2. digital
  3. 1298414191

Weiss DAC2 or W4S or PWD or Zodiac + or . . .

I'm currently using a Benchmark DAC1 USB fed from fanless, SSD equipped Windows box on a wired network. Playback software is *cringe* iTunes. Music is on a Netgear Ready NAS NV+ in aiff format (but will probably start re-ripping w/DBPoweramp). I'm also playing around with a Cullen Circuits modified Sonos feeding the Benchmark via S/PDIF. I'm using a Crimson 710 pre into Crimson 640E monobloc amps feeding Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor speakers although I may be upgrading those as well.

If I end up with the Weiss I'll probably get a Mac Mini and run something like Amarra. If I go with the PWD I'll try the Bridge. Otherwise I might stick with the PC and try JRiver or something.

So how around it? One of these or something else?
m3pilot

Showing 2 responses by m3pilot

m3pilot OP
12 posts
 
Thank you all for the comments.

The Cantata looks interesting but a bit pricey. I did have an Opus 21 CD player a couple year ago and wasn't "in love" with it. It seemed a little polite on music that is less so. I was using it direct into my amps at the time so maybe that had something to do with it.
m3pilot OP
12 posts
 
I still haven't decided. Was leaning heavily toward the PWD but interestingly the shop where I auditioned it primarily uses a Sonos ZP90 as the network streamer for demonstration. Apparently many of the employees have Sonos in their personal systems. As I mentioned in my original post I have a Cullen Circuits modified ZP80 that I've been using into my Benchmark as a "temporary solution" in my hifi rig. Since the vast majority of the stuff I listen to isn't available in hi-rez I'm thinking of sticking with the modded Sonos for awhile and if I do that I'm not sure the PWD is the best overall DAC choice.

The guy I got my Sonos from spoke highly of the Redwine Isabellina DAC with his only complaint being that it couldn't do hi-rez which was important to him. I've also been quite intrigued by the Audio Note DAC 3.1/4.1 kits but I REALLY wish I could hear one before buying.

It might be easier if the Bridge were a bit more mature but as of now the Sonos user experience is so nice and not having to deal with fiddly gear is important to me at the moment.
More to discover