Wyred DAC-2 vs. PS Audio PWave

Slanski-
How did the Sonos compare with the async USB output from your Mac? Also, were you using the DAC2's internal async USB input or some other solution (like a HiFace, etc.)?

I used the USB out of the Mac and directly into the DAC2. The sound of the USB was somewhat better than the Sonos, but the difference wasn't huge. Maybe it has to do with the way the ESS chip copes with jitter, which is the Sonos' weak point. In any event, the big advantage to using the Mac/USB is that it allows me to multiply the benefits of 1) asynchronous data, 2) high resolution files, and 3) Pure Music's memory player (with iTunes).

just gave a listen to the DAC-2 over the weekend. it's a nice sounding DAC and i liked it. couldn't A-B it with my PSA combo but got a good idea of what it can do. that being said, i much prefer the PWT/PWD combo using the HDMI connection. detail seemed similar (outstanding in both) but the PSA gear pulled it off smoother. also thought the DAC-2 had less extension both up high and down low.

but again....couldn't do an A-B so not sure how useful my comments/opinions are here. i think you'll find both are great DAC's. as always, it'll depend on how you put it all together.

I have a PWD and a W4S Dac 1. I'm using Sonos to feed them. I'd say that over all the PWD is just more refined. The W4S is very very good, the PS is just a bit better, refined is the best way to describe it. What I'm waiting on is the PS Bridge, I suspect that will take the PWD to another level.

The bridge won't do a thing for the PSD, sound wise, when compairing to the PWT. Its when you connect to other sources that aren't memory buffered, that the bridge makes the PWD shine