2. digital
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DAC/Pre's Digital attenuation vs. analog

Hello

I'm trying to decide whether to buy a W4S DAC2 and use the digital preamp, or to get the DAC1 with a separate component preamp (such as a Bryston BP25). I don't care all that much about the cost; just performance.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of going either way?

(I'm also considering a Benchmark HDR or USB).
robertsong
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"my next project may well be a shootout of your DAC against the Perfectwave MKII."

No problem, we can do that. Looking forward to it. It will probably be after Newport Beach show June 1 however.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
a better test would be a comparison between the original zanden dac steve's latest dac.

i consider the first zanden dac as my favorite dac.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
MRtennis - No need to do this. My older discontinued DAC the Spoiler, which is not as good and used Adaptive USB reclocked, was compared to the Zanden5000 here:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?icomp&1211443920&read&keyw&zzspoiler

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?icomp&1228141324&read&keyw&zzspoiler

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
dne
141 posts
 
Audiofreak32 - In stating several times that you recommend the W4SDAC2 - you finally admit that YOU HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD THE BENCHMARK DAC1!

And, further, you contradict your own statements in which you strongly state that "I am sick and tired of all this talk about what sounds better...I prefer to try it and determine for myself."

Really? I therefore recommend you follow your own advice and listen to the DAC1 in a good system and then decide.

I have heard BOTH and prefer the Benchmark DAC1, as have others.

I'm tired of vocal naysayers who diss something without even hearing it, esp. re the DAC1.
robertsong OP
53 posts
 
Audioengr:

I find it interesting you prefer digital attenuation with its lack of detail over analog attenuation with its high compression. I would guessed the analog attenuation would be preferable. I assume you mean down to just -9db or even lower?

From my own experimenting with my V-DAC II *I think* I prefer cutting back my amp's gain vs. foobar's. It's something I will have to experiment with, but I plan on getting all new equipment in the next few months anyways.

Maybe your Off-Ramp 5 with a benchmark will work for me?
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