Weiss is so underrated


I have had the Weiss DAC 202 in my system for about a year now being used in a very ambitious and high resolution system. But then I got that typical audiophile itch and given that this DAC was the lowest priced component in my system, I thought that it was time for me to focus on a new DAC. So with the help of some friends and a local deal I got the following DACs to try in my system for an extended period of time: Berkeley Audio DAC 2 + Alpha USB, Calyx Femto, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC2 and DCS Vivaldi.

The Berkeley was the most analog sounding DAC and had great image focus. In comparison when inserting the Femto I could immediately hear a slight loss of focus on the location of instruments or voices. The Berkeley also has a very little electronic signature in high frequencies which is very impressive, especially at this price point.

The Femto DAC is quite an impressive machine with a well balanced sound. It is a substantial leap over the PS Audio DAC in every way. The Femto has a sound that should work well in virtually any system although it is a little on the dry side. But ultimately it's lack of tight focus of images bothered me.

While the Berkeley has a terrific analog sound and no matter how much you dissect it there is very little if anything that one can fault about his DAC, there is something about it that I found just doesn't suck you into the music. I often found my attention wandering and being distracted while listening to it.

The Vivaldi is by far the most expensive in the group and while it was impressive at a lot of things, in particular how it was able to remain composed during complex passages, it has a certain bright sound that just sounds very artificial to me. It has that sound that is remarkable for audiophile demo discs, but when just listening to music you enjoy I found it to be disappointing overall.

The PS Audio doesn't even come close to any of the DACs in this group. It sounds lifeless, flat, and dull in comparison. Any experienced listener will hear this right away. Beautifully made machine with great specs, but it just doesn't deliver the musical goods at all. I would say that it sounds like kind of how CD players sounded in the early 90s.

But let me tell you, the Weiss despite its relatively low price point beat every DAC in this group, including the mighty Vivaldi. It's soundstage is absolutely massive, much wider and deeper than the other DACs which makes it feel like you are listening in a much larger space (the opposite of Berkeley). And then it also has this incredible airiness that is very special to hear. Images float on silky smooth and airy presentation which is supported by a very dynamic foundation. It is just a thrill to listen to this DAC. The bass is also the most dynamic (although not very deep) that I heard which gives everything far more rhythm and pace.

So the conclusion is the Weiss 202 is a very serious piece of equipment, a remarkable bargain, and probably one of the best DACs out there regardless of price. Has anyone else done an direct A/B comparison with the Weiss? Does your opinion mirror mine?
dweinstein
Dweinstein" u just don't get it do you??....and probably never will. feel free to state your *opinion* that the PWD2 is comparable to a pos digital source from the 90's. you can also keep pretending the WeissD2 is a universal giant killer. all i'm telling you is i've compared both and you're wrong thinking things are so black/white. i know people like you and realize how you think/operate. again....not worth my time or effort.

sorry...i'm unimpressed with the $100k opinion lol!

some people like bose.....others like PWD2......then you have a small group arrogant narcissists who really don't understand what it's all about.
DWeinstein,

I have been listening to digital players since the first 16-bit Magnavox 650 came out and have upgraded as technology has advanced, so I think I have a decent idea of how DAC's should sound. The PWD MkII is a very high level DAC, both for its sound quality, construction and versatility. I don't know who these "reputable" dealers are but I do not trust their ears any more than I trust my own -- and I would bet few if any of them carry the PS Audio DAC's or have lived with them for extended periods of time. So by all means, express your preferences, but do not denigrate others who do not share your taste. There are those that say the Weiss is overpriced, lacks versatility and sounds clinical.

Neal
Levy03,
Was your friend's dac the Weiss 202 or one of the previous models (DAC2 or Minerva)?
I am impressed at how skewed things can get as evidenced by calling the Weiss' price relatively low. Money thrown at a system is no guarantee of anything except that you've spent lots of dough.

Some time back I heard a significant 5 figure Pre amp. It was no great kicks.
Nglazer, show me a SINGLE impressive or state of the art system that uses the PS Audio DAC. I've really only seen the PS Audio in budget systems by people who are just starting out in audio.