The DAC-1/STP-SE combo will be superior to using the DAC-2 as a DAC/Pre. Not a night and day difference, but it is noticeable. Most notably in bass, dimensionality, and dynamics.
W4S DAC1 & STP-SE vs. W4S DAC2 as digital frontend
With Emerald Physics CS-2.3's (standard Behringer processor) fed by W4S ST-1000 & ST-500, and using as sources a Marantz CD 5004 (for transport only) and 2010 Mach 2 MacMini music server running Pure Music software, is there likely to be a significant difference in, e.g., resolution of detail, transparency, dimensionality, etc. between a front end consisting of (i) the STP-SE and the new DAC1 w/asynch 24/96 USB and upgraded caps vs. (ii) the DAC2 alone? In this setup, will the stand-alone preamp really let the amps sing noticeably more than they would without the preamp?