W4S DAC1 & STP-SE vs. W4S DAC2 as digital frontend

In the short time since I typed-in the run-on inquiry above, I have done gone and got religion. Did what I should have done before typing my question and searched the hoary threads on this site about whether to preamp vel non. Searched for threads about the care and feeding of my speakers. Lo, and behold, I found the answer. Alright, not THE answer, but my answer. First off, I was asking the wrong question, or asking the question backwards-like. And, second, well, there's no second. So, what I re-discovered is something that Walter Liederman mentioned to me in passing before I evened formed a question: Spatial Computers and Clayton Shaw. Good thing I didn't actually but anything else yet. It's not too late for this boy. Thank you for your indulgence, and that's all folks.

What a mysterious answer that was.

The DAC-1/STP-SE combo will be superior to using the DAC-2 as a DAC/Pre. Not a night and day difference, but it is noticeable. Most notably in bass, dimensionality, and dynamics.

i agree with face, but feel it is also somewhat conditional. yes, there will be a difference, most notably with low end detail. BUT, this is somewhat dependent on the amount of gain present in your system. if you can run the DAC2 at around -15 to -20 db, the differences will be far less pronounced than if you have to attenuate the signal severely.