Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2

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  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited May 2011
    interesting.. I may have to give the STP-SE a listen..
    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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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited May 2011
    God I hate this place sometimes......

    I just ordered a W4S DAC2. Time to test it against the Benchmark DAC1 Pre. One of 'em is getting sold.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2011
    It's really going to come down to personal preference. Some people like total neutrality, some like a little flavor---some like a lot of flavor.

    My Benchmark adds a little punch when in preamp mode; but being that my speakers are warm natured, I prefer the lean to neutrality the Placette provides. These things are all very subtle, and none of them objectionable. I actually went with the Placette because I didn't want to mess up the synergy I had going, but wanted remote capability---it worked out very well.
    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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  • olilugo
    olilugo Posts: 405
    edited May 2011
    Quick question for the benchmark/wyred 4/peachtree owners, do these unit have volume control? if so is the volume control for the headphones only? meaning if I don't have headphones connected to the unit the volume will be at max level, and I need to add a volume control down the line (like a pre-amp/avr).
    Current HT setup
    Mains: B&W 804s
    Center: Polk CSi5
    Surround: Polk FXi3
    Sub: Velodyne DLS-3750R
    Receiver: Pioneer SC-07
    Amplifier: Sunfire TGA5200
    TV: Sony KDS60A2020
    DBP: Sony DBP-S350
    CDP: Pioneer DV-48AV
    Interconnect cables: SignalCable analog II
    speaker cables: SignalCable Ultra Speaker Cables Bi-wire
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  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited May 2011
    I had the Peachtree Nova and now have the W4S Dac-2; both have volume control and can be used a preamp, so you dont need anything else to control the volume
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited May 2011
    On the Benchmarks (all models), there is a switch in the back that changes the output from volume controlled (preamp mode) to line level output (DAC only mode). The options can be changed internally via strap settings (see the manual), but the left headphone jack (by default) mutes the output, the right jack doesn't. Of course you could just turn your amp off as well.

    When the BM is in DAC only mode (line level) the volume control only controls the headphone jack output. It has no effect on the output level of the DAC.

    The Benchmark "HDR" adds remote control.
    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
    My W4S DAC2 arrives on Wednesday, June 1, then let the break-in begin....
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • DMara
    DMara Posts: 1,434
    edited May 2011
    nspindel wrote: »
    My W4S DAC2 arrives on Wednesday, June 1, then let the break-in begin....

    Congrats, make sure you share your opinion with us :smile:
    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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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited May 2011
    I wish I had a dac2 you lucky ****

    Is the sound quality way better in the dac 2 to justify the 50% price hike over the dac1 ?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2011
    polkfarmboy wrote: »
    I wish I had a dac2 you lucky ****

    Is the sound quality way better in the dac 2 to justify the 50% price hike over the dac1 ?
    The two units sound almost identical, you're paying 50% more for the additional features(HT Bypass, Asynchronous USB, etc...).

    http://www.wyred4sound.com/webapps/site/74030/117839/shopping/shopping-plusB.html?find_groupid=18157
    "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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  • JimAckley
    JimAckley Posts: 1,138
    edited May 2011
    After I get my 703s, I'm definitely getting one of the W4S DACs
    - Computer Rig -
    YAΘIN MS-20L, polkaudio RT5

    - Main Rig -
    Pioneer SC-37, Overnight Sensations, Samsung 52" LCD

    - Currently In Progress -
    Curt Campbell's Uluwatu LCR, LMS Ultra Gjallarhorn, JBL W15GTi stereo subs, 2.1 entertainment system for the gf
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  • DMara
    DMara Posts: 1,434
    edited May 2011
    Face wrote: »
    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.


    Face, I've just landed a ST-1000 via the Gon for a great deal, a deal I can't pass :biggrin: Can't wait to pair it with the DAC-2 :smile:
    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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  • drselect
    drselect Posts: 664
    edited May 2011
    Dmara, how does the W4S DAC2 stack up against the NFB-3?
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited May 2011
    drselect wrote: »
    Dmara, how does the W4S DAC2 stack up against the NFB-3?

    I'm interested in hearing about this as well :)
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  • DMara
    DMara Posts: 1,434
    edited May 2011
    Right now it's not fair to reply to you guys since they're in separate setup, being paired with completely different gears.

    Per your requests, I'll remove the NFB-3 from my office this weekend to do an A/B test against the DAC-2 in my 2-channel setup. I'll report back after the holiday :smile:
    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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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited May 2011
    DMara wrote: »
    Right now it's not fair to reply to you guys since they're in separate setup, being paired with completely different gears.

    Per your requests, I'll remove the NFB-3 from my office this weekend to do an A/B test against the DAC-2 in my 2-channel setup. I'll report back after the holiday :smile:

    Awesome, I'm really looking forward to hearing the differences.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 18,183
    edited May 2011
    That would be awesome DMara!! I am really enjoying my W4S DAC it is one of those purchases that you don't regret. I have about 300 hours on it now and it sounds fantastic. I have said it before but everytime I think my SDA's can't sound better I always get the permagrin..
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 18,183
    edited May 2011
    I also prefer using my DODD pre amp over my Adcom GFP-750 with the W4S
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  • drselect
    drselect Posts: 664
    edited May 2011
    DMara wrote: »
    Right now it's not fair to reply to you guys since they're in separate setup, being paired with completely different gears.

    Per your requests, I'll remove the NFB-3 from my office this weekend to do an A/B test against the DAC-2 in my 2-channel setup. I'll report back after the holiday :smile:

    Thanks. Enjoy the holiday weekend.
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,016
    edited May 2011
    Face wrote: »
    The two units sound almost identical, you're paying 50% more for the additional features(HT Bypass, Asynchronous USB, etc...).

    http://www.wyred4sound.com/webapps/site/74030/117839/shopping/shopping-plusB.html?find_groupid=18157

    also DAC1 only does 24-bit 96kHz while 2 does 24-bit 192kHz

    so if you have hi-res files youll need the 2 to realize them.

    and the ability to use the 2 as a preamp
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2011
    newrival wrote: »
    also DAC1 only does 24-bit 96kHz while 2 does 24-bit 192kHz
    FYI, the DAC-1 will do 24/192 via optical and coax.
    "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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  • dbaldus
    dbaldus Posts: 730
    edited June 2011
    nspindel - any word? Even just a few observations on the Benchmark vs W4S, even if its not fully burned in yet?

    I'm planning to move to another DAC at some point, likely pretty soon if the $1500 W4S DAC2 sounds like it really will be an improvement over the Benchmark, so I'm anxious to hear your thoughts.

    Don't leave us hanging! ;)

    2-channel
    Squeezebox Touch| MSB Analog DAC | Audio Research Ref 40 Anniversary Edition| Pass Labs X350.8 | Wilson Audio Sasha 2

    Home Theater
    Arcam AVR 550 | GoldenEar Triton One | GoldenEar SuperCenter XXL | GoldenEar Aon 3 | JL Audio Fathom F113v2
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  • dbaldus
    dbaldus Posts: 730
    edited June 2011
    nspindel wrote: »
    Has anyone done a direct comparison of this unit vs. the Benchmark? Very curious to hear thoughts.

    Here's a couple of reviews I stumbled upon that mention the original Benchmark DAC1 vs. the W4S units:

    http://www.headphonista.com/wyred4sound-dac-1/

    http://www.soundstage.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=140:wyred-4-sound-dac-2-digital-to-analog-converter&catid=55:full-length-reviews&Itemid=4

    2-channel
    Squeezebox Touch| MSB Analog DAC | Audio Research Ref 40 Anniversary Edition| Pass Labs X350.8 | Wilson Audio Sasha 2

    Home Theater
    Arcam AVR 550 | GoldenEar Triton One | GoldenEar SuperCenter XXL | GoldenEar Aon 3 | JL Audio Fathom F113v2
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  • PrazVT
    PrazVT Posts: 1,607
    edited June 2011
    I've had my W4S DAC-1 for about 2 weeks now. It was a bit harsh for the first week, but it's softened up alot in the last few days. I'd say compared to my DacMagic, there's a noticeable increase in detail and it's definitely more neutral. I swapped in Signal Silver ICs, Magic Power cord, and Ultra wire, and it's been a treat.
    Dali Optikon 1Mk2
    NAD D3020 V2
    Schiit Bifrost 2/64

    ..the rest are headphone setups.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2011
    dbaldus wrote: »
    nspindel - any word? Even just a few observations on the Benchmark vs W4S, even if its not fully burned in yet?

    I'm planning to move to another DAC at some point, likely pretty soon if the $1500 W4S DAC2 sounds like it really will be an improvement over the Benchmark, so I'm anxious to hear your thoughts.

    Don't leave us hanging! ;)

    Ah sorry about that, I left some comments on another thread but forgot to close the loop on this one. Here is the other thread:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120524

    Basically, yes the W4S is the keeper, I will be selling the Benchmark. It's really very close, and quite nitpicky. The sound out of the W4S just feels more cohesive, with sounding very different tonally. Through the Benchmark, it feels like I'm listening to a guitarist, a drummer, a keyboardist, a bass player, and a singer. Through the W4S it feels like I'm listening to a band. Just a slightly different presentation, which I really am fond of.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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