Streamer/DAC Recommendations w Wavelett II

@fthompson251 Have you tried with and without the outboard DAC now that you have the N200 in place? If so, can you share your experiences? With the Wavelet 1, I had the PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK1 and wasn’t really able to tell a difference what it brought in the chain. This was about five years ago, well before I became a dealer. I understand the Wavelet II is a big improvement, but still doesn’t make sense to have a DAC if the whole signal is getting re-processed. 

In Wavelet I, I believe the whole signal had to pass through the Wavelet’s DSP. If with the Wavelet II you can control it such that the bass frequencies pass through the DSP and the midrange and treble are pass through in analog, I can see where an outboard DAC adds more value. 

Although the connection cable is not apples to apples, I much preferred my DAC to the Wavelet II DAC, but still going through the Wavelet from my pre amp vs straight into the Wavelet IIfrom the Hermes... I felt that the soundstage was better layered, a bit wider and quite a bit deeper. I also felt it was just a tad bit smoother. Hermes DDC via Argentus I2s to Venus II DAC with updated firmware. The Wavelet was very transparent, dynamic but rather flat. NOt much difference in transparency or dynamics that I could tell between the two. I didn’t feel I was missing anything from the dual digital conversion IMHO. I also did this through the HERMES into both DACs to keep that "fair". Chain is N200>Hermes>Venus II>VAC Preamp>Wavelet> biamped >Vac amp and Focus XD XLR. (Room correction and crossover in use only)

Fthompson, when you use an outboard DAC and feed into the Wavelet are you still able to take advantage of the DSP room correction?  Or are you just using the Wavelet as a preamp? 

Yes, I use the Room correction, the unit is so versatile, you can use it as a complete DAC and Preamp, Just as preamp or just as room correction and crossover. The room correction and crossover can be used with any combination. The Wavelet made a significant improvement to the speakers performance in my room.

 I still have work to do though as i screwed up my sweeps when i didn’t have the switches correct for the bass on the speakers (Still using internal crossover there for bass) when I added the wavelet into my system, I realized it moments after my amp had a problem, so it’s in for repairs and once it’s back I will be able to take full advantage of the crossover and room correction. It should be amazing.

So your amp is in for repairs due to a mistake made with the switch setting on the legacy focus XDs? Please provide more detail or your direct email so I don’t make this mistake in the future as I plan to add another amp for mids and treble