2. digital
  3. 1311207842

W4S DAC2 vs Benchmark DAC1 my observation

The thread "Benchmark dac - why such diverging opinions?" inspired me to sell my Benchmark DAC1-HRD last week and give the Wyred 4 Sound DAC2 a try... short story... I think the Benchmark is a better piece of equipment.... long story you may like the W4S DAC2 better.

I have a good bit of information to write and it will not all fit into this first post. I will post two parts as I go through the process. The first part will be comparing the toslink which is my preferred input and the second part I will get into details on the USB.

Please note I do not have a preamp and both units were used as a stand alone preamp.
james63

Showing 3 responses by cymbop

cymbop
315 posts
 
As another guy who's replaced his Benchmark with a Wyred, I am subscribed and appreciative of your observations. I agree with almost all of them, and I'm still happy I made the switch. :-)
cymbop
315 posts
 
I liked the W4S right off the bat, and I'll keep it for a long time. You're right about everything you observed -- and my ears are just happier to hear the Wyred. I can't handle the truth, obviously, so it's blissful ignorance for this listener!
cymbop
315 posts
 
As a side note, I think a lot of what type of sound you like comes from listening volume. The balance and detail of the Benchmark is great for anything south of 80db but as I push the volume it becomes hard/bright with a hint of midrange glare. Where the W4S is a little dull (less bass slam, highs don’t snap) at low volume and comes to life at the 80db and up levels.

James, another good observation. Remember the Loud button on your 1990s mid-fi receiver? It was intended to to enhance low-volume listening by slightly boosting both the low and high ends of the spectrum. It's clear that the Benchmark excels on ~30 Hz extension as well as the very high end -- and its sonic signature may, in effect, be like a Loud button (relative to the rich-and-meaty mid excellence of the Wyred.)
More to discover