Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2

2

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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2011
    The benchmark is a tell-it-like-it-is piece. Excellent recordings sound excellent, but bad recordings are not spared the warts--at all. I wish Benchmark had not dispensed with the AES/EBU digital input on the DAC1/PRE, as that input rendered a real nice analog sound.
    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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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited May 2011
    Yes, I did notice that versus the original Dac1 I had. Not a big deal for me, as my source doesn't have it. What would have been really nice would have been the analog pre inputs being balanced. The tube pre I'm getting is balanced as well. But between, essentially, two balance pre-ams in line, I still only have a single balanced input.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 18,183
    edited May 2011
    I did get to hear the Benchmark but at an audio show and it sounded good, maybe someday I can try one out in my house with my gear...
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  • audio_alan
    audio_alan Posts: 770
    edited May 2011
    Come on man, you're breaking your own rules. Pictures or it didn't happen! :biggrin:

    BTW, you're thinking of putting your 1.2tl's away, Larry? :eek: Did you just lose your mind? :wink:
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 18,183
    edited May 2011
    Here you go Alan,

    Wyred008.jpg
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited May 2011
    Any of you who own this piece live in the NYC area? I would love to do a shootout with this and the Benchmark.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 18,183
    edited May 2011
    audio_alan wrote: »
    Come on man, you're breaking your own rules. Pictures or it didn't happen! :biggrin:

    BTW, you're thinking of putting your 1.2tl's away, Larry? :eek: Did you just lose your mind? :wink:

    Yep I pulled my 1.2tl's these 1C's are sounding sweet, I never really broke them in after I upgraded them so time is now and I'm digging them, depending on what I'm listening to I think these sound tighter then the 1.2's..
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2011
    Very nice, I like the build.
    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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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited May 2011
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Yep I pulled my 1.2tl's these 1C's are sounding sweet, I never really broke them in after I upgraded them so time is now and I'm digging them, depending on what I'm listening to I think these sound tighter then the 1.2's..

    +1 for 1C's. I love mine.

    It breaks my heart knowing that I'll have to let go of them one day, my wife and I are destined for much smaller living quarters once my son is done with high school in a few years. It's good to know that I've already got their eventual replacement, CRS+'s, on my workbench for a round of uber-mods.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 18,183
    edited May 2011
    Funny thing is that the piece of wood that it sits on was once for a 1C but I did not like the results so I went with Oak wood...:cool:
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  • audio_alan
    audio_alan Posts: 770
    edited May 2011
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Yep I pulled my 1.2tl's these 1C's are sounding sweet, I never really broke them in after I upgraded them so time is now and I'm digging them, depending on what I'm listening to I think these sound tighter then the 1.2's..

    Nice! Thanks for the pic, Larry. Very attractive looking unit. What are your impressions after you've been living with it for a little while?

    Yeah, I know what you mean about the 1C's sounding tighter (and mine aren't even modded yet). I still need to get mine setup permanently, but the amp I bought to run them got snagged on a set of SDA-SRS's, and I can't seem to break it free... :wink: :rolleyes:
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited May 2011
    My 1C's sound mint, modded with Sonicaps, Mills, Erse, and RD0194's. Next up are rings, dynamat, and mortite.

    I really want to try this dac head to head with the Benchmark...
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 18,183
    edited May 2011
    I can see this DAC costing me more money then $1500 . I now want a nice monitor and media center, this is going to change the look of my rig, not only do I like having music at the touch of my finger but I also like playing music videos as well.. I have been shopping for a new rack and I'm glad I didn't buy one now that I have a whole different idea in my head. I now want to mount my TT to the wall now as well..

    I wish I had something to compare this DAC to but with this being my first outboard DAC all I can say is this unit was well worth the money and changes everything..
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  • DMara
    DMara Posts: 1,434
    edited May 2011
    This Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 purchase is the best one I made during the last 2 years!!! 2-channel audio improvement was recognized in an instance, as soon as I got it hook up to my 2-channel bedroom set replacing the Denon AVR-4810ci Zone2 option. It helped me to fall in love with my Polk LSi15's even much more, and that's an understatement!!! Clear, smooth output with so much weight and texture added to the music!!! A very welcome addition to my audio gear set!!! I LOVE IT :smile:


    Pic#1 - Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 pulling music from Logitech Squeezebox which was controlled by iPod Touch via iPeng app
    attachment.php?attachmentid=58091&stc=1&d=1306211656


    Pic#2 - Coax1 {Mac 3' Digital-L digital coax from Logitech Squeezebox} --- TOS1 {Monster digital toslink from Oppo BDP-95} --- HT Bypass {Kimber Kable PBJ w/ WBT-0147 connectors from Denon AVR-4810ci} & Balance output {Kimber Kable Hero XLR's to Emotiva XPA-2 amp, even though this amp isn't a true balance amp :biggrin:}
    attachment.php?attachmentid=58092&stc=1&d=1306211656
    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
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2011
    Now you need to replace the Emo with a ST-500 and you'll be set. :biggrin:
    "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
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,997
    edited May 2011
    nspindel wrote: »
    My 1C's sound mint, modded with Sonicaps, Mills, Erse, and RD0194's. Next up are rings, dynamat, and mortite.

    No need for Mortite after installing the rings.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • DMara
    DMara Posts: 1,434
    edited May 2011
    Face wrote: »
    Now you need to replace the Emo with a ST-500 and you'll be set. :biggrin:

    Don't you tempt me anymore, I've been thinking about it :biggrin: My Emo XPA-2 did quite a great job up until now, but I've been yearning for a true balance amp, and the ST-500 has been the one I'm looking hard at. Do you have anything to share about it?
    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
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2011
    DMara wrote: »
    Don't you tempt me anymore, I've been thinking about it :biggrin: My Emo XPA-2 did quite a great job up until now, but I've been yearning for a true balance amp, and the ST-500 has been the one I'm looking hard at. Do you have anything to share about it?
    Yes, I love it. Take the attributes of the DAC-2 and put them in amp form, clear and smooth sound, very dynamic, with excellent bass extension and control. The only downside to some, it's dual mono, so it's not SDA friendly without an isolation transformer.
    "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
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  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited May 2011
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    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'm wonderring the same thing with regard to a stand alone dac and the dacs built into my Anthem pre I just bought. I have been very impressed with the sound in the Anthem.
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


    Pre-Amp: Anthem AVM 20
    Amp: Carver TFM-35
    Amp: Rotel RB-870BX
    Fronts : SDA 1B w/ RDO-194s
    T.V.:Plasma TC-P54G25
    Bluray: Oppo BDP-93
    Speaker Cables: MIT Terminater
    Interconnect Cables:DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1isonic
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 18,183
    edited May 2011
    Getting a stand alone DAC was just as big as when I went from using a receiver as a PRE to a stand alone PRE, it makes that much of a difference.. I remember when I joined and some of the old timers were always talking about a DAC and I was like what the f*@# is a DAC?? LOL!!!
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2011
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    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!!!
    The resale on them is very high, if you pick up one and don't like it you won't lose much.
    "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
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  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited May 2011
    would the Wyred Pre be better than just using the Dac-2 as a pre?

    Jason
    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
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  • Jack A
    Jack A Posts: 77
    edited May 2011
    Why would I need a DAC in my home theater system:confused:
    *HDTV
    *Onkyo TX-SR 608 AVR
    *OppBD-P93 DVD player
    *7.2 All Polk Speakers
    Clarajack
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  • sm88
    sm88 Posts: 353
    edited May 2011
    punk-roc wrote: »
    would the Wyred Pre be better than just using the Dac-2 as a pre?

    Jason

    From my understanding the preamp stage of the DAC2 is very similar if not the same, perhaps someone can confirm this, but it sounds fantastic running straight to my MC352
    Current System:
    Paradigm Signature S2 v2
    Conrad Johnson MF2500
    Wyred4Sound DAC2
    Audioquest Black Mamba II

    For Sale:
    3x Wilson Cub's
    Conrad Johnson MF2500
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  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited May 2011
    that was my thought as well..

    Jason
    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
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2011
    sm88 wrote: »
    From my understanding the preamp stage of the DAC2 is very similar if not the same, perhaps someone can confirm this, but it sounds fantastic running straight to my MC352
    Not at all.

    The preamp stage of the integrated is similar to the STP-SE, but the STP-SE is more refined.

    Don't get me wrong, the preamp function of the DAC-2 is very good, the STI is a little better and the STP-SE is even better.
    "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
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2011
    The question is, are all the additional electronics added in the mix (seperate pre) gonna be a benefit? If the volume controls are of equal quality, and the output stages similar; I'd go direct from the DAC---but that's me. More electronics in the chain is rarely a good thing.
    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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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2011
    steveinaz wrote: »
    The question is, are all the additional electronics added in the mix (seperate pre) gonna be a benefit? If the volume controls are of equal quality, and the output stages similar; I'd go direct from the DAC---but that's me. More electronics in the chain is rarely a good thing.
    After comparing multiple combinations here, DAC-2 direct to amp, DAC-2 into integrated, DAC-2 into dedicated pre, the dedicated pre(STP-SE) came ahead in transparency, dynamics, and spacial info. Keep in mind, not every "upgrade" was a dramatic, they were all subtle. But if you want the best of the best, separate components are the way to go in this case. If the STP-SE wasn't such a wonderful unit, I still would be more than happy with the DAC-2 direct into the ST-500 or STI-500 as it still holds it's own compared to the other two setups.
    "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
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2011
    Sounds like a good setup then. I found the same with using the placette as my linestage--it's volume control/topology is better than the benchmark (when used in preamp mode); giving better transparency, tracking better, and a more linear presentation.
    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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  • sm88
    sm88 Posts: 353
    edited May 2011
    Good to know, i'll have to try it with a preamp! I had thought I had read about a similarity somewhere in the designs, but must have been mistaken. Thoroughly recommend the DAC2 even without a dedicated preamp still, very glad I snagged one
    Current System:
    Paradigm Signature S2 v2
    Conrad Johnson MF2500
    Wyred4Sound DAC2
    Audioquest Black Mamba II

    For Sale:
    3x Wilson Cub's
    Conrad Johnson MF2500
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