Any experience of Wyred4sound DAC

quote:

Originally posted by paremus:
Was clear to me. Obvious difference, but no preference.

Quite right. Deuchars IPA / Timothy Taylor's Landord - obvious difference, no preference.

There is probably more parallels in that analogy than you initially thought

Now you understand my Sonos comment of before. If the USB cables can sound this different, how does a Cullens mod become superfluous if previously important? Oh, and nice to know your just a fellow music lover.

I would try a trial of PM which many here like and do so in hog mode. Also an aiff or wav rip via XLD. If you're using lossless, it's just another variable in conversion. Getting a more direct access to a less processed file is how to remove the most variables. XLD may or may not be better than an Itunes rip in every computer but it removes the possibility of not as good a rip. I suspect that if you do these things, you'll find a clear cable prefference but don't assume it will also be best when trying another interface. It should be but you may prefer something a bit more forward sounding with that DAC. I could be wrong for assuming but the Buffalo DAC circuits that I've heard lean towards the softer and less solid side. I guess it could also be described as smooth and open depending on your perspective.

quote:

Originally posted by BigJim:
I am now of the opinion that the Halide Bridge is materially better than the other two. Technically that doesn't make a lot of sense but it just does.

This is interesting ... maybe there is more isolation on the SPDIF inputs than on the USB input.

I know it's only one example ... but maybe Naim are right than a computer should interface indirectly! Or maybe the Halide interface with the Wavelength code is just superior to the interface Wyred4Sound have produced.

Eloise

Halide Bridge sure looks good on paper. Good to 96k which I think is plenty for this pupose, unique handling of USB power to help reject noise and output decoupled. No cables to buy which helps with the $450 price.

Today i'm spending time with the Async USB MBP->DAC with Pure Music.

One thing for sure is that PM makes a big difference. Seems to have taken some of the top-end harshness away and generally makes the music easier to listen too. This is all at 192 Async.

I come from a very technical background, but hold my hands up and say, i've given-up trying to reason about music with facts and figures.

My current thinking is I prefer PM via Async USB straight into the DAC. On reflection the HB certainly resolved different detail, but after a day of listening to it I found it a bit edgy and tiring to list too. Of course tomorrow is a different day. I'll try swapping in the cheap USB with PM running this afternoon.

Slight delay on getting the USB power conditioner, but should have it by Monday.

Off on holiday for a few days, then I get the new Antelope DAC for home demo. This is meant to be a step up again. Will be interesting to see what more it can squeeze out.

Tomorrow I get the power regulator for the USB cable....

Been out all day but had chance to spend a couple of hours with the USB power conditioner. In short amazing. USB 192 async, via MBP with condition is very materially the best combo of what I had to test. The difference the power conditioner made was incredible.

Which power conditioner are you using?

Cheers

Richard

Im not sure, there are no markings on the box. It cost about £300 and is a nice piece of kit. I'll find out from my dealer the make and model. It all has to go back today so no more testing for a week or so. For the money I think the DAC, USB cable and power conditioner is great.

By USB power conditioner i take it you are blocking the USB power from the computer and injecting clean power from an external supply ?

PM is rather good isn't it

James

James - that was my guess.

I guess galvanic isolation at the DAC end should help. Though potentially dirty power is being carried in parallel with data until that point.

Wonder if it is the box ferenc flagged a while back?

I have requested another week home demo of the WFS DAC. I have now spent time with the Naim DAC at Grahams. When I get the WFS DAC again I will take it to Grahams to and do a head-head.

2 of my mates bought the Naim DAC unseen. Both have sold them. They were not at all impressed. However, I actually thought it was quite good. Its strength seems to be in its cohesiveness, and the option of PS upgrades. What I remember of the WFS DAC is it was more detailed but not as consistent. It will be interesting to do the head-head....