Question for Weiss 501 Owners

This is what I wrote a few years ago: 

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2652269

I would assume one would need to spend about 5K to improve upon the internal ethernet connection the Weiss employs, but of course I did not compare any other lower priced streamers and I haven't heard the well regarded Matrix. I do know I did prefer AES over USB from the Antipodes into the Weiss, and I experimented with a T+A DAC 200 for several months, and converting files to DSD 512 using PGGB into its exceptional 1 bit converter, but at the end of the day I preferred the more natural sound of the Weiss 501, even with redbook files, so I sold the T+A and kept the 501. If this was a 1 day comparison I may have kept the T+A, it is impressive sounding. 

I have not recently compared ethernet vs. K50 lately into the 501 as the K50 is being used in the main system, and the Weiss is in the office system (via ethernet). 

There is only one way to find out the answer to your question Is there a demo period you can take advantage of?

But make sure you try USB and AES, both with a quality cables, taking into account which the Matrix has or recommends is their best connection, and then what is the quality of your ethernet cable and from which filter, if any? Many variables to take into account to get apples to apples comparing. 

Thanks mclinn, appreciated 

Guess i better plug mine in.im motivated now😃

I have a Weiss DAC501-MkII and use the Roon and Qobuz Connect service endpoints it exposes on its own ethernet input. 

I have a WiiM Pro to use on the rare occasion I want to stream an Airplay2 source (like YouTube on my laptop) to the dac. When I tried using it as a streamer for Roon/QC via a 75Ω coax connection to the 501 it sounded awful, like someone threw a carpet over my speakers, by comparison to using the 501 alone. And the WiiM Pro is hardwired to an ethernet switch.

My dealer told me some of their 501 customers who have decent Lumin streamers discovered the DAC sounds better without a streamer on the front.