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Weiss DAC2 or W4S or PWD or Zodiac + or . . .

I'm currently using a Benchmark DAC1 USB fed from fanless, SSD equipped Windows box on a wired network. Playback software is *cringe* iTunes. Music is on a Netgear Ready NAS NV+ in aiff format (but will probably start re-ripping w/DBPoweramp). I'm also playing around with a Cullen Circuits modified Sonos feeding the Benchmark via S/PDIF. I'm using a Crimson 710 pre into Crimson 640E monobloc amps feeding Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor speakers although I may be upgrading those as well.

If I end up with the Weiss I'll probably get a Mac Mini and run something like Amarra. If I go with the PWD I'll try the Bridge. Otherwise I might stick with the PC and try JRiver or something.

So how around it? One of these or something else?
m3pilot
m3pilot OP
12 posts
 
Thank you all for the comments.

The Cantata looks interesting but a bit pricey. I did have an Opus 21 CD player a couple year ago and wasn't "in love" with it. It seemed a little polite on music that is less so. I was using it direct into my amps at the time so maybe that had something to do with it.
slanski62
42 posts
 
Read TAS's review of the W4S DAC2 before you decide to buy.
turbogti
10 posts
 
i love my zodiac+, it sounds very smooth (i think its because of its own clocking chip), and i use it as a preamp, connected directly to threshold 10e monoblock - I Am very happy with the results.

I also have the w4s dac2 for my other set up, so far I think the zodiac+ is in a different league; but maybe i should just let it run in a bit more before comparing the two.
soundimage
3 posts
 
Try to run in the W4S a bit more. It sound completely different to what it first came out from the box. All the harshness textures just disappeared.
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
w4S-2 is not even near the performance of Antelope Zodiac+ or Weiss 202.
The last 2can play music the W4S-2 is mechanical and uninvolving.

And of course there are better dacs than Zodiac+ and 202
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