DAC-2v2 Upgrade Reviews
"The DAC-2v2SE is a definite step up in sonic quality from the previous version. Not only do the DSD formats sound incredible, but my redbook rips have never sounded better. I am hearing improved soundstage, additional clarity, and more transparency than ever before. This DAC gets me one step closer to the impression that I am listening to live music. I love the flexibility that the filters and jitter eliminator provide so I can tweak the sound to my individual taste. Prior to the ES9038PRO upgrade I compared my DAC-2 DSDSE with a Mcintosh D100 I purchased. Let’s just say that the McIntosh didn’t stay around for very long."
-JEFF R.
"I have only had the chance to listen to my Bluray player over s/pdif Toslink, as yet. The sound compared to the old DSDse version is now smoother, voices are much more natural and absolutely no sizzling s'es. With the DSDse the sound from the bluray player (s/pdif toslink) was a little "digital" compared to USB, but now the edginess is gone and it seems more analog like. I have not yet had the chance to listen to USB, so I can't comment on that, only s/pdif. The bass is more firm and seems deeper than before. And when there is no sound it seems darker and more natural. In general, a more musical experience than before. The DAC is not broken in yet, so it will get even better as time passes."
-PER V.
"The DAC2v2se keeps getting better. I must have hit another 100 hours or something because it opened up even more. This thing is just musical! I haven’t jumped around in the listening seat like this for years. Compared to my DAC2se there is a larger sound stage, improved imaging, with a very musical presentation. I know those are audiophile key words but it is all true. I don’t know what the improvement is from the 10th anniversary model but if its better it must be just incredible!"
-KEITH D.
"I am really enjoying 2v2SE upgrade. It does everything better than the DAC-2 DSD SE. Especially tighter more powerful bass, lower noise floor, bigger and wider sound staging."
-ALAN H.
"Ever since I purchased the original W4S DAC2 I have been impressed by the quality, performance, and value offered by Wyred4Sound products. When the option came up a few years ago to upgrade to a Special Edition configuration with OLED screen Vishay resistors, upgraded regulators, upgraded fuse, premium grade inductors, and updated USB board (among others), I upgraded without hesitation and was thrilled with the new digital capabilities and the resulting improvement in sonics. More recently, when the option came to upgrade to a 2v2 SE configuration with the new ESS Sabre 9038PRO chip I did not hesitate to go for it as one of the early adopters. What I got back is what sounds like a completely different DAC in a very good way. Things that quickly come to mind are blacker backgrounds, more natural sounding high frequency extension, better definition of soundstage depth and width. But the most impressive thing that I noticed is the bass. I knew that my Magnepan 3.7i speakers could reproduce some outstanding bass, but I was not ready for the improvement that I heard with the DAC-2v2 SE upgrade. Two things on the bass that improved dramatically are extension and resolution. One album that I suggest you listen to experience this for yourself is "Outbound - Béla Fleck & the Flecktones". I can’t stop listening to this album with the W4S DAC-2v2 SE, it sounds that impressive!"
-CARLOS F.
"I am blown away by the 2v2SE DAC upgrade. I was considering selling because I like the Schiit [Yggdrasil's] more analog sound. It took me a while but I found the slow roll off linear filter with the small jitter window is really close to my analog but much quieter dynamic and detailed and I don’t have to flip or clean records. I am enjoying my DSD which the [Yggdrasil] doesn’t do. Thanks."
-STEVE W.
"Just a brief note about the upgrade from DAC2DSDse to DAC-2V2se. First, I had no issues with the DAC2 and thought the sound was excellent. But, thanks to your prodding I took the leap to upgrade. To say I'm astonished is an understatement. First, it's quieter, background noise is non-existent. The soundstage is considerably wider. The ability to hear into the depth of recordings is fantastic. Instruments in the background are as clear and distinct as those in the foreground. There is so much more air around instruments, enhancing the ability to pick out individual instruments and follow their lines. The initial attack of instruments is superb. Lastly, bass is clearer with substantially more impact. Glad you pushed me, and thanks."
-DAVID S.
"Having gone through an upgrade from the old DAC 2 DSD to SE version and then from that to the new 2v2SE the first thing that I would like to provide in terms of feedback is that I really think it is super duper great that you keep offering upgrades to the products. In today's world that doesn't seem very common and it is just a great service. Having gone through the upgrades does mean that I haven't had to change around and keep it all in the family. In terms of changes that of course means that I didn't have an easy A2B comparison, as the old unit kept getting improved. This time round there was definitely something. Hard to put my finger on it, but there was this real difference where you notice new details in old and familiar records. There was definitely more depth and I think an improved sense of space and detail.... I feel quite relaxed about the performance and don't think I need to run after the next upgrade anytime soon. The overall character of the sound hasn't changed much, which I think is a good thing.... I'm really happy with my upgraded DAC"
-HENNING K.
"2 years after the last upgrade that was jawdropping… I can't wait to hear what this next upgrade will bring. I can't believe you guys have me as a "lifetime" customer. I never would have thought I'd have this loyalty to one audio mfr. Keep up the great work!"
-HARRIS .