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W4S or Rega Dac - Opinions Wanted

I’m about ready to consider a new DAC, Price range $800-$1,400 max-used.
Currently I’m using a Music Hall Dac 25.2 with a VLink 24 bit 96khz USB to S/PDIF. I’ve also using an upgraded tube in the music hall. I enjoy the warmth of the Music Hall and the detail seems good. However I would like to try something new. I listen to mostly digital files, both Lossless and some Flac. Can I do better in this price range?
I’ve read great things about the W4S dac-1/ and 2, Rega and Eastern Electric dac. I have no way to demo these so I hoping for opinions from those who have listed to more than one of these. My associated equipment is Audio Research SP-9 MKIII, Wyred 4 Sound ST250, Music Hall DAC 25.2, V LINK 24 BIT 96 kHz ASYCHRONOUS USB TO S/PDIF, mac mini, Polk Lsi 9
bklynnupe
sabocat59
98 posts
 
I have a question for rega dac owners. do you use the usb--spdif converter, or a toslink connection for streaming from your computer? Which brands do you prefer?
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Hi Rob

Interesting that our conclusions are different being that we both have Merlin speakers. I use a different amplifier than you, a Berning zh270 wide bandwidth and would think it might reveal more readily any inherent brightness or rolled off characteristic for that matter. I wouldn't call the EE Plus bright by any stretch in the upper frequencies but I wouldn't call it forgiving either. Actually it is in this area where the Plus excels but not any more than the W4S. Having both on hand I would say they are more alike than different in the upper frequencies. It is the overall tonal character and balance that is different and most apparent, fwiw.
robbob
273 posts
 
Tubegroover...hi!

I have not heard that amp, though I have heard good things about it. As specified I'm using the latest version of the Manley Stingray (Type II) with stock tubes.
I also have listened to these DAC's on a friend's system using ARC power with Vandersteen 5a's. The 5a's helped me appreciated how wonderful the far smaller Merlin speakers are, but getting down to the DACs:

After listening to these units I am VERY much in the camp that they sound mostly the same. The differences are very small and only a nut would not be able to become involved in the music with any of them. In fact I'd say that I any experienced audiophile could tune the system appropriately around the DAC and no one could tell. My ultimate preference for the Rega DAC would never have been discovered without insanely detailed and direct comparisons where we STRAINED to hear small differences. So how important is my preference in terms of real-world audio quality?

While I found the Rega superior to the W4S II or EE in soundstage ability I should point out that this was anything close to a big difference and other aspects of the other DACs were compelling.

I'll be upgrading to Merlin VSM's long before I worry about another DAC!

Cheers,

Rob
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