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Thread: DAC Shoot Out

  1. #1
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    DAC Shoot Out

    1 week from tomorrow I will be doing a DAC shoot out with a Hugo Chord, Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 DSDse with Femto Clock upgrade, Bryston BDA-1, the New Exogal Comet and an IFI (the IFI is just for kicks).

    Products

    I live in the Twin Cities and saw that some guys from Wadia broke away and started Exogal here in the TC's. So I gave them a call and they are going to loan me a Comet for the shoot out and in return I will write a review on a few forums. It should be fun. I will put the Comet through the paces in my system for a few days, then take it over to a friends house for the shoot out.

    More coming in a week.

    Larry
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  2. #2

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Cool. I own the chord Hugo. Awesomeness - great piece of kit and easy to take with as headamp and DAC.

  3. #3
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Very nice. I bet the Comet will surprise.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1425702784.319883.jpg
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  4. #4
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    The W4S is the more evolved product. The Comet spec page shows nothing of substance except inputs and outputs.

  5. #5
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack View Post
    The W4S is the more evolved product. The Comet spec page shows nothing of substance except inputs and outputs.
    You may be right but spec's aren't every thing. My Parasound A21 amp has way better spec's than my Pass X250 and the two amps are not even close in sound quality and enjoyment with the Pass being the much better of the two amps.

    I have heard the W4S and Hugo head to head in my system and both are excellent and have their strong points. The W4S has razor sharp detail and resolution with great bass, dynamic's, attack and neutrality. While the Hugo has a more romantic, warmer, richer and smoother sound with a midrange to die for.
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  6. #6
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Not saying one sounds better than the other based on specs only that the Comet spec page shows nothing about the makeup of the unit itself. Looks like what you would see on MD. It may in fact sound excellent they just provide you nothing to work with accept ad copy.

  7. #7
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    The really unique technology that the Exogal Comet offers is the custom software they developed to implement its 'spline' filter. It's an updated version of the filter that the same design team originally used in Wadia's top decoding computers (DACs), which claims to maintain better phase coherency than other more commonly used filter types. I also understand that the optional upgraded external power supply ($500) makes a significant improvement in the unit's performance, so hopefully they are sending you that as well. Looking forward to your evaluation from the shootout!

  8. #8

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Here is a recent review of the Exogal Comet: Exogal Comet DAC | AudioStream

    Received Michael Lavorgna's AudioStream Greatest Bits award...some photos taken from the AudioStream review:





    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  9. #9
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    I received the Comet about 45 min ago along with the external power supply upgrade. My initial impressions are that it is well built. The sound is very good. It has a completely black background, it is very transparent with good detail. It has a very smooth or liquid sound and does not sound digital using my Music Hall 25.2 CD player as a transport through optical cable. Right now I have it hooked up using single ended IC's, I will try XLR tonight.
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  10. #10

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Looking forward to the shoot out and your findings.
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  11. #11
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Quote Originally Posted by Mechnutt View Post
    I received the Comet about 45 min ago along with the external power supply upgrade. My initial impressions are that it is well built. The sound is very good. It has a completely black background, it is very transparent with good detail. It has a very smooth or liquid sound and does not sound digital using my Music Hall 25.2 CD player as a transport through optical cable. Right now I have it hooked up using single ended IC's, I will try XLR tonight.
    Thanks sounds very interesting. I do like smooth sounding dacs.
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  12. #12
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  13. #13
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    I have been listening to the Comet for at least 3 hours now and I have a better impression of it.

    When I first listened to the Comet I was not initially wowed like I was when my friend brought over his W4S DAC-2 DSDse and Chord Hugo a few weeks ago. I thought this sounds very good but I was not hit with the immediate feeling that this was a piece of Kit that I needed to have. But after listening for a good while I found myself smiling for no reason and really enjoying the music, more so than I had in a long time. I had to sit and think about why and then I started thinking about what was missing from the sound. There was no glare, digital edge or fatigue and no sibilants. The back ground was completely black. I found the sound was very easy to listen too leaning on the relaxed side as I began to think about what was right with it. It is very liquid, holographic and 3D with fantastic transparency. The sound stage is wide and very tall. Bass is tight, well controlled and pleasing although it could use a just a little more weight with my Maggies. Cymbals sounded perfect and not too forward or pushed back. Vocals and horns are to die for, very natural and smooth. Drums had good kick to them. There was good spacing between instruments. Overall the sound is very analog and neutral with maybe a hint of warmth. The dynamics are good but not on the level of the W4S DAC-2 DSDse which has great slam, and there is good musicality but not to the level of the Hugo Chord which I really like but seems to sugar coat a little like the old CJ tube gear. I think that is why I was not initially wowed by the Comet, but the more I listened, the more it won me over as I realized that the sound is excellent and it just sounds right. It is a very analog sounding DAC and I just might buy this DAC after I hear a few more at Axpona. I really would like to hear a Marantz Na 11s1 and a lower level Lampizator as my budget is around $3K new or used.

    More to come on Sunday after the DAC shoot out.
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  14. #14
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Great write up! Thank you.


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    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  15. #15
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Larry - Thanks for sharing such detailed initial impressions of the Comet, it sounds very promising! Try to enjoy the shootout and I look forward to reading more about your findings.

  16. #16

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Larry...looking forward to the DAC shoot out.
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  17. #17
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Did the shootout go as planned on Sunday? Anything you can share would be appreciated! TIA

  18. #18
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Here is the review-

    I am going to upgrade my DAC some time in the next few months and I have some friends that have a Hugo Chord, Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 DSDse with the Femto Clock upgrade and a Bryston BDA-1 DAC. We decided to to a DAC shoot out and compare them. Then one of my friends sent me a link to a new company called Exogal based here in the Twin Cities. They have a new outstanding DAC called the Comet which sells for $2,500 and $3,000 with a beefier external power supply. So I emailed them and asked if they would be interested in including the Comet in the shoot out. Jeff the CEO was game and dropped the unit off at my house about a week before the shoot out. I had a few days to play with it and was very impressed with the sound. It clearly bested my aging AVA Ultra DAC a hybrid tube design. I will go more into how it sounded in my system after the shoot out results.

    This past Saturday night 2 friends and I went over to another AC members house for the shoot out. For kick's one guys brought over his $500 IFI DAC and $299 IFI tube buffer to see how it would stack up against the other 4 dacs.

    Equipment used-

    Magnepan 3.7 speakers
    Dual AVA HiFi 600R amps used in a mono block configuration at 600wpc @ 4ohms
    AVA FET CF tube Preamp
    Computer based music using JRiver software
    Emperical Audio OR5 off ramp USB converter which allowed us to immediately switch back and forth between 2 DAC's at a time.

    Because we could only switch between 2 DAC's at a time we compared each DAC to each other, picking out the one we thought sounded the best and then compared the 2 winners. Here are the results-

    The IFI was clearly out classed by the other DAC's in detail, resolution, dynamics and listenability. It sounded flat in comparison but we all expected that going into this. It was not bad sounding by any means but it was totally out if its league.

    The Wyred 4 Sound came in 4th. It hits hard with good dynamics and bass but it was too bright and had a little grain. It sounded great with acoustic guitar with great attack, detail and resolution, but on rock music it was irritating and almost harsh. This was a surprise because I have heard it in my system and my friend's who owns both the Hugo and W4S and it did not sound that way. In fact it was one of the DAC's that I was considering buying up until this test.

    The next 2 DAC's were a tough decision for me. I would call it a tie between the Comet and the Bryston, although the person that owns the Bryston liked it the best. The Comet has this unique 3D or holographic sound with a huge sound stage that is wide, deep and tall. It has great air and transparency, the best out of all the DAC's. It was actually uncanny in a good way on how clear and holographic it sounded. It reminded me of hearing a pair of higher end Martin Logan ESL's a few years back which I found to have tremendous transparency and a 3D sound. In addition we all agreed that it had a very nice midrange bloom. Bass was tight, fast and controlled but not as deep as the Bryston or W4S. Resolution was very good, better than the Hugo and not as good as the Bryston or W4S. Drums had very good kick and snap. Vocals and horns were smooth and very natural. We listened to Anne Bisson's Blue Mind CD using a Cambridge Audio 840 as a transport at the beginning of the test and her voice had good texture. All 4 of us however felt that the sound leaned a just bit to the bright side of neutral mainly on rock and roll. It sounded excellent when listening to Billy Mclaughlin's guitar on his Finger Dance album. 2 of us felt that it would be a great DAC for Jazz, Acoustic and Classical music.

    The Bryston on the other hand did every thing well. It had a nice neutral tone, very good resolution, probably the best dynamics and bass out of all the dac's. It had a thicker or heavier sound compared to the other dac's. Because of this it did not appear to have the amount of air and transparency of the Comet. It sounded great with all types of music. It has good pace and rhythm and was about equal with the W4S in this area. The Comet was a little slower and the Hugo the slowest.

    The Hugo Chord was the DAC that 3 of us preferred and ranked number one. It also does every thing well but it has a lush, liquid midrange and a more romantic sound. It sounds good with all types of music with out any fatigue. It was the most musical, smoothest sounding out of all the DAC's. It had good dynamic. It did not have the crisp detail of the W4S or the transparency and holographic sound and resolution of the Comet , nor the dynamics or bass of the Bryston but it sounded damn good. Some people may not like the sound because it can sugar coat the sound a little. Certainly if you are the type of person that likes a dead neutral and more clinical sound or razor sharp detail then it is not the DAC for you.

    In the end, we all agreed that the Comet, Hugo Chord and the Bryston were excellent DAC's and each had it strengths and weaknesses. Clearly system matching is important. I had the Comet in my system for several days and it was very neutral sounding. However, I use a Pass Labs x250 amp, a BAT VK51se tube preamp and Magnepan 1.6 speakers. Personally, I could be happy with any of these DAC's. The Comet's holographic sound and sound stage is outstanding, the best that I have heard.

    I will post a dedicated review of the Comet, its features, build quality and how it sounds in my system tomorrow. In addition I will have the Comet for a couple more weeks and I will try it with more traditional cone speakers (PSB and Monitor Audio) and post my findings.

    If any one has any questions about the DAC's and the Comet in particular, please send me a PM.

    Here is a link to Exogal and the Comet-

    Products





    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  19. #19
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    If you look at other W4S reviews that used the Off Ramp, you'll see that they claim the DAC is bright too, the two don't play well with each other.


    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche

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  20. #20
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Thanks for the write up, very well done !
    Mark


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  21. #21

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Larry, thanks, i really enjoyed reading this thread.

  22. #22

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Thx for shootout write up. Do you have a sense which one you are going to go with between the Chord Hugo and Exogal Comet?
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system

  23. #23
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Great write up! Thank you for sharing. I've heard good things about that Chord Hugo DAC.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  24. #24
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Quote Originally Posted by Face View Post
    If you look at other W4S reviews that used the Off Ramp, you'll see that they claim the DAC is bright too, the two don't play well with each other.
    That is very interesting. I am going to have to try the W4S and Comet without the Off Ramp. I am going out of town for several days but when I get back I will post another review. I found it very strange that the W4S sounded so bad after sounding excellent in my system and the guy who owns it. And he has the same R series AVA amp and CF tube preamp with Magnepan 1.7's instead of the 3.7's.
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  25. #25

    DAC Shoot Out

    Mechnutt, very nicely done! Enjoy reading it.
    I had Hugo briefly in my system when it came out, but kept my QBD76HD. Another Chord DAC, Qute is more similar sounding to the QBD than the Hugo, but the family resemblance is there I feel (based on hearing Qute at a dealer). With many changes in my system since then, I'd love to hear the Hugo at home again.

  26. #26

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Good review. I have the Chord Hugo and am amazed and value and performance it offers. It's headphone amp is great competing with and beating $1,000+ headphone amps (eg Bryston bha1). Its DAC is world class on dsd and pcm - not as full and sweet as my Modwright 5400es but more transparent and dynamic and resolving. I have also run a kimber d60 from audiophileo 1 with power pack into Hugo coax and that sounds ever so slightly better than into HD usb of Hugo.

  27. #27
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Quote Originally Posted by Face View Post
    If you look at other W4S reviews that used the Off Ramp, you'll see that they claim the DAC is bright too, the two don't play well with each other.
    Can you post or send me a link to a review of the off ramp causing brightness.

    Thanks,

    Larry
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  28. #28

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Great writeup, thank you for sharing!


    Allen



  29. #29
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    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    Today I spent about 2 hours listening to the Comet in my main system but I replaced my Magnepan 1.6's with a pair of Monitor Audio S1 speakers as well as a pair of PSB B6's. For those not familiar with either of these speakers, the MA's sold for about $750pr and they are a small bookshelf with a 6.5" woofer. They have a neutral, clean, detailed and slightly forward sound with good air and transparency. The PSB's are large bookshelfs with a 6.5" woofer. They sold for about $525pr and they have a warmer more forgiving sound. They have very good bass for a BS speaker but they are not as detailed as the MA's.

    The Comet made both of these speakers really sing beautiful music. The Comet seems to be a much better match with both of these speakers. There was not a hint of brightness as with my Magnepans. The sound stage continued to be wide, tall and deep. The sound was very holographic and 3D. Piano's sounded very natural with excellent decay. The attack on Piano and Acoustic Guitar was both crisp and smooth at the same time and sounded very life like. Vocals and horns were very smooth with not hint of harshness. Cymbal crashes were crisp and clean. Bass was good fast, taught, crisp and controlled. There was a nice, pleasing mid bass bloom but the bottom end could use a little more oomph. Turning up the cross over on my sub fixed the issue.

    Music used-

    Pink Floyd- The Wall
    Melody Gardot- Worrisome Heart
    Pat Metheny- What's It All About
    George Winston- Autumn
    Chesky's- The Worlds Greatest Audiophile Recordings
    Eva Cassidy- Simply Eva
    Fleetwood Mac- Rumors
    A Blu-Spec Classic Selection sampler CD of Classical music
    Quilles and Cloud- Seminole Star (from Blue Coast)

    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  30. #30
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    I know this is a year old thread, however I found it an interesting read. One thought that came to mind when reading was on the W4S. I was wondering if the unit was fully broken in. The description of being overly bright and slightly harsh is exactly how most Wyred 4 Sound pre-amps and DACs sound for the first 100 hours or so, and do not completely smooth out until after about 200 hours of play. They actually print this in the their user's manuals now.

    Going through this full break in on my pre-amp I can say for sure the 200 hours is required. Out of the box I was under impressed and actually did not like the slight harshness and how bright it was. But after 100 hours it was amazing.... after 200 hours it became the best sounding pre-amp I have ever heard.

    I am currently breaking in a W4S DAC. Currently at about 100 hours and it is smoothing out. Still has a slight bright edge on certain music, but it does seem to be smoothing out more and more. I totally believe it will continue to improve for the foreseeable future. The folks at W4S have assured me that even more so than the pre-amp, the DACs really need the full 200 hours. The DAC will continue to smooth for the next 100 hours or so.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  31. #31

    Re: DAC Shoot Out

    I think the digital designer for Chord used to work for DPA, here in the UK. So lots of experience in the digital field. I have personally heard the Hugo and could happily live with it.

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DAC Shoot Out

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