2. digital
  3. 1439084489

Perfectwave PWD MKII, Benchmark DAC2, Wyred DAC2

I just obtained a Benchmark DAC2 and am really impressed by the transparency, clean, open kids, and solid bass. I use XLR output (hooked up directly to amp) and had to adjust the attenuator jumper to -20db to match the gain on my amp. In my setup, I rank these three in the following order, based solely on sound quality.

1) Perfectwave PWD MKII - best DAC among the three, does everything well. I specially like the solid bass, buttery smooth midrange, and transparency. I could listen for hours and not get ear fatigue.

2) Benchmark DAC2 - not quite as good a midrange as PWD MKII, but very close. This DAC is very versatile with analog input, excellent headphone jacks, and DSD capability.

3) Wyred DAC2 - warm sounding and detailed, but not as transparent as the other two. I was already happy with this DAC before I obtained the Benchmark. And I may just keep it for my third system. It's still an excellent DAC.
avhifidelity

Showing 1 response by cymbop

cymbop
315 posts
 
Interestingly, these are the three DACs that have spent time in my system! The Benchmark (Mk. 1, HDR) was detailed and accurate and rock-solid in the bottom end, but after a week its pedigree as a mixing tool came through as an icy clinicality and I sent it back. To my ears, it was all bone and no flesh.

I enjoyed the Wyred DAC2 for a couple of years; it had decent detail retrieval and a warmth that I liked.

But the PWDII is in another league from either, and after a year and a half I am really content with it. Great top-to-bottom extension combined with a slight wetness through the midrange. Plus dynamics and soundstaging that make the W4S seem flat and lifeless. I can see myself keeping this DAC for the better part of a decade.
More to discover