W4S or Rega Dac - Opinions Wanted

Hi Rob

Interesting that our conclusions are different being that we both have Merlin speakers. I use a different amplifier than you, a Berning zh270 wide bandwidth and would think it might reveal more readily any inherent brightness or rolled off characteristic for that matter. I wouldn't call the EE Plus bright by any stretch in the upper frequencies but I wouldn't call it forgiving either. Actually it is in this area where the Plus excels but not any more than the W4S. Having both on hand I would say they are more alike than different in the upper frequencies. It is the overall tonal character and balance that is different and most apparent, fwiw.

"Actually, we liked both of 'em in our little comparison and that made me feel better, and after all, isn't that the important part?"

No Wolf, the important part is what's best, Jordan or Lebron, ARC or Lamm, Mercedes or BMW, Walmart or Target, there just HAS to be a best, period end of discussion! Now about that giant killer of yours, tell us more....

"Also, I’ve have read some descriptions of the w4s dac as being “too analytical” and lacking warmth. I suspect that my w4s amp and tube pre, is providing good amount of warmth."

Hi Bklynnupe, I can't speak of how the W4S might work in your system but if your impressions are that you are getting warmth with your tube pre and amp you certainly won't lose any of that with the Wyred. I haven't heard the Rega so can't comment but own a MHDT Havana an Eastern Electric Minimax Plus and an Oppo 95 in my quest for a good budget digital front end I could live with. The thought on purchase of the Oppo is its upgrade capability, particularly the Modwright tube mods, maybe in the future but for now it is in transport duty which it does quite well and is also great for AB comparisons of the different DACs I've purchased over the past 10 months.

After hearing a friends W4S DAC 1 with the cap upgrade in both my system and his the differences are quite clear. The DAC 1 with the cap upgrade is identical to the DAC 2 minus the remote, phase inversion option, volume option and limited to 24-bit 96kHz Asynchronous on the USB input rather than 192khz on the DAC 2. I recently purchased the DAC 1 with cap upgrade and have been happily listening through the Oppo 95 as transport for the past 2 weeks. I am not at this time into streaming or downloading files as of yet since I have an extended music collection and for now, remain on the sidelines. The W4S is NOT, in my experience any of what could be described as bright or analytical. I find it musically engaging and totally non-fatiguing which is the reason I purchased it having the opportunity to listen to my friend's over an extended period. The best review and what I would say is "spot on" with my listening impressions is Steven Stone's review in TAS. It is very resolving of spacial cues as is the Plus and the Oppo, somewhat less the NOS Havana but tonally it has more in common with the Havana but with more weight and large tonal images, greater detail and frequency extension. Superb dynamics and an ease to the presentation that keeps you relaxed and continually engaged in the music, a natural ebb and flow. To me it is clearly in another league over the aforementioned DACs in virtually all parameters although the NOS Havana, missing some of the detail and tonal density, which it is noted for, would be my clear 2nd choice over the either of the other two. I would definitely consider the cap upgrade for the extra 150.00 or just purchase a DAC 2. Hope this helps you somewhat with your concerns.