I am using W4S DAC-2 via async USB directly into W4S-ST 500 with excellent results.
DAC-2 doesn't have a "preamp section per se". It's the usual analog section following the Sabre DAC chip.
Volume control is performed in the digital domain, before the final analog section.
Operating internally at 32 bits, the volume control doesn't lose bits of resolution even at very low volumes.
On top of this, DAC-2 is featuring slightly better components than DAC-1, besides asyc USB, volume control and HT bypass (for those so inclined to use it that way).
My advice is go DAC-2 and skip the pre, if if don't have any other sources.
DAC-2 doesn't have a "preamp section per se". It's the usual analog section following the Sabre DAC chip.
Volume control is performed in the digital domain, before the final analog section.
Operating internally at 32 bits, the volume control doesn't lose bits of resolution even at very low volumes.
On top of this, DAC-2 is featuring slightly better components than DAC-1, besides asyc USB, volume control and HT bypass (for those so inclined to use it that way).
My advice is go DAC-2 and skip the pre, if if don't have any other sources.