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Wyred4Sound Dac-2 vs Preamp and separate DAC

I’m about to upgrade to either the Wyred4Sound DAC-2 to use as a Preamp/Dac or possibly considering a used Classe Audio CP-60 and Wyred4sound DAC-1. If I’m only going to use a CD transport and USB to play lossless files is there any advantage to having the separate Preamp/DAC setup. I would personally think the Dac-2 would be the cleaner path but I’m a little worried about the digital volume control. Any opinions welcome. Preamp also doesn’t have to be Classe but some type of balanced pre along those lines.
r_garland

Showing 1 response by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The optimum way to use DAC2 is with PWT from PSAudio and I2S cable. The I2S sounds major better than the other inputs. Drive direct to amps using a transformer linestage such as Music first or these other options:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=89744.0

TVC's do not have the negative effect on dynamics like resistive passives do. The DAC must have decent current drive however. These will beat even the most expensive active preamps.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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