W4S or Rega Dac - Opinions Wanted

My friend and I compared the W4S DAC II against the Rega DAC in my system, which is Manley Stingray II tube amp with Merlin TSM-MXr speakers. If you hunt around you can probably find my comments, but we found the top end of the W4S a bit much and the Rega's soundstage was just broader.
My friend still owns the W4S, which he uses in a smaller system. He feels the top end got smoother over many hours and he even preferred it over the EE Minimax Plus, which he then sold. We both did a lot of comparing of DACs and he ended up with a Rega, but also continues to use a more expensive ARC DAC. My key findings are quite simple: Differences between good DACs are very subtle, perhaps to be equated to the differences between good DSLR cameras. I think most people would be shocked to hear how well the Dacmagic compares to those costing much more, and that's one of many examples.

Cheers,

Rob

Tubegroover...hi!

I have not heard that amp, though I have heard good things about it. As specified I'm using the latest version of the Manley Stingray (Type II) with stock tubes.
I also have listened to these DAC's on a friend's system using ARC power with Vandersteen 5a's. The 5a's helped me appreciated how wonderful the far smaller Merlin speakers are, but getting down to the DACs:

After listening to these units I am VERY much in the camp that they sound mostly the same. The differences are very small and only a nut would not be able to become involved in the music with any of them. In fact I'd say that I any experienced audiophile could tune the system appropriately around the DAC and no one could tell. My ultimate preference for the Rega DAC would never have been discovered without insanely detailed and direct comparisons where we STRAINED to hear small differences. So how important is my preference in terms of real-world audio quality?

While I found the Rega superior to the W4S II or EE in soundstage ability I should point out that this was anything close to a big difference and other aspects of the other DACs were compelling.

I'll be upgrading to Merlin VSM's long before I worry about another DAC!

Cheers,

Rob

Anyone who states the W4S DAC1 or DAC2 is bright or analytical has issues elsewhere in their rig.>>>

Face, we tried the W4S II Dac against the Rega DAC and EE Minimax Plus (SS mode) and the W4S sounded brighter and more analytical than either of them, with the EE being the most forgiving at the top end. My system is a pretty huge leap from "bright" sounding. My father, who's 71, doesn't find it bright enough!

Rob