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Perfectwave PWD MKII, Benchmark DAC2, Wyred DAC2

I just obtained a Benchmark DAC2 and am really impressed by the transparency, clean, open kids, and solid bass. I use XLR output (hooked up directly to amp) and had to adjust the attenuator jumper to -20db to match the gain on my amp. In my setup, I rank these three in the following order, based solely on sound quality.

1) Perfectwave PWD MKII - best DAC among the three, does everything well. I specially like the solid bass, buttery smooth midrange, and transparency. I could listen for hours and not get ear fatigue.

2) Benchmark DAC2 - not quite as good a midrange as PWD MKII, but very close. This DAC is very versatile with analog input, excellent headphone jacks, and DSD capability.

3) Wyred DAC2 - warm sounding and detailed, but not as transparent as the other two. I was already happy with this DAC before I obtained the Benchmark. And I may just keep it for my third system. It's still an excellent DAC.
avhifidelity

Showing 3 responses by coli

coli
291 posts
 
I have trialed the Benchmark DAC2, it's... OK. You should try audition Metrum DACs, the difference is huge.

Also, for cheaper options, PCM1794A based DAC should sound better than the Benchmark DAC2, the 6 bit R2R in that DAC is good stuff.
coli
291 posts
 
The Directstream is an incorrect sounding DAC, the more revealing your system, the worse it sounds.

I was so happy when I finally got rid of it. I suffered with it for months....
coli
291 posts
 
Cal3713, yup, the Directstream sounded like it's defective. Looks like you got first hand experience right there. I'm glad you didn't have to take a huge loss on it unlike me.
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