What direction with new DAC?

There's a Bel Canto DAC3.5VB for sale here now in your price range. I had the DAC3VB in my system, and its imaging and soundstaging were outstanding (although it did everything well), which is why I'm recommending the 3.5VB for you in particular. If I were you I'd buy it, and if it doesn't absolutely blow away your W4S just resell it. I'd bet big bucks you won't, and if I could've afforded it I'd still have the DAC3VB in my system today. At the very least you'll have a reference for how your DAC compares to one of the better DACs out there. And no, it doesn't do DSD. Best of luck.

With any new or cutting edge technology you are always best off waiting as long as you can to jump aboard in that new technologies continue to improve and mature over time and with successful ones prices tend to go down as well.

Thanks Mapman. Enjoy your posts. Had a pair of Ohm F's waaay back in the day.

With the almost daily changes in computer audio, when do you jump in for an upgrade? I am sure if I wait another 12 months, something better will be available...but like the vast majority of the audio community, looking for the "fix' now.

The Yggy is the best I've heard in its price range by far. You have no risk trying it. If I had the money right now, that's what I would do. Cheers,
Spencer

"With the almost daily changes in computer audio, when do you jump in for an upgrade?"

Good question.

The easy answer is whenever you think you need one.

DACs in general have continued to improve and the cost for excellent performance gone down in recent years as well.

I have two SS DACS in my good systems currently, one, in my big, main system is an mhdt Constantine that is several years old. The other is built into the Bel Canto C5i integrated, which is newer and a current model in teh BC line, that I use in my smaller system. I use similar OHM speakers in each but the sound of each is much different for other reasons. Most likely the different DACs used and and ARC tube pre-amp I use in the larger system. But both are very musical and I can sit and listen for hours. I suspect I could do better than the older Constantine in terms of detail and resolution I hear in the newer DAC. But I won't know until I decide to try something newer and different. But I also tend to believe if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I have yet to give DSD specifically a second thought.