I've received quite a few emails regarding the Z+ VS DAC2, so I might just post my opinions here as well :)
Yes, at such price point, the Z+ power supply does look ridiculous . However, even with such power supply, it still manager to sound better than the W4S DAC2.
I now have over 400 hours on the DAC2, I gotta say the improvement is big after the burn in period.
However, the Z+ does still sounds more dynamic, more details, better imaging and smoother than the DAC2.
The differences become more obvious with 24bit music.
Just FYI, my conclusion are based on my following setups:
1. itunes+ Amarra > DAC2/Z+ > Threshold 10e monoblocks > M&D mini+ with omni-harmonizer
2. itunes+ Amarra > DAC2/Z+> Threshold SA1 monoblocks > Gallo Ref 3.0
Both of the setup are connect with stock USB cables, the speaker, jumper and RCA cables are from Connexaudio (pure silver). I'm using both DACs as pre-amps.
Yes, at such price point, the Z+ power supply does look ridiculous . However, even with such power supply, it still manager to sound better than the W4S DAC2.
I now have over 400 hours on the DAC2, I gotta say the improvement is big after the burn in period.
However, the Z+ does still sounds more dynamic, more details, better imaging and smoother than the DAC2.
The differences become more obvious with 24bit music.
Just FYI, my conclusion are based on my following setups:
1. itunes+ Amarra > DAC2/Z+ > Threshold 10e monoblocks > M&D mini+ with omni-harmonizer
2. itunes+ Amarra > DAC2/Z+> Threshold SA1 monoblocks > Gallo Ref 3.0
Both of the setup are connect with stock USB cables, the speaker, jumper and RCA cables are from Connexaudio (pure silver). I'm using both DACs as pre-amps.