Wyred for Sound DAC-2 upgrades available

[russell]

The CA post has been updated with more of Richard's opinion about the SE upgrade.

I'll have mine back tomorrow so we shall see - My Magnepan 20.7's should let me hear the difference if any.

By the way, I recently changed from JRiver to XBMC Openelec. The best parts about this change are 1) I no longer have/need Windows running in the background (0-1% CPU/RAM usage now) and 2) bit perfect USB as before and 3) the interface is much better (multiple plugins, remotes, skins, etc).

I highly recommend the change to XBMC Openelec.

[jdandy]

Russell.......Tomorrow's the BIG day.

[russell]

Here's my observations (in plain English):

The DAC2se signal is/seems stronger and due to this, is clearer and due to this, everything is closer, which makes the music wrap around you more (like sitting half way between your chair and speakers as you have them now).

Since this is an audio/music forum, this link best describes my feelings of the upgrade:

[ame]www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iiryJwvDtc&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/ame]

[Grasshopper]

I'd love to see a repeat of the DAC shootout that was had here on AA, including the W4S DAC2 SE....

I'm curious what dacs the SE would be considered competition and at what price point.

Originally Posted by russell

Here's my observations (in plain English):

The DAC2se signal is/seems stronger and due to this, is clearer and due to this, everything is closer, which makes the music wrap around you more (like sitting half way between your chair and speakers as you have them now).

Since this is an audio/music forum, this link best describes my feelings of the upgrade:

Pilot - Magic - You Tube Exclusive! - IN STEREO - YouTube

[jdandy]

Russell.......No offense intended, but is that the best you can do for a review of the Wyred 4 Sound DAC2 DSDse upgrade, a YouTube video? I was hoping for some in depth details with respect to the performance before and after the upgrade, how the differences compared, and some examples of the differences. I'm sorry, but that video didn't do a thing for my curiosity and desire to know more about the advantages of having the upgrade performed. I have been diligently watching this thread for over two weeks since you sent your W4S DAC2 in for the upgrade. I could have just gone straight to YouTube, I guess.

[russell]

I'm not offended. Now let's get the answers you need:

The DAC2se signal is/seems stronger and due to this, is clearer and due to this, everything is closer, which makes the music wrap around you more (like sitting half way between your chair and speakers as you have them now).

Translation to Audiophile Adjectives:

You should hear improved transient attack, better decay, more organic mid and high frequencies as well as improved imaging and a larger sound stage.

By the way, the music video was my clever attempt to relay my feelings about the upgrade - "Magic" describes it - good song too.

Bottom Line: The upgrade is noticeable and worth it - really. I'm actually a little shocked to be honest because I find most changes/upgrades to be marginal at best...

not this one.

[jdandy]

Russell.......Thank you for adding some details. Have you had the opportunity to play any DSD files through the DAC2SE yet? Do you use it with USB or coaxial input?

[russell]

No problem - and keep the questions coming.

I use USB only from the header of my motherboard (5 pin) to the DAC (cable is <1ft).

I have not tried using any DSD files yet.

The funny part is my comments were based solely on listening to my flac/ape files - 16/44.

[jdandy]

Russell.......Have you listened to any 24Bit/96Khz or 24Bit/192Khz music files through the DAC2SE, or before the upgrade when it was still just a DAC2?

[russell]

Yes - I've listened before and I'm listening right now to Hotel California - DVD Audio - 192