DAC-2v2SE

**Randy Myers** · March 30, 2017, 09:05 AM

After using the new W4S DAC for a few days it is starting to settle in a little. I know it still has a ways to go to totally be broken in.

It is more "analog" sounding then any DAC I have previously used in my system. The Benchmark DAC3 equipped with the ESS 9028 Pro sounds wonderful, but the DAC-2v2SE is a new level. Equipped with the ESS 9038 Pro is nice, but it does not stop there. There is no attention to detail that was left unaddressed, right down to the fuse being used.

So far I am impressed with the unit. I have not 100% decided that it will be holding a permanent position in my system yet, but I am heavily leaning that way!

**4N6** · April 17, 2017, 12:10 PM

Hello Randy,

Any new considerations for the 2v2-SE?

Does this DAC require or come with a dedicated Windows driver?

**Randy Myers** · April 17, 2017, 12:49 PM

Great DAC!!! Like any DAC it required Windows drivers, especially if using DSD. It is the best DAC I have heard to date

,,,, not that I have heard many higher end ones.

Comes with drivers.

**Randy Myers** · April 19, 2017, 03:25 PM

Hey Kevin,

Sorry for the short quick reply. I was in a hurry that day.

The DAC-2v2SE is pretty amazing. Great sounding and very analog. It is very detailed and has that special something, an airiness around the instruments. DSD256 sounds amazing on it. I am using XLR outputs to the STP-SE preamplifier and the RCA outputs going to the Benchmark. The Benchmark has the ESS9028 Pro chip in it, but the W4S is using the ESS9038 Pro. I don't think it is just the chip though. Every attention to detail is used; custom Vishay Z-Foil resistors, Femto Grade Clock, ultra-low noise discrete regulators, ultra-fast recovery Schottkey diodes, Premium grade inductors, Upgraded fuse, etc.

They also have a new 10th anniversary model coming out. Very similar to the v2SE but with several nice cosmetic enhancements. EJ also told me that it will be using a new re-designed board which should enhance it even further!

So all in all it is one really good DAC that I highly recommend!

**audio.bill** · June 27, 2017, 08:58 AM

A new and very favorable review from Tone Audio.

**Randy Myers** · June 27, 2017, 10:00 AM

Thank you Bill. Very nice review indeed!

**audio.bill** · September 14, 2017, 09:04 AM

Thought this new Audiostream review would be of interest here.

**Wyred4Sound** · September 14, 2017, 10:26 AM

Thank you Bill, we are pleased with Steven's review. His reviews always are honest and fair which is greatly appreciated!

**Schmoe** · January 18, 2021, 12:46 AM

I have purchased the Wyred 4 sound dac 2v2SE second hand. Previously have used ifi micro black label and liked it. I have used the Wyred for the last week and I'm finding the sound a bit harsh and more fatiguing.
I don't want to give up on this new investment.
Any suggestions to make this work?

Associated equipment Cayin 300b integrated amplifier.

**Randy Myers** · January 18, 2021, 11:22 AM

It almost sounds like it has not been burnt in completely. My experience with most equipment, but especially with Wyred is that they sound rather harsh, on the bright side until they get burnt in a bit. After about 100 hours they tend to smooth out and really become more musical. Wyred states that they continue to break in for about 300 hours. This surprises me because you purchased it used, but you arte describing how a Wyred sounds new out of the box. Maybe the previous owner did not use it much or maybe it has been sitting for sometime??? I would let it run in for a while before really making a judgement if you like it or not.

I always liked the W4S DACs, especially with DSD files. I currently use the T+A which I feel is a step up. It is priced more in line with the Anniversary model from Wyred. I would definitely give it some time and see if it starts smoothing out. It should.

**Schmoe** · January 18, 2021, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

It almost sounds like it has not been burnt in completely. My experience with most equipment, but especially with Wyred is that they sound rather harsh, on the bright side until they get burnt in a bit. After about 100 hours they tend to smooth out and really become more musical. Wyred states that they continue to break in for about 300 hours. This surprises me because you purchased it used, but you arte describing how a Wyred sounds new out of the box. Maybe the previous owner did not use it much or maybe it has been sitting for sometime??? I would let it run in for a while before really making a judgement if you like it or not.

I always liked the W4S DACs, especially with DSD files. I currently use the T+A which I feel is a step up. It is priced more in line with the Anniversary model from Wyred. I would definitely give it some time and see if it starts smoothing out. It should.

Thanks for the encouragement.
I suspected burn in was an issue, however it just throws me off a bit since it is used.
Will give it a week or so to check it out.

**CPP** · January 20, 2021, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by Schmoe

Thanks for the encouragement.
I suspected burn in was an issue, however it just throws me off a bit since it is used.
Will give it a week or so to check it out.

Maybe the person you got it from just didn't let the DAC mature through its burn in period and didn't like the sound. Good luck..

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