Wyred 4 Sound Dac1 vs. Dac2

But to make sure everyone is clear on Mizuno's post, the DAC1's USB is NOT equivalent to the DAC2's. It may be possible to pay extra to get async USB on the DAC1, and still save some money from the DAC2 if you don't need its other features. You'd have to call Wyred to find out about that. Or go with a USB to coax/BNC adaptor that is async, something like the HiFace.

The USB can be upgraded on dac1, $250,

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.