PS Audio PWD MkII vs W4S DAC2

I use a Bryston BDP-1 as a "transport" --not for CD's but for digitally stored music on HDD or thumb drive, and use the AES/EBU output to my W4S DAC2. Bryston was a gamechanger for me. not a believer in music out of a computer in the conventional sense. Too much going on in that small case.

Will broadcast if I hear any input -- so to speak.

Neal

Thanks, all. PWD II sounds like it is worth a listen (pun intended).

Anonymoustao, I am not sure what review you are referring to. I didn't write anything about as review.

Peace.

Neal

Now I am really confused!

I plan on attending the NY Audio Show at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 2 weeks, and I am sure they will have a full array of DAC's to listen to , although one never kniows which particular component is making the difference.

Neal

6 months on with wider distribution of PWD MK II, any further comparos to share? I am very comfortable with W4S DAC2, especially since I connected it to Bryston BDP-1, but you know how it is . . . . As K D Laing sang, constant craving.

Neal

While on the PWD MKII DAC topic, has anyone loaded the latest firmware (2.4 something)? Before I make the move, interested to hear comments. Yes, it can be reversed, but it is a pain tooling with these things.

Neal

Thanks for your comments. I principally use a Bryston BDP-1 digital player to feed the W4S DAC2 with a Stealth Sexter AES/EBU digicable.. It is a great product. Occassionally use my modded CEC TL-1x with a Kharma RCA digicable. Best transport I have ever heard.

I have read the TAS review, which is what prompted my question. Still not sure whether to try the Mk II.

Neal

I have made the move and there really is no comparison: the PSA PWD MkII, once burned in, is audibly superior in every respect. That said, I enjoyed and respect the W4S DAC2 and could have happily continued to live with it. While it does not have the inner detail, crisp highs, or thunderous bass or soundstaging of the PWD MkII, it had an ineffable organic quality to it that was very pleasing and liveable.

So if you have the coin, the change would be very rewarding; if not, I would not in any way feel audibly deprived.

Neal

Cymbop,

Just saw your question. Yes, more than ever. It has become a permanent part of my audio family. I don't think much about it, which is the highest compliment I can pay a component. Just groove to the sounds.

I don't use USB; only AES/EBU (Stealth Sextet) and PDIF (Kharma Grand Ref). May try USB with Internet radio and Samsung netbook just to hear what it's like.

Good luck.

Neal

Knghifi,

You say that 2.4.3 is best sounding DAC Firmware thus far. Was this immediately apparent or was some "burn in" required. (Not sure how Firmware burns in.) Can you elaborate a bit on the improvements?

I likely will try it but want to have some idea of what to expect.

Thanks.

Neal

Thank you.

Neal