The Weiss DAC 204. See why I call it The Magic Box.
Вставка
- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @hifihuff
#HiFi #audio #technology
Today I share my thoughts and review of the Weiss DAC 204. This is the latest DAC from Weiss and I was blown away by what this $2800 DAC sounds like. For me it sounds just like the $9k 501 without the preamp, head amp, DSP or display.
I haven't heard a DAC like this one for less than $9,000.
In my system, the heart of it all is with the front end components. In a digital system it is your streamer and DAC and these two pieces can really make or break the sound when you stream or serve digital music.
I stream from Tidal, Spotify and Qobuz and the Weiss DAC 204 combined with the Lumin U2 streamer REALLY and TRULY sounds as good as it gets (for me). I have heard DACs ranging from $400 to $20,000 and Weiss has truly hit a sweet spot with the 204.
Enjoy!
WHERE TO BUY THE 204: bit.ly/43JlW6Y
My Favorite Beard Products..BEST I have found (no affiliation): luxuriousbasta...
The best bang for the buck TUBE HiFi on Amazon Prime: amzn.to/3OJzBXa
Media Contact/Review Contact: stevehuff1@icloud.com
Very interesting DAC. But the review sounds more like a comercial. At the very least it would be useful to know details of the engineering that went into this DAC. Like, is this using an off the shelf chip, how about the power section and output stages, or the clocks?
Please stop talking about “how the artist intended”. .
How do you know how the artist intended?
As a recording artist, this is easily one of the dumbest thing I hear audiophiles say.
@@Njabuloseh You make chill music and I'm sure you know very well how you want it to sound, but I think you're completely missing the point here.
As the “mastering engineer intended”? Im sure there is such a thing as a a way that the music is supposed to sound…
You recently commented that the T+A DAC 200 was very impressive. On a pure sonic level, how does the Weiss DAC 204 compare?
I have the same question - would love to know the differences in sound quality
Agreed, I have the same question. Hoping for an unbiased response, since you do not get paid, unlike some publications.
Hi! Could you compare with the T+A dac200 please? Thanks!
awsome work, how does it stack up witn the TERMINATOR II 12th, im asking because i love 3d holographic sound.
What happened to the Eversolo? Great review by the way
Can we get an updated Top 10 DAC List now that you've reviewed the T+A DAC200 and Weiss DAC204?
I'd love to hear how this Dac204 compares with the Pontus II.
The Weiss DAC205 is essentially this same dac without the usb input for $1700
This DAC for me bests the Pontus. As I said, you will not get the sound of a Weiss DAC with any other DAC. The Pontus lies more on the relaxed side. The Weiss is more of a studio sound, where everything is presented in a way that is so complete. I love the Pontus II but different sound.
I’m sure this is an excellent sounding DAC but I’m loving my Holo Audio May KTE DAC.😉
I would stick with your May, very very few Dacs can beat it at any price.
Anyone compare this to the popular Gustard R26, or even the Ladder Shuman or Musician Pegasus? None of the DS chips I've heard so far upstage the R2R approach but some say the chip doesn't matter as much as the implementation...
I see Wiess offer a stand alone power supply the PSU102 maybe worth partnering this with your DAC 204 to further improve its sound?
We once compared with a team of listeners the Weiss dac2 with a new Meitner (10 grand).
I bought the second hand Weiss for 1250. The most of us heard no difference. The speakers were Martin Logan, the amps were Pass Labs.
I'm sure it sounds great but looks like a DIY DAC kit. I wonder what makes it unique on the inside.
How do you compare it with your T+A 200 dac in sound..which one is better
The birds in the background sound excellent
Now I'm just a little confused! It seemed like the T+A 200 was the best sounding you ever heard. ...... Well did you change your mind?
I bought the even cheaper 205 which deletes the USB and DSD decoding since I really don't need those. But other than that it's supposed to be the same DAC without bells and whistles.
Does the 205 comes with a power supply like 204 ? What is the DC barrel connector 2.5 or 2.1?
@@lithiumnk It does come with a power supply, but it's just a pretty standard brick. Can confuse it with the laptop power. But can always upgrade to some linear supply later. Barrel is 2.5
@@steverino5054 Does the SMPS supports world voltage or is it region locked like 110/220v ? Can you share the online store in the US which sells 205 ?
What Dac did you upgrade from? What is your thoughts?
@@lithiumnkare you enjoying you 205 and was it an upgrade over your prior Dac?
The DAC 205 is exactly the same DAC section but no USB input, no DSD to PCM, no digital outputs, and is $1700 USD. I use a streamer's spdif output to feed my DAC, so the DAC 205 would be a better fit at lower price. Weiss also have their own analog power supply upgrade for the 204/205, but I would try the fantastic Farad Super 3 LPS first.
@@philippeb4972 It depends on the design. On high end digital transports SPDIF is often superior sounding than any USB connection method, because USB is noisy. But ethernet is now better than either. That's why I would get the Dac501.
@@archonblaze Interesting. Thank you for the insight Yohan.
Did you end up getting the Weiss 205?
😂 from $2,895 to current $3,495 price gouging. Which price did you get for the review?
It’s amazing they raise the price for nothing.
What's your take on weiss 204 vs Denafrips Pontus II?
Pontus i love it, it has a fatter and softer sound, 204 it is so revealing it gets you where the music is being played in a elegante way without fatigue or harshness. I has a Lps Sbooster and it get it even better.
Wow! I just tried the Eversolo Streamer with the Magic Cube together with my other equipment. Although the Monitor Audio 7G Silver 500 are not the most resolving speakers there is a great sound enhancement. The entire music is separated much more clearly into its details. Sound stage is much bettter. Ths sibling of the speakers is reduced to a minimum. The bass gets much more detailed and even the bass interaction with my room decreased. I did not believe that Eversolo and the Weiss could enhance the entire system that much. Well, may be, the T+A Dac 200 is a bit better but it costs double as much. And the sound signature of the Weiss provides an adequat handling of the mid and high frequencies adding lots of details. I heard, that the Weiss would be weak at the bass, but I can not confirm this at all. Great stuff!!
I am looking for a dac for my Eversolo Streamer. Very interested in the Weiss dac 205
Thanks for info, how much better is the magic cube compared to the Eversolo built in Dac?
Was looking to get the Weiss dac to run with my eversolo standard edition. Are you using USB or optical to plug Dac into eversolo?
Do you still have the dCS Lina to compare it to?
How is it compared to dCS Lina (just DAC)? Thanks
Wow, I got my Holo May KTE DAC from TMR. Great people there!
What's with the dramatic introduction mate? Wee bit over the top...
I'm curious to know how this would compare to something like the ladder Schumann and then up the chain the denafrips terminator/terminator +?
Did you do your listening using the supplied power supply or did you use something else to power the unit?
you should one day compare MSB and Holo May.
Would you please do a review of the Schiit Yggdrasil DAC, not many reviews out there and most are old. Great review.
I've got the Yggy OG and am auditioning the Weiss 204 side by side. Much prefer the Weiss and love what it does with DSD.
Your property is awesome!! Great videos as well, of course 😅
No IS2 ?
If you haven’t, you should consider checking out the Merging/Neumann gear, like the Anubis. While meant for the studio, the fact that the new Neumann Anubis has a USB-C interface, enables simple playback usage. I have not used the 204, but I have used other Weiss DAC gear, and at $1,800+ the Merging gear has replaced our sky’s the limit DAC’s and DAD’s we used including a Dangerous Audio AD+ and a Balanced Audio Tech Rex-3- both great, but not as transparent, open/dimensional or clean as the Merging.
This DAC is intriguing. You should try an Audio Mirror Tubadour IV SE … tube DAC … amazing. Closest to vinyl I’ve ever been in my digital-only set up.
Buying this kind of gear is like buying a new 150$ mastering plugin. The DAC war was about clocks, components and transformers but today it's all about DSP programming. War is not yet terminated!!
I am deciding between this Weiss Dac 204 and Ferrum Wandla. Both really have very close same price range.
How's does it compare to dcs?
Very impressive and informative review. Just wondering, as my preference would be AES/EBU connection on rear, however, the front selection switch only offers Tos/USB/or RCA? Am i missing something Sir?
I was hoping you could show under the hood pics…
Does anyone know if it's a stripped down MK2 DAC501 or is it the MK1?
Well, I do not know if it uses any of the parts of the 501 but it sounds like the 501, the 2 channel version. I have not heard the 4 channel which some say sounds better than the 2 channel. In any case, this DAC sounds like a DAC that costs 3X as much as it does. Made by Daniel Weiss in Switzerland as well. A home run. I heard they are sold out until end of July already.
I'm almost convinced here... did you use the upgraded PSU or just stock straight into the Puritan?
Most of Steve’s reviews sound like commercials. Besides, I cannot help wondering whether he listens to the equipment or the sound of his aquarium-like room?
Another DAC...ho hum...way too many of them and you flip allmover the place with ones you like and recommend...but never any factual detailed information to support your likes/dislikes...the result is a mixed message of confusion to your audience...not prudent
They have return policy. Try it in your system. If you don’t like it…return it.
It’s entertainment. Only reviewing what you you like or some sort of kickback has its perks.
When are you going to test the May Dac?
I can't understand why they passed I2S?!?! :/ Nevertheless, It would be really interesting comparing it with the Mola Mola Tambaqui. It is said that it has a studio sound too and it costs four times the price.
I’m trying to find out about that same comparison as well
Try the old 301 ...the real beast with the Dac upgrade .
Compare with T+A, which one you prefer?
He said he prefers the Weiss.
VERY pleased with my Denefrips Pontus II with original firmware.😀
So you did not apply the firmware upgrade. I too have a Pontus II, have downloaded the second corrected firmware upgrade but just haven't taken the time to apply it.
What DA Convertor(s) is it using?
Awesome! I am looking for a DAC that would improve my digital music. Currently I only use my DACs in my Arcam AVR 850 but would love to hear something that creates something special for Digital listening.
I don’t have the means to get that level
Of DAC ..but just recently I did put together a Wiim Pro streamer and a Topping E50 DAC ….damn ..this has opened my eyes, mind and ears.
Thanks ☕️🍕👍
Have you heard the Bricasti M3? If so, how do they compare? Thank you! (if not, I highly recommend you try it)
I have, and love the Bricasti. And not just the DAC’S, as we used their verb for a year. Actually as far as DAC, it was the M3H we used and found it on a par with with the 502 Weiss we eval’d. However, a significant step us in terms of openness, clarity, dynamics and sheer enjoyment are the Merging products we use in the studio now (Anubis, HAPI, etc). They are SO much a level up that we have relegated the other gear (Dangerous Music, Weiss, FR RedNet, etc) to just monitoring. We just cannot go back to other gear for tracking, mixing, mastering or anything in the recording, print or playback/eval chain.
While made for studio use in terms of I/O and interface control, the new Neumann/Merging Anubis now has a USB-C connector. Before one had to use Ravenna/Dante Network (audio over IP), which while fine for studio, would be less than optimal for many home stereo music enthusiasts.
@@amdenis thanks, that's very helpful to know! as far as consumer use case, the big plus of Bricasti (and Weiss and similar products) is their Roon Ready compatibilty, which makes music playback so much more enjoyable. I simply couldn't change my habits enough to give that up...
@@amdenis is the Neumann MT 48 the same quality as the Merging?
This dac vs the dac in chord t2?
Okto research stereo DAC. Hard to beat and half the cost.
nice review - but one must pronounce Veiss like with a V, not English W ;-)
Excellent review!! Clear, concise, direct, impactful. Would love to hear one of these soon.
You know you've found a man in peace when on 1.25-1.5x he still sounds chilled out.😊
One thing missing compared with the DAC501/502 is the streamer
If you have to choose lumin x1 or lumin U2 with this DAC ?
Weiss is massively overrated. I bought the 501 Mk II. Super disappointed. I sent it back. There are so many better alternatives without the trademark ESS glare.
The Weiss does not use the ESS chips
@@philippeb4972 Of course it does.
Yeah i cant stand ESS dacs ,, wonder if the 204 also use ESS ?
How does the weiss compare to Mola Mola tambaqui?
My order is right behind yours. I ordered a few weeks back
No AES/EBU, no display, no fancy case, no preamp..:that allows them to keep the price down. Glad they make a DAC at this price range with none of the bells and whistles some audiophiles don’t need.
It does have an AES/EBU ( I know becuase that's how we're using it in the shop) input, fully balanced audio circuitry.
Do you have your Weiss 204 for sale?
Can you tell us some of the music you listen to?
What chips dac mr weiss used sir?
ESS isnt it?
Wd like to know too. Cant see it mentioned anywhere
very happy with my Pontus. $1800 and a steal
👏👍🙏❤️
🙂
thank you!
I wonder how the 205 sounds without the USB input
I was just reading about the 205, supposed to be the same dac as the 204 w/o dsd/usb! Can buy this for under 2k!
Colorful!
LOL
Why are my comments being removed?
could be because you are posting bubblehead comments!...just kidding!!
What about Ed Meitner?
What about him?
@@Pete.across.the.street He’s a great DAC and amplifier…. designer. This Weiss DAC 204 is compared to U$10/000 price category DACs. Meitner Lab DAC could be a great candidate to be compared to. Have you heard about his products?
Does it paint a picture as natural as your beautiful garden ;)
Half way in the year would be the start of July
As a dsd fan, i ask “why”.
Jesus Christ is the only way. Not just love and light.
I heard he died.
@@Pete.across.the.street Jesus died for your sins, didn't you know? 😜
3k for a dac ? wt ,.. get the SMSL SU-1 for 67$ - same sound for less !
Not the same sound at all. Not even close. There are DACs that cost $30,000. I wouldn’t pay that but this DAC sounds like $10k DACs, and yes, DACs make a huge difference in a resolving system. I’ve tested 20+ DACs and all sound different. The one you mention is not even near the class of this DAC. If your system is in total under $5k then no, a DAC like this is not needed. As you go up the chain in components everything matters. Also. This DAC is $2800 yet performs like $10k DACs. The DAC you mention would be a huge bottleneck in many systems.
I have many dacs some costing thousands,but for now my little su-1 is 'the dac to beat' .It's just so spot-on musical , ..maybe it's just my aging ears. Anyway nothing will ever replace a live concert ! see ya !
@@HiFiHuff shameless
this DAC sounds like $10k DACs ??? shameless indeed
dude, your maths is pretty wobbly 😅 the dac is not cheaper, it just has all the other components stripped out… not doubting u that it sounds great but u are not quite comparing apples to apples
if you only use the dac then it's in fact a lot cheaper
@@net_news exactly 🙂 the Chord Dave will probably be $4000+ with everything stripped out then the price gap isn't as glaring anymore...
@@nelsonang yes but Chord don't offer this product. That's the key. Weiss is hitting the market of those people who just want a DAC, nothing else.
Ladder Schumann is currently the best Dac under $2,000. Eversolo streamer/dac is surely the product of the year to date...
Best?
What about the Gustard R26?
I have both dacs in my store, it's easy to compare the two side by side the Eversolo is a terrific product & solid value, that said the Weiss is a superior product and maybe even a better value.
@@g.d.1722 Ladder Schumann has better bass dynamics and stereo imaging which are two obvious weak points of Gustard.
@@sdfinsdigwlgshdgRGAODHJFG Best streamer-server (using new NVMe SSD tech) of the year for anywhere near its price point, yes. Plug it into a Ladder Schumann Dac and you have a killer system for a sane price.
I only look at preamps with onboard DAC's. Too many digital signals.