Wyred 4 Sound Dac1 vs. Dac2

Don't forget that the DAC-2 has HT Bypass, a huge plus for those who have a integrated HT/2 channel setup.

Dac 2 also has some adjustment of digital filters and a different display.

I went right to the source and asked w4s about the diffence in sonic quality with async USB. They acknowledge that the DAC-1 will not sound as good as the DAC-2 without the upgrading the CAPS ($50) and upgrading to async USB ($250). Since that is only $200 less than buying the DAC-2, not sure it is worth it. Guess they prefer to sell DAC-2.

I am back to thinking about the Ayre QB-9. For my uses, they did the right thing keeping the interfaces simple and putting the design into the quality.

Isn't the Ayre a thousand dollars more?? Wonder if it sounds a thousand dollars better? Anyone compare the W4S Dac 2 and the Ayre QB9

The Ayre is now about $1400 more and used are getting near new price.

Check out Computeraudiophile.com for some comparisons and lot's of reviews of the w4s. There are some comments indicating the bass definition of the QB-9 leaves some wanting more, while the W4s seems to have exemplary bass definition and presence. I have a high regard for Ayre but am leaning now towards the W4s. I will likely listen to the Ayre again now that I have my new GM EOS speakers.