Bryston BDA-1 used V/S Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2

Not familiar with Bryston but currently own the W4S DAC2. It sounds great and was a nice step up from my previous PS Audio DL III.

I would say buy the most current DAC technology.

To Mmike84 or anyone else - I am also interested to get people's input to this question. When you made the comparison, were you using just just one of the inputs or did you compare other inputs as well. For example, was the Bryston BDA-1 superior to the W4S DAC2 using the single ended inputs as well as the USB input? I ask because the W4S DAC2 has asynchronous USB and the BDA-1 does not. Many thanks.

I ask because the W4S DAC2 has asynchronous USB and the BDA-1 does not. Many thanks.

Also the Bryston limits USB to 16/44.1 resolution; not sure why any reputable manufacturer would include a severely compromised USB input in their product. Better to include none at all.

Another question that must be asked: What pre-amp did you use with the Bryston? This DAC has no volume control so it needs to go through a pre-amp.

Radni,

W4S excels with synchronous USB, but if you don't intend to go computer-based, then this feature will not matter to you. I, personally, use my W4S in a computer-based system with superb results. Red book and hi-res files are a joy to listen to.
Also, W4S has built-in volume control which means that you don't need a preamp, if you don't have any other analog source. It accommodates multiple digital sources.
This is how I use my W4S, directly into the power amp.
W4S also has polarity switch, which, believe me, makes a difference, albeit subtle, and other settings to fine-tune the sound.
I didn't have the pleasure to audition the Bryston and I'm sure it's a great unit.
One might say that picking up over the other might be a matter of preference, like everything in this hobby of ours. In this case my or anybody else's advice, sound-wise, shouldn't matter all that much to you.
Then, you may want to consider the features set and see which one wins in this respect.