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Wyred4Sound Dac-2 vs Preamp and separate DAC

I’m about to upgrade to either the Wyred4Sound DAC-2 to use as a Preamp/Dac or possibly considering a used Classe Audio CP-60 and Wyred4sound DAC-1. If I’m only going to use a CD transport and USB to play lossless files is there any advantage to having the separate Preamp/DAC setup. I would personally think the Dac-2 would be the cleaner path but I’m a little worried about the digital volume control. Any opinions welcome. Preamp also doesn’t have to be Classe but some type of balanced pre along those lines.
r_garland
gmudunuri
9 posts
 
My experience has been very similar to Agb100's. I compared the W4S DAC-2 direct to a pair of W4S mAMPs vs. with a W4S STP-SE preamp in between. I strongly prefer the direct mode - it sounds cleaner, more transparent and punchier. The STP-SE is an excellent preamp, but eliminating additional circuitry and interconnects really improves the sound.
kedoades
251 posts
 
Auioengr, have you compared the wyred for sound dac againts the ps audio pwd with the pwt using the I2S cable
cymbop
315 posts
 
Just to add a perspective, I am really happy with my DAC-2 running direct to a tube integrated that has a resistor-ladder attenuator for volume control, though I have not compared it with a preamp in the chain.

Regarding a sweet-spot on the DAC-2, to my ears it comes alive a bit when it's north of 50 and can sound a little un-relaxed once past 60 or 62. I often leave it at 58 and control volume from the integrated.

Steve, I'm still waiting for you to produce a converter that takes a coax SPDIF from my Squeezebox and sends out I2S to the Wyred. ;-)
kedoades
251 posts
 
I just got my dac 2 yesterday. So far I really like what I am hearing. It has a warm full sound with non fatiging highs
. I had it running thru the preamp yesterday. Today it is running without preamp. Sounds great both ways
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