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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 2 responses by rhanson739

rhanson739
269 posts
 
Cal3716 - The standard question at this point is, "Did you let your Directstream break in fully. I mean, REALLY fully?"

Once my DS was properly broken in, it was an easy decision to send back the PWDII for trade-in. But, it took a minimum of 500 hours.
rhanson739
269 posts
 
There you go again, Coli/ilok, evangelizing your contempt for both the Directstream, and bordering on slander of PS Audio in other forums.

Tell me, does your current system play more than one note?

This sort of statement is all I've ever seen you write.

Most people, when faced with the realization that they might have chosen poorly, accept their losses and move on to the next thing. Not you, though. You continue to bash.

In a sense, you are perpetuating your own "suffering" by continually focusing on YOUR bad decisions. Let it go. Relax. Breathe.
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