Wyred 4 Sound DAC1 or DAC2?


Hello everyone,

I am faced with this question at this very moment. Which of these two to choose?
I have just sold my Cullen Stage IV PS Audio DL3. I liked the unit a lot and thought I won't be letting it go…
I sounded so "right". I had a Benchmark (the non-USB version) before it and for me, the PS Audio was way better.
The same level of detail, if not more, as the Benchmark, but with a less forward presentation and a way stronger and tighter bass.
The highs of the Benchmark, while not harsh at all, were too much in my face and I couldn't stand that.
Also, the preamp function of the Benchmark was a big let-down. Each time I tried it I returned to my Musical Fidelity A3CR preamp.
By no means the preamp in the Benchmark sounded good to me when compared with the MF.
And this is what makes me so undecided now.
Is the preamp section of the W4S DAC2 better than my MF? Is the digital domain volume control a good and transparent thing?
Are there any differences between DAC1 and DAC2 besides the asynchronous USB and digital volume control?
In short, should I buy the DAC1 and keep my MF preamp or should I buy the DAC2 and go directly into the MF A3CR power amp, and maybe upgrade to a balanced amp later on?
My preamp is currently for sale, but I'm doing that half-heartedly, for it sounds very-very good to me and only the fact that I have only one source and don't used any other inputs make me look at it as overkill.
What do you think?
Any comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much.
mihaitaa

Showing 1 response by happybob

Hi Mihaitaa,
Can you comment in more details the sound quality between the DAC-2 and PS Audio DLIII with Cullen IV mods? I have the PS Audio DLIII with Cullen III mods. I know the USB on the PS Audio is inferior to SPDIF coax. What about comparing coax on both DACS? I would expect DAC-2 to be better because of the higher price and newer technology, but is it that much better? Or is the difference quite subtle? For someone who enjoys music, and a decent sub $3000 (simaudio I3 + totem staff) system, are you going to be able to walk into a room and say, "wow, the DAC-2 is so much better"?