FranklinLG

I want to briefly share that I've now had this DAC for over a month, and it is incredible. The top to bottom range is amazing. I am wiring on a review for it and will post it on my new blog: Getting Lost in Analogue!.

I'm not sure if this has been done or addressed elsewhere, or if it is simply a crazy idea. But here goes: Issue: I’ve been wrestling with finding a DAC with an adequate number and type of inputs to receive the numerous sources that I would like to see an improvement on in terms of digital audio quality. So this has gotten me to start thinking of an alternative solution. Essentially, I’ve begun to wonder if it would be possible to run all of my HDMI feeds through my HT Pre-Pro. And then feed the DAC with the Pre-Pro’s SPDIF out… Source feeds: Currently, my operation sources include: Apple TV The Apple TV is used primarily for Netflix and streamed movies or music from my existing Mac. When used with an external DAC (separate from my HT Pre-Pro), I have to rely upon the optical Toslink. But I also use it with the HDMI into a simple, cost effective HT Pre-Pro. FWIW, the sound is appreciably better fed through the DAC. DirecTV The DirecTV is simply run HDMI to the Pre-Pro. Blu-ray (Oppo BDP95) As for the Oppo, I currently use its wonderful DAC, which I have set to decode. And, FWIW, I actually appreciate an improvement with it when comparing Netflix feeds through it and through the Apple TV, as run through my Pre-pro. And I may soon interject a Mac Mini as another source, if what I discuss here does not adequately address my concerns for my audio files. Impetus for outside the box thinking: More recently, I sold off my DAC, which was a MHDT Havana, due to its limited compatibility (16/44.1 only). But as I’ve set out to find a new DAC, I’ve found that the better DACs that I’m interested in frequently exclude a Toslink, due to its inherent issues and or limitations. As a result, I’ve had to consider what I would do to feed the DAC my audio files on my NAS via the AppleTV or if I simply needed to add the MacMini and then use the USB. Postulated theories: So this has gotten me to start thinking of an alternative solution. Essentially, I’ve begun to wonder if it would be possible to run all of my HDMI feeds through my HT Pre-Pro. I could then take the digital audio feeds from it and output them via the SPDIF to an external DAC. Now in my situation I actually have another pre-amp, which is my audiophile 2 channel pre that I also use with Analogue sources like my Turntable. I also use that 2 channel pre for the analogue outs from my Oppo when watching movies – it really sounds great! Oh, BTW, we are 2.0 channel HT set-up, too. In any event, in this proposed arrangements, the analogue outs from the DAC go straight to the 2 channel pre. I realize not everyone has this set-up, but in my home we are limited to one area for HT and audio. So they are integrated. Possible issues: One issue I could see if you don’t have a separate 2 channel pre, is that you would need to run the DAC the analogue outs back to your HT Pre-Pro and then, presumably, designate those analogue inputs for the Pre-Pro as the audio source. But I’ve not been able to test that theory out just yet, as I don’t have a current DAC. So I’m not sure if this is actually possible or if it might create some type of loop issue. Matters to be resolved here: 1. Since I’ve not been able to try this yet, I’m curious if anyone has. I will report on my own findings once I select a new DAC. But for now I’d really love to read about anyone’s experiences. 2. Does anyone have any knowledge about the possible issues with taking the digital audio stream from an HDMI source out through a SPDIF to a DAC? If so, what, if anything, is there to be aware of or concerned with? Just curios

Tubesound, Interesting. Here's a review of that product: http://www.digitalaudioreview.net.au/index.php/audio-reviews/digital-source-reviews/item/202-audio-gd-reference-71-dac-8-x-pcm1704uk

The USB as well as the SPDIF inputs have 192kHz/24 bit receivers and they pass on the data stream to the 24-bit R2R PCM1704U-K converter. Neither upsampling nor oversampling is used and this keeps the data as pure as possible.

I'm with you Cortes. I'm going crazy trying to find something, anything... There's really nothing out there except one German review, which is in German... I may end up buying one this week from my dealer, but that would be based SOLELY upon his recommendations and the fact that I have a Shindo set-up. But still...

There is NOTHING wrong with this review. I just question how serious we need to be about spending our money on ANY dac that costs more than $3,000 or even $2,000. I just don't think we're there with the material. So I can't see myself being on the bleeding edge. I'll happily spend $1-2,000 for a good DAC that gets me through the next few years. But for now, I can't see spending this kind of loot. Plus, I fully expect prices to drop. Can't wait for some of the other products to trickle further down...<br /> <br /> And let's be fair to Chris. Advertising is what it is. But it's unfair to jump on him as though he has compromised his integrity about this product. FWIW, he's not the only one that has reviewed the 202 with such high praise. It is likely an incredible product, just freakin' expensive. Daniel needs to deliver something like it for about 1/4 the price!

At the end of the day, I'm all for having great sound. But at this stage of the game, for a individual DAC, I just can't see plunging down the money required for the Weiss, MH Lio8, Naim, etc. I have to say that for me, I'm going to have to stick with the items in the 1-2K range. For the price of the Weiss, and others out there like it, I'd prefer to have a full blown pre-pro, like the Classe or an ADA Cinema or Suite HD. The benefits of something like that far outweigh this for me at this stage. I HAVE to (or choose to) believe that the price of spectacular DAC's will come down in years to come. But until the source media is full blown, I, respectfully, can't see splurging like this. Having said that, I think it's fair to say that if this was a singular passion, I would pull the trigger immediately. However, I have vinyl and thoroughly enjoy my home theater system for new blu ray concerts and movies. <br /> <br /> Just my 2 cents.<br /> <br /> Jonathan<br /> <br /> PS Chris, any comment on just how close the Weiss brings CD's, ripped or disc'd, to vinyl? Also, what are your thoughts on the Weiss' pairing with the Tube's. How significant was and or is that to its success?

Kristian,<br /> <br /> Exactly, and thanks for getting my point (and not flaming me here). I'm not trying to be heretical.<br /> <br /> But I do think all of us who have invested in music servers, initial equipment, and the like, are still on the frontier of this. Take, for example, those of us who have used Apple's Apple TV. With the new Mac Mini, that is now going to go by the wayside. And what of the transfer of music via HDMI cables? PS Audio uses a variant to separate the signal out in its newer products. I think it is called i2s2 or something like that. <br /> <br /> It's really freaky to me how similar this all seems to HD and HDTV. Most of us have our CD collections, just like many have their DVD collections. Now, nearly 10 years later, or so, manufacturers are looking at moving more and more material to Blu-ray. Old classics are getting restored into Blu-Ray, and there is so much more HD content everywhere you turn. Also, TV's are now HDMI standard, and HD is common place. Yet the codec for HDMI is still a mess. And then there is the introduction of 3D.<br /> <br /> Still, for me, that seems more settled. Yet in the music field, we're still dealing with 16 bit, 24 bit, and possibly 32 bit. Sampling rates run the gambit, too. Yet most of the content out there is 16 bit, 44.1. Hz. I can't help but to wonder when we will start to see releases by organizations like Mobile Fidelity (www.Mofi.com) releasing material in a higher bit-sampling rate or in digital file format with "ultra high resolution" that blows this all out of the water. Their vinyl is incredible, as are their CD and SACD's. <br /> <br /> So, as good as the Weiss DAC is, I have to ask, is it worth being out there on what I believe is still the frontier with this product, purchasing what might, arguably, be the current 720p of HD for audio? Clearly, it is vastly superior to 480p DVD, but there's room for improvement and the source material is still lacking. So I do wonder if the entry cost into this level may not yet justify the substantial cost differential in my book from products out there that are at a fraction of the cost. And by fraction, I mean the solid products in the $1-2K range.<br /> <br /> Then again, what do I know, I have Rega P9 turn table... And I think vinyl rocks. You know, FWIW, ask yourself this, why did Pearl Jam release their latest album on vinyl! Or why is Steve Hoffman remastering so much on vinyl (and yes I know, SACD, too). I'd submit that it's because digital is not quite there yet. But give it time!

Chris,<br /> <br /> I appreciate the insight you've provided, as your reviews frequently buck the stereotypical fluff and stuff in so many rags, I mean mags... <br /> <br /> And your input into the DAC202 certainly gives me pause about some upcoming purchases. But, candidly, I have to wonder if there is more shaking out to come. As it stands, the vast majority of music that might appeal to me is either (currently) only available via CD or vinyl. I can't help but to wonder how long before music mastered over the past 20 or so years to CD will get redone at higher sampling and bit rates. But until it does, then aren't we still limited to the inherent issues within the CD? Does the DAC202 really draw out that perceivable missing mid-range? Does it find the missing element to CD that was patently obvious to a vinyl lover? Does it eliminate or significantly reduce the compressed sound? These are, arguably, my biggest complaints about digital today. I'm longing for the fullness that comes with the introduction of vinyl and tubes. <br /> <br /> Having said that, I'm not unmindful of your comments about endless listening. I just wonder if at the end of the day this product is not ahead of its time. It's almost like buying a plasma tv back in 2002. Do you go for HD or ED. Since at the time HD was still up in the air, and there was not a lot of content, I chose ED, and saved a bunch of money. Good thing, too. 1080p wasn't even on the scene for another 3 years, or so. And blu-ray is only now finding its stride. I have since upgraded to a beautiful 1080p, and will similarly sit tight while 3d works its kinks out. The point being is that it still seems to me that we're all waiting for the source material to become more available. It is telling, though, that remasters of classics, like Analogue Productions' Nat King Cole series are being remastered by Steve Hoffman to vinyl and SACD. Again, time will tell, but I'd be curious if you feel that this product REALLY makes a difference for the 90%, or so, of us that have the vast majority of the digital music in either CD or ripped lossless CD form. Or are we a few years away.<br /> <br /> Jonathan<br /> <br /> PS This is NOT intended to take anything away from this DAC by Weiss. It sounds AMAZING. And at the end of the day, I may actually buy it. Or I may chose something that's a little lighter on the budget and wait for this field to settled down more. I would just welcome some input on whether we're going to be getting ahead of ourselves, like we might if we bought a hydrogen fueled car. Just my 2 cents!

Chris, Can you comment in your review how close this new DAC takes digital to vinyl reproduction? Also, can you be explicit about your source material - meaning is it lossless ripped CD's or higher resolution? This is a big deal, IMHO, so any input you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated!

Standard version outputs at 1v, upgrade does it at 2v. Weis will answer almost any question.

I read what you're saying about the 176.4, but is that original the original rate, or is it upsampled? Since MOST of what I have in digital format right now is CD or loss-less ripped CD's, then this fits nicely for me. I am still waiting for the high-end, hi-res to shake out and settle down. By then I'm sure there will be sufficient trickle down with the technology that I'll be able to easily swap out.

Anyone here have any experience with Neko Audio's D100? Certainly falls into line with some of the attributes I'm looking for. Also, I like to the 30 day trial period.

Here's what we're dealing with: Pre-Amp: Wyred 4 Sound STP SE Amp: Pass Labs XA30.5 (Class A) Speakers: Zu Essence Sources: Apple TV streaming from Apple iTunes. Future expansion will be to include Mac mini funneling music to DAC. Discs can be played through an Oppo BDP83, which may be upgraded to a BDP83 SE. As for vinyl ambiance, I'm looking for the slightly warming than neutral, but still natural sounding DAC. I've spoken with some about the NAIM DAC, and like what I've heard so far. I may ultimately demo it, but sitll deciding. Since I am in the process of purchasing a Rega P9, my budget is slightly less than perhaps what others might throw money down for. But the goal is to close the gap, as much as possible, between the digital sources and vinyl.

Any thoughts on which dac out there may yield and or deliver the most vinyl like experience? Ideally, I'd prefer to be under $2,500, but would consider going as high as $5,000 IF it really made a BIG difference over something under $2,500.