W4S DAC

I use a W4S DAC2-DSD. It does a reasonable job with the sound.. perhaps not as analogue as an R2R or as future proof as FPGA, but if you're good with IIR filters it can offer a clean detailed top end that plays well with good speakers with extended hf. What it really does excel at (over most others these days) is being a versatile digital hub with a plethora of switchable inputs.. 2 coax, 2 toslink, AES-EBU, USB and I2S. It also has an overbuilt onboard power supply and plenty of gain to be used as a preamp (which I do with an old Pass Aleph.. sounds great that way) and a 32bit volume control. I've kept it around for it's flexibility while still sounding perfectly decent. One day I may add a second DAC exclusively for audio. Maybe a Merason or a Weiss.. but the flexibility of the W4S has kept me from upgrading.

https://www.ni.com/docs/en-US/bundle/diadem/page/genmaths/genmaths/calc_filterfir_iir.htm

@jhw9 sounds good!

W4S is still sonically competitive at its price point.

While digital audio tech is still progressing with newer chips or better engineering, whether it’s worth spending more is a subjective call.  

I own the 12th Anniversary DAC and like it a lot. I previously owned the Denafrips Pontus II with the Iris DDC and found it to produce very enjoyable sound for the money. It leans toward the warm side but it doesn’t sacrifice detail. I’d highly recommend this combo. The W4S gave up a little warmth but still maintains an analog sound with greater authority and detail. 
 

I also demoed the T+A DAC 200 and found its hi-rez sound addicting at first but it ultimately sounded a little too digital to me.

Based on a post from @jsalerno277 I picked up the iso recover and DC blocker to enhance the W4S further - what power supply did you pair with these guys?

@fanofmsu 

I use the IFI Power X to power the Recovery DC in place to the Wyred wall wart.  Added liquidity and reduced grain slightly.  It is still a switching supply but I was not going to spend more on a linear supply for only powering the Recoveries.  You also should replace the computer grade USB pig-tail that comes with the ISO with a 1/2 to 1 foot USB of your choice.  I personally use WyWires Platinum full loom. Alex at WyWires is wonderful and his cables sound great.  He made a 1 foot USB and there was an audible improvement in liquidity, dynamics, and timbre.  You need to burn in the Recovery at least 200 hours.  It will sound grainy with digital glare upon initial installation but with a better power supply and USB, and with burn in, the overall improvement of using the Recovery ISO and DC combination is just as published be Wyred … quieter background, increased detail, increased macro and micro dynamics, better imaging, deeper stage, and better timbre.  This was the most cost effective tweak  I have installed. Since this hobby is subjective and one of degree, I hope you find improvement as I have.  Good luck and good listening.