn't mean I will even keep it in my rig since I like to move stuff around regardless of the influence....or as awesome as it does sound to me at the time.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
I have a Benchmark. It's the second one I've owned. The first was one of the original DAC 1's. I liked it, didn't love it, but also hadn't built up much of a supporting system around it. Sold that quite a while back, but have now gone back to the Dac-1 Pre. The research I did was very critical of the opamps in the original unit, one of the reasons many modded it. The later units have much better opamps, and have been much more favorably reviewed.
The Benchmark is incredibly neutral and transparent, tipping to the analytical scale. Remember, first and foremost this is supposed to be a studio piece. The sound you'll get from it, naturally, is very much dependent on what you do with the output. Many Benchmark owners prefer the neutrality, speed, and clarity of it, but then make it much more musical with the preamp/amp/speaker combo. I've read several people being overwhelmingly happy with it matched in with a tube pre, and that's exactly what I'm about to embark on. It won't be my first tube pre, but it should be my last. More to come on that one...Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
