PS Audio PW vs. Bryston BDA-1 vs. Wyred 4 Sound


Please compare and contrast these DACs. Is there a clear leader in sonics? (The PSA PW seems to have the most versatility when the bridge etc. arrives).
gthgmg

Showing 3 responses by crad

I can only speak for the BDA-1, It's now playing in my room.

I think the Bryston is a safe bet especially if you can find one used, the sound is very impressive with my Mac Mini and Accuphase amp giving out smooth refined music that does not sound too digital or fatiguing but still very revealing. It's also very flexible with 8 inputs. I'm not sure I would call it warm. My system is very revealing and even more so now with the Bryston.

I have not heard the PS Audio PW but it does not have BNC connectors if that matters to you but it does have HDMI I2s inputs which the Bryston does not. I'm using the BNC input with a HIFace and I'm very happy.
I do have to add that the Bryston is louder (more gain) than other dac's, I think I read somewhere 1.5-3db which seems like a lot. It's not a problem for a lot of people but it can be annoying when switching inputs on your preamp, the volume level will have to be adjusted. The Bryston does not have it's own volume control.
Not to hijack but I'm very curious how your changing the gain/volume on your Bryston. I have the remote and have read the instructions and I still have been unable to achieve this.

I'm also curious to hear about the Wyred 4 Sound dac2 after it becomes available.