From your observations Rob I have to conclude that there is a significant difference between the original EE and the Plus. Unfortunately I can't comment on the relative brightness you perceive concerning the W4S compared to the original EE and the Rega but only to the Plus, the OPPO 95, which uses the same Saber ESS 9018 chip and my NOS MHDT Havana. I get why some might prefer NOS over these highly resolving 32 bit DAC's, less extension in the upper frequencies which is on some recordings a double edged sword. The Havana is never offensive and always musically involving with a natural richness but the price is less detail. Interestingly enough I find the W4S has more fullness and tonal density than either the Plus or Oppo 95 in the midrange and more akin to the Havana in this area. What is most stunning with this DAC is the presentation of horn instruments which have the appropriate weight and tone I hear with real horns with subtle detail intact. The Plus doesn't quite get this to the same degree, lighter in comparison but in the upper midrange on up highlights the sense of space in the recording with the natural decay of instruments. Now the W4S and Oppo do this as extremely well too, the Sabre chip I suppose but the upper frequency air and sweetness that you note in the original EE is missing to a degree or two with the DAC 2 and OPPO, obvious tradeoffs. I would say overall that the Plus is more resolving and airier than either of the other two and I'm not too sure I could give up that upper frequency extension and sense of space along with the wonderful sweetness and delicacy, especially on the great recordings but it is a struggle deciding, let me tell you!
Now the differences I hear, actually both myself and my friend in both our systems is consistent, that is the intrinsic characteristics of all these DACs and the OPPO. So my wonder concerning your observations of the W4S being bright. I've heard it described as "cool" in the upper frequencies but bright, maybe compared with the Rega and Centrance and I would concede the Havana which is less resolving at the frequency extremes, certainly not the Plus or Oppo. I find any perceived brightness more related to the recording than the DAC's themselves, just my experience.
Further info on these observations is in order. I am using a JPS digital power cord, Illuminati and Stereovox digital coaxial cable, Stereovox 600 SEI cabling throughout and Stereovox Studio speaker cables. All DACs placed on Stillpoints.
Now the differences I hear, actually both myself and my friend in both our systems is consistent, that is the intrinsic characteristics of all these DACs and the OPPO. So my wonder concerning your observations of the W4S being bright. I've heard it described as "cool" in the upper frequencies but bright, maybe compared with the Rega and Centrance and I would concede the Havana which is less resolving at the frequency extremes, certainly not the Plus or Oppo. I find any perceived brightness more related to the recording than the DAC's themselves, just my experience.
Further info on these observations is in order. I am using a JPS digital power cord, Illuminati and Stereovox digital coaxial cable, Stereovox 600 SEI cabling throughout and Stereovox Studio speaker cables. All DACs placed on Stillpoints.