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W4S or Rega Dac - Opinions Wanted

I’m about ready to consider a new DAC, Price range $800-$1,400 max-used.
Currently I’m using a Music Hall Dac 25.2 with a VLink 24 bit 96khz USB to S/PDIF. I’ve also using an upgraded tube in the music hall. I enjoy the warmth of the Music Hall and the detail seems good. However I would like to try something new. I listen to mostly digital files, both Lossless and some Flac. Can I do better in this price range?
I’ve read great things about the W4S dac-1/ and 2, Rega and Eastern Electric dac. I have no way to demo these so I hoping for opinions from those who have listed to more than one of these. My associated equipment is Audio Research SP-9 MKIII, Wyred 4 Sound ST250, Music Hall DAC 25.2, V LINK 24 BIT 96 kHz ASYCHRONOUS USB TO S/PDIF, mac mini, Polk Lsi 9
bklynnupe
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nglazer
734 posts
 
I have had the W4S DAC2 almost since it came out and it is a superior product, pretty close to neutral, natural and realistic. You would have to spend 2-3x as much for a slight increment in peformance. The better the source, the better it sounds. I use it with AES/EBU and SPDIF inputs, so cannot opine on how USB input sounds.

Neal
wolf_garcia
4,650 posts
 
I compared my DACMagic with an upgraded power supply to a friends W4S DAC2...the W4S was so analytical that it commented on my choice of socks. Weird. Actually, we liked both of 'em in our little comparison and that made me feel better, and after all, isn't that the important part? Please do not comment on this post if it can possibly make me feel bad.
cymbop
254 posts
 
so analytical that it commented on my choice of socks.

On a literary level, your post makes me feel good.
tubegroover
2,279 posts
 
"Actually, we liked both of 'em in our little comparison and that made me feel better, and after all, isn't that the important part?"

No Wolf, the important part is what's best, Jordan or Lebron, ARC or Lamm, Mercedes or BMW, Walmart or Target, there just HAS to be a best, period end of discussion! Now about that giant killer of yours, tell us more....
face
516 posts
 
I wouldn't call the DacMagic a giant killer, but does sound really good for the money. In fact, I liked some things about it better than it's big brother the 840C(imaging, soundstage). But, as far as transparency and dynamics go, either W4S unit wins hands down. FYI, I had all 3 in the same rig back either at the same time or back to back.

All it really comes down to though, is which you enjoyed the most. But if you're saying the W4S unit was analytical, something had to be amiss. Which input did you use? Source, etc...
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