Processor DACs

Mateored, you may have reached the flatter part of the cost-vs-improvement curve.
Maybe the only comparison between Wadia/Anthem DACs you can make is in true 2-channel mode; turn off your sub and your surrounds, and make sure the two fronts are crossed over below the bottom end of their frequency response.
Another possibility is to purchase a 2-channel pre-amp that also has bass management in the analog domain. Anthem has a great pre-amp that does this, the TLP-1, but this option adds another unit in the signal path and really wouldn't be an apples-to-apples comparison of DACs...unless you used a line-level analog connection from your receiver into the TLP-1...

This is one of the more interesting threads ive read in a long time. Also has a lot of info with argument. Lots of good points. Ill as one possible solution, although cost is a factor. The new bryston processor supposedly has a state of the art pre amp as well. Its a fortune but if money is no object may it could compete.

I for one am focusing on the lowly onkyo 5508-for mixed two channel-5. 1 use. Wish there were more choices in pre pros at this price level but its a bit of niche market with most consumers going with avrs.

I chose a long time ago to build a separate system for 2-channel. I have a Denon AVR and B&W 6 series speakers in the home theater system, and although I really need a 5-channel amp to finish it out, I'm not spending any more money on it until I am completely satisfied with my 2-channel system in the basement.
This is not a great option for everyone of course, because not everyone has a spare room for dedicated 2-channel. But most of the +/- $1000 pre-amps out there will best the pre-amp section in an AVR of the same or even slightly higher price point. This is definitely true in my case. And I almost bought an Onkyo, but found a great deal on a Denon at the last moment.

IMO, it is possible for a processor to compete with, or even best, a $1K dac. But it gets expensive. Very. I use a Meridian G68 which, in its stock form, competes fairly well with SOME of the $1k dacs I've heard. But it's current MSRP is around $12K. Ouch.

IMO, my modded G68 bests several of the $1K dacs I've heard, but it has a custom power supply, a Superclock 4, new op amps, new internal wiring, WBT Nextgen connectors, about 10 pounds of custom RFI/EMI shielding, none of the inessential stock circuitry, and an aftermarket apodizing filter. And my G68 is fed by a reclocker with a second(!) Superclock 4. Add all that up and you get... I don't know what you get, but it's a lot to spend. And no, it's NOT worth all the trouble or expense, unless you NEED a digital crossover and room correction. And even then there are better solutions these days than spending upwards of $15K to solve these problems. Those solutions include both hardware (e.g., Trinnov) and software (i.e. computer) alternatives.

IMO, some of the posters have not given sufficient recognition to the value of room correction. When implemented well, room correction can greatly improve resolution, coherence, tonal balance, PRaT, and overall musicality. "Implemented well" is no small task either, as the auto-corrections in several of the processors I know are flawed, to put it politely. Personally I use a professional microphone and Room EQ Wizard to set the room correction filters on my G68. But getting that dialed in took months. Literally.

Just buying a $1K 2 channel dac would save you from plunging down the rabbit hole that I call home.

Again, IMO, IME, YMMV, etc.

Bryon

Mateored, It looks like the Wadia has both balanced and unbalanced out. You could run one set to you amp and the other through something like a Velodyne SMS-1 (then to your sub). It is an and older product but very flexable and you can EQ your sub with it.