W4S DAC

@mofojo 

R2R ladders have the buzz in this forum.  With respect, it is not the D/A conversion format that matters but the execution of the design intent. Some of the best DACs use OEM chips or proprietary technologies.  For example, the Tambaqui and Wadex Reference (6 $ figures) use proprietary code and technology.  The Solution 760 (high 5 $ figures) uses chip technology (Burr Brown). The Bricasti M21 offers both chip and ladder for different playback formats.  So performance can not be connected just to conversion format but rather to the execution of the design intent at any price point. Decisions are personal preference.  Some feel chip DAC designs are too forward compared to Ladders.  I personally find ladders too laid back with less dense images.  Admittedly, I have not done enough  head to head evaluations to consider my observation an axiom, but of the evaluations I have conducted it seems to be the case.  Some love the laid back presentation.  To each their own. Choose based on audition, not on what is published.  

Fwiw, I was excited about W4S DAC sometime before the pandemic, bought and then returned one.  I thought it was kind of dry, like the original Class D Amps, and sterile/clinical to my ears.  I am not sure if they were using ESS chips back then.

Anywho, 6 years or so is an eternity in Digital.  I also remember having to hassle with W4S over the return , even though they are an Internet company that prominently discusses the return policy.  Ultimately it worked out

@mahler123 yes, W4S would have been using ESS chips at the time you purchased, it sounds though as you may have bought one of their entry level series and with the various series, they offer numerous upgrades. I'm sure a basic DAC-1v2 would sound nowhere as good as a loaded-up DAC-2v2 or 10th Anniversary Edition at 2.5 times the price of the 1v2. Do you know what model you had?

@jsalerno277 +1 (well said)

@p05129 What DAC did you purchase for $4K then $8K respectively?

@mofojo Yes, I currently am using a Gustard R26 which is an R2R DAC, but as @jsalerno277 suggests, it does sound a little laid back.

DACs and streamers really suck in a way. You spend your hard earned money and 1 year later there is something way better. All of my friends have some sort of DAC streamer at various price levels up-to about $25k. I use a BlueSound Node and an OPPO 205. I like the BSN app. Lately the software and apps are working a lot better and sound great. My main thing is that everyone get their foundation setup properly. Speakers and speaker wire, preamp or 100% digital front end like a lumin, and an amp that properly pushes your speakers along with interconnects and power cords to the preamp (Digital streamer/DAC only) and amp. Once you do that almost everything should sound great even a $600 BlueSound Node and an OPPO 205. I see so many people not get their foundation right and then go down the rabbit hole trying to fix their system with tweeks, cables, and the worst Audiophile crime of them all. You only play certain recordings because others sound so poor. I kid you not, I can play anything on my system from heavy metal to Opera. Just imagine how good all of these Audiophile favorites sound! (Hey Now!) All jokes aside please get your foundation setup. Before you drop $5k on a new DAC. Spend it on room treatments. ATC in Illinois even has room treatments with nice pictures. IKEA has these cool octagon felt shapes you stick in the wall. Treat the first reflection point and you won’t believe your ears. $5k in room treatments will transform your sound. First reflection and some bass management will be amazing. IsoAcoustics came out with a larger stand that gets your subs off the floor. I hope this helps. 

@hsounds that is why you should step up and buy a streamer that is upgradeable, Innous, Simaudio, and that is a great foundation to build on. DAC wise I stick to R2R dacs.