Discrete as Casanova? Perhaps not. Definitely though an output stage that won't bed any op amps. In the DAC2, there's 24/192 async USB via proprietary drivers for 32/64-bit Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac OS 10.4 through 6. The DAC1 sticks to 16/48 USB (prototype below). That smartly saves bread if you're not not into hi-rez files. Both run signal dejittering, reclocking and programming on ESS Sabre's Reference 32-bit ES9018 chip via internal I²S.

Read the full 6 MOONS review.

DAC 1

W4S DAC-1 Features:

  • ESS Reference audio (ES9018) 32 bit DAC
  • W4S proprietary discrete output stages for optimum sonics
  • ESS Time Domain Jitter Eliminator®
  • Automatic oversampling for precise output filtering
  • Fully balanced design with balanced and unbalanced outputs
  • Upgradable Digital, Output, and USB boards (designed for future improvements)
  • Oversized toroidal transformer for solid and noise-free power
  • Robust 35A bridge rectified power-supply with 88,000uF of filtering
  • LCD display for input and sample rate viewing
  • 2x Coax inputs
  • 2x Toslink inputs
  • 24-bit 96kHz USB input
  • Factory selectable mains 115/230VAC
  • Compact size (8.5"W x 4.125"H x 13.5"D)
  • 15 lbs.
  • Covered by a 3 YEAR WARRANTY

For the full description, please click here.

DAC 2

W4S DAC-2 Features:

  • ESS Reference audio (ES9018) 32 bit DAC
  • W4S proprietary discrete output stages for optimum sonics
  • ESS Time Domain Jitter Eliminator®
  • Automatic oversampling for precise output filtering
  • Fully balanced design with balanced and unbalanced outputs
  • Upgradable Digital, Output, and USB boards (designed for future improvements)
  • Oversized toroidal transformer for solid and noise-free power
  • Robust 35A Schottky bridge rectifier (same as used in the STP-SE)
  • 88,000uF of filtering with W4S low ESR "super-cap" (same as used in the STP-SE)
  • VFD display for input, sample rate, volume control, and configuration viewing
  • Remote control
  • Defeatable - 32 bit volume control
  • HT Bypass inputs (selectable via DC trigger)
  • 2x Coax inputs
  • 2x Toslink inputs
  • 1x AES/EBU input
  • 1x Balanced I2S input via HDMI cable (not standard HDMI cable format)
  • 24-bit 192kHz Asynchronous USB input
  • Proprietary drivers for 32/64 bit Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Mac OS 10.4, 10.5 ,10.6
  • Factory selectable mains 115/230VAC
  • Compact size (8.5"W x 4.125"H x 13.5"D)
  • 16 lbs.
  • Covered by a 3 YEAR WARRANTY

For the full description, please click here.