2. digital
  3. 1298414191

Weiss DAC2 or W4S or PWD or Zodiac + or . . .

I'm currently using a Benchmark DAC1 USB fed from fanless, SSD equipped Windows box on a wired network. Playback software is *cringe* iTunes. Music is on a Netgear Ready NAS NV+ in aiff format (but will probably start re-ripping w/DBPoweramp). I'm also playing around with a Cullen Circuits modified Sonos feeding the Benchmark via S/PDIF. I'm using a Crimson 710 pre into Crimson 640E monobloc amps feeding Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor speakers although I may be upgrading those as well.

If I end up with the Weiss I'll probably get a Mac Mini and run something like Amarra. If I go with the PWD I'll try the Bridge. Otherwise I might stick with the PC and try JRiver or something.

So how around it? One of these or something else?
m3pilot

Showing 2 responses by turbogti

turbogti
10 posts
 
i love my zodiac+, it sounds very smooth (i think its because of its own clocking chip), and i use it as a preamp, connected directly to threshold 10e monoblock - I Am very happy with the results.

I also have the w4s dac2 for my other set up, so far I think the zodiac+ is in a different league; but maybe i should just let it run in a bit more before comparing the two.
turbogti
10 posts
 
I've received quite a few emails regarding the Z+ VS DAC2, so I might just post my opinions here as well :)

Yes, at such price point, the Z+ power supply does look ridiculous . However, even with such power supply, it still manager to sound better than the W4S DAC2.

I now have over 400 hours on the DAC2, I gotta say the improvement is big after the burn in period.

However, the Z+ does still sounds more dynamic, more details, better imaging and smoother than the DAC2.

The differences become more obvious with 24bit music.

Just FYI, my conclusion are based on my following setups:

1. itunes+ Amarra > DAC2/Z+ > Threshold 10e monoblocks > M&D mini+ with omni-harmonizer

2. itunes+ Amarra > DAC2/Z+> Threshold SA1 monoblocks > Gallo Ref 3.0

Both of the setup are connect with stock USB cables, the speaker, jumper and RCA cables are from Connexaudio (pure silver). I'm using both DACs as pre-amps.
More to discover