gschotland

Word is the PWD version 1 is on a whole different level from the W4S, and I expect that gap will widen considerable when the PWD II comes out. The PWD is $3k, or twice the price of the W4S, so it should come as no surprise that it's on a different level. I've never tried a W4S. It's supposed to be an excellent unit and a great value. I LOVE my PWD w/Bridge and am looking forward to the MkII upgrade, which I recently ordered. With a system such as yours I don't doubt you'll appreciate what the PWD offers over the W4S.

Whatever route you take, seriously consider buying used. A PS Audio DL III goes for ~$500 used on audigon.com. A particular units doesn't float your boat? Move on to something else without taking much of a resale hit. Better yet, get a couple of used $500 DACs, live with them for a while and keep whichever one you think is the best.

Just ordered my upgrade too.

Amp: Woo WA6 w/Sophia Princess 274B Cans: Grado RS1i Rest of system: JRiver MC15, PS Audio PWD w/Bridge & AC-12 power cable, MIT Shotgun S1 interconnects. Replaced my Sony XA5400ES w/the PWD 6 months ago, jumped into computer audio head first a few months and am really enjoying it. A very musical setup while my main system (Spectral DMA-180 + Avalon Radian HC) is in storage. :-(

Check out the Head Fi headphone forum (http://www.head-fi.org/) and you'll find lots of good options both new and second hand.