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W4S DAC1 / Stello DA100 / Cary Exciter DAC.

I haven't seen much talk about the Stello. It has every output I could use. I read the 6Moons review on it. Didn't exactly praise it so-to-speak. But for a grand I would expect decent results. I listened to the Cary. Loved it. But I only have it and the Music Hall 25.2 DAC to compare with. I've not heard the W4S DAC1 or 2. That seems to be getting more praise than I'm sure it deserves. Usually I take the band-wagon view when everyone seems to want one thing in particular. But this isn't always a good perspective because it may very well be that good. After all my research these three are what I've narrowed it down to. Well, two if the Stello shouldn't be considered at all. Looks like something geared directly to computer music.

I'm looking for a solid, textured bass response. Excellent clarity and resolution. And of course soundstage. Warmth is not a factor. I will eventually be going all tube so it'll warm up later in the chain. Expression and dynamics are very important. I listen to a lot of classical guitar, contemporary classical, and blues. Thanks for any inputs.
tiggerfc

Showing 3 responses by srama

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srama
41 posts
 
I would add the new series of Bel Canto dacs to that list. I just installed the new DAC2.5 into the system as a dac/pre connected via balanced output to my W4S ST500 power amp - I am in absolute awe of this combination. No fuzzy warmth to be found here - just tremendous resolution, space, air (add your choice of audiophile superlatives here) combined with the most relaxed presentation I have ever had in my system. My speakers are the new Gallo Reference Strada monitors with the TR-2 sub. The dac2.5 is an amazing value when you consider its versatility - a state of the art dac with multiple digital inputs AND an analog input, unbalanced and balanced outputs PLUS headphone amp PLUS a full-feautured remote that includes functions such as input naming, phase and balance. Absolutely incredible. BTW, I have no financial interest in the company - this is my first BC purchase and I am just sorry I waited so long - my plan is to eventually replace my W4S amp with the BC Ref monos - not that the W4S is a bad amp but the BCs have an indefinable something that just sounds so right.
For reference, I have owned many dacs over the past several years from MSB, Perpetual Technologies and Musical Fidelity. My last was the Peachtree Decco used as a dac/pre (admittedly a pretty steep step-down from my previous dac and pre-amps). The bel canto is without a doubt one the most satisfying purchases I have made in a very long time.
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srama
41 posts
 
Tiggerfc, I doubt you'd go wrong with any of the three units in your revised list. I was tempted by the W4S Dac2 myself given that I already own their amp (and love it). However, I too am put off by the bandwagon effect and the flavor of the month mentality - there is more to a great dac than the chipset. That said, both BC and W4S are engineering-driven companies that know what they are doing. (No offense to Cary intended - I'm just not a big tube guy - and yeah I know the Exciter is not tube based). My choice of the BC 2.5 was driven by the fact that it also includes an analog input and an headphone amp - it's just a more versatile piece. And.....it sounds sublime hooked up directly to the old W4S ST500. Almost forgot: another major factor was that the dealer offered a home audition of the piece so I could test it it in the context of my system. I think Wyred are hurting themselves by not offering a costless trial period.
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srama
41 posts
 
Glad to be of help! I think the 2.5 is the sweet spot in the BC lineup - I believe the big difference from the 1.5 is in the better power supply (the 1.5 has a wall wart power supply).
BTW, the 2.5 really blooms after about 15-20 hours of playing so give it a few days.

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