The Weiss DAC 204 - Have you heard this stunning little DAC?

[Tannoyista]

Hi all.

As some of you might have read my Weiss DAC-204 Review. I just thought I'd ask if anyone here has had a chance to hear it?

Over the past few months, I've been using the 204 almost every day and I have to say, with my very favorable review impressions aside, it's simply stunning. The sound from this little thing really breaks the mould. I'd normally say that this has now passed it's burn-in period, but it just keeps on getting better.

The amount of detail and weight gets me everytime. I've now re-kindled my entire CD collection which has been in my cupboard for ages.

Not only that, but DSD playback as well as my other digital versions have also never sounded so good.

Weiss have always been one of my more respected manufacturers ever since the 90s. And, to me, the 204 is one of the most impressive pieces of kit I've used to date.

The flexibility of this thing also rings out as pretty awsome too. Although I don't really use some of the connections, it doesn't mean I never will, so it's really nice to have something I don't need to worry about for future connections which, in all, makes it worth every penny.

Thanks

 

[Synaxis]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it.

 

[amolan]

Hi,

First thanks for your sharing.

I have one and I couldn't be more happier, it's so much more detailed than my old hegel HD30 , more dynamic, it seems more in control and after few months keeps improving, I'm still planning to upgrade my power supply, now I'm using the HDplex 400 atx linear power supply with 9v output. Which power supply do you guys have and tested ?

 

[PierreB]

I have the Plixir Elite BDC 9v/2A with my DAC204 and I’m very happy.
But I never try other LPS.

 

[Tannoyista]

Hi guys.

That's great, it's an amazing little thing.

The matching linear power supply is very intriguing. I'm currently using the standard power supply and so I'm hopefully going to test the matching one in the future.

Watch this space.

What kind of sources and connections are you using with 204? I'm currently using a broadcast cd player and my laptop using Foobar. But I'm looking to use a different front-end like Volumio or the like.

I fell out of favour a little bit with streaming software like Moode, so it would be great to know what you guys use.

 

[Tam Lin]

S/PDIF calls for 75 ohm connection. Why does Weiss use a 50 ohm BNC?

BNC connector - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Someone at Weiss made the decision to put a 50 ohm connector on the BOM and for potential customers, who recognize small details like that, it makes Weiss product design look sloppy.

 

[Tannoyista]

S/PDIF calls for 75 ohm connection. Why does Weiss use a 50 ohm BNC?

BNC connector - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Someone at Weiss made the decision to put a 50 ohm connector on the BOM and for potential customers, who recognize small details like that, it makes Weiss product design look sloppy.

The BNC connector is part of a choice of digital outputs along side RCA and XLR.

So it's covering all bases in that respect.

Not sloppy at all.

I'd rather have the choice, than not.

 

[amolan]

Hi guys.

That's great, it's an amazing little thing.

The matching linear power supply is very intriguing. I'm currently using the standard power supply and so I'm hopefully going to test the matching one in the future.

Watch this space.

What kind of sources and connections are you using with 204? I'm currently using a broadcast cd player and my laptop using Foobar. But I'm looking to use a different front-end like Volumio or the like.

I fell out of favour a little bit with streaming software like Moode, so it would be great to know what you guys use.

I'm currently using USB with a heavily modded PC ( Windows server 2022 + Audiophile Optimizer + Jplay Femto ).

 

[rossb]

I have the 205, since I didn't need the extra connectivity of the 204, and have been stunned at its performance. This follows some very impressive DACs in my system over the last few years, including the Mytek Manhattan II, Ayre QX5 Twenty, Matrix X Sabre 3, DCS Bartok, Chord DAVE and TT2, and Nagra Tube DAC (amongst others). While I am not saying that the Weiss DAC comprehensively beats all of them, it has a balance of strengths and musicality that puts it in some elite company. It is a very musically engaging DAC and I really feel that I could happily live with this as my only DAC.

I use mine with a music server I have recently put together, based on an i3 NUC13 in a passive Akasa case and a linear PSU. This runs JRiver on Windows 11 into a Matrix X SPDIF 3 USB/SPDIF converter. I have tried Roon (for which I have a lifetime license) and Audivarna, but I find JRiver sounds better than both.

A few thoughts on getting the best from the 204/205 based on my experience:

- I have found that all ESS based DACs need a longer than usual run-in period of perhaps 200 hours. Initially they can sound quite flat, grainy and lightweight, and it takes a while for the sound to fill out and become smoother.

- The 205 sounds good with the stock PSU but sounds much better with a good linear PSU. The linear PSU adds depth, silence and tonal purity.

- I have tried a number of PSUs I had on hand and have settled on a Teddy Pardo PSU, which have good performance and are reasonably priced. No doubt there are better available, but the 205 sounds excellent with the TP PSU. Also, while the 204/205 will run on 7-9v, it sounds much better at 9v. I havw both 7v and 9v Teddy Pardo PSUs and was able to compare them. The 7v makes the DAC sound a little lighter and more anaemic. The 9v PSU has more tonal density and weight - the difference is not subtle.

- The DAC is very transparent and shows the difference between cables very clearly, particularly digital cables. I tried a number and have ended up with a Wireworld Gold Starlight 8 SPDIF cable, and a Platinum Starlight USB cable to my USB/SPDIF converter.

It is amazing what Daniel Weiss has achieved with the older and much-reviled ESS 9018S chip. The only downside of owning this DAC is that it has got me seriously wondering what the 501/502 Mk2 DACs sound like, with the more recent 9038 chip. I am hoping that Weiss eventually release a Mk2 version of the 204/205 with the newer chip. But even if they don't, I am very happy with the 205 in its current form.

 

[3fssNO]

Hi,

New member here, I have been looking all over for someone testing different powersupplies for the Weiss 204 DAC, as I am the happy owner of one.

I have tested the original (obviously), then I tested a cheap LPS off eBay ( Studer 900 Gold sealed tube version) and lastly I upgraded to a SOTM SPS-500.

Each change significantly changed the sonic character of the Weiss 204…

Really hoping someone will do a thorough LPS test for this amazing dac!

The Weiss LPS is pretty expensive! Would be nice to get some opinions on if it is worth the asking price…

 

[Tannoyista]

I have the 205, since I didn't need the extra connectivity of the 204, and have been stunned at its performance. This follows some very impressive DACs in my system over the last few years, including the Mytek Manhattan II, Ayre QX5 Twenty, Matrix X Sabre 3, DCS Bartok, Chord DAVE and TT2, and Nagra Tube DAC (amongst others). While I am not saying that the Weiss DAC comprehensively beats all of them, it has a balance of strengths and musicality that puts it in some elite company. It is a very musically engaging DAC and I really feel that I could happily live with this as my only DAC.

I use mine with a music server I have recently put together, based on an i3 NUC13 in a passive Akasa case and a linear PSU. This runs JRiver on Windows 11 into a Matrix X SPDIF 3 USB/SPDIF converter. I have tried Roon (for which I have a lifetime license) and Audivarna, but I find JRiver sounds better than both.

A few thoughts on getting the best from the 204/205 based on my experience:

- I have found that all ESS based DACs need a longer than usual run-in period of perhaps 200 hours. Initially they can sound quite flat, grainy and lightweight, and it takes a while for the sound to fill out and become smoother.

- The 205 sounds good with the stock PSU but sounds much better with a good linear PSU. The linear PSU adds depth, silence and tonal purity.

- I have tried a number of PSUs I had on hand and have settled on a Teddy Pardo PSU, which have good performance and are reasonably priced. No doubt there are better available, but the 205 sounds excellent with the TP PSU. Also, while the 204/205 will run on 7-9v, it sounds much better at 9v. I havw both 7v and 9v Teddy Pardo PSUs and was able to compare them. The 7v makes the DAC sound a little lighter and more anaemic. The 9v PSU has more tonal density and weight - the difference is not subtle.

- The DAC is very transparent and shows the difference between cables very clearly, particularly digital cables. I tried a number and have ended up with a Wireworld Gold Starlight 8 SPDIF cable, and a Platinum Starlight USB cable to my USB/SPDIF converter.

It is amazing what Daniel Weiss has achieved with the older and much-reviled ESS 9018S chip. The only downside of owning this DAC is that it has got me seriously wondering what the 501/502 Mk2 DACs sound like, with the more recent 9038 chip. I am hoping that Weiss eventually release a Mk2 version of the 204/205 with the newer chip. But even if they don't, I am very happy with the 205 in its current form.

Hi Ross.

I could agree more with what you said. The 9018 chip isn't the latest and Daniel Weiss has made an exceptional job with it's performance. Although, it's not just.down to the chip of course.

Jriver is on my list to try with the 204. I used to use Moode but I think I'll try something else now.

Your choice in cables are interesting too. I like Wireworld stuff. I've not experimented with different USB cables yet so I might follow your choice there.

That's interesting about the Teddy Pardo PSU and the differences in what the voltages can do. And I agree, a good linear PSU can be night and day.

I used one of those once and they are excellent PSUs. They breath new life in to DACs especially.

And so, with that, I've got a feeling the matching PSU from Weiss will elevate things even further.

The standard block type PSU does a fine job. But, for me, 'mains is where the heart is' and so as I mentioned before, I'm hoping to review the Weiss PSU as soon as I can.

 

[Tannoyista]

Hi,

New member here, I have been looking all over for someone testing different powersupplies for the Weiss 204 DAC, as I am the happy owner of one.

I have tested the original (obviously), then I tested a cheap LPS off eBay ( Studer 900 Gold sealed tube version) and lastly I upgraded to a SOTM SPS-500.

Each change significantly changed the sonic character of the Weiss 204…

Really hoping someone will do a thorough LPS test for this amazing dac!

The Weiss LPS is pretty expensive! Would be nice to get some opinions on if it is worth the asking price…

Hi there.

Another 204 user, great stuff.

What cables and outputs are you using? I'm using the XLRs in to my Ultrafide U4PRE.

Yes, as I mentioned earlier, I'm hoping to review the matching Weiss PSU, so watch this space and I'll update you with that.

 

[3fssNO]

Hi there.

Another 204 user, great stuff.

What cables and outputs are you using? I'm using the XLRs in to my Ultrafide U4PRE.

Yes, as I mentioned earlier, I'm hoping to review the matching Weiss PSU, so watch this space and I'll update you with that.

Hi!

I am running the rca’s into my Elekit 8200 (6L6) that little gem of an amp replaced a high dollar AudioNote amp. I have tried some different RCA cables, although there seems to be not huge differences for my setup.

Where I find large sonic changes is in what USB cable I use to connect between the Eversolo, I have tested 4-5 different cables, recently changed out an Curious Evolved cable with a Tubulus Concentus USB cable. That change made the representation more relaxed.

 

[puroagave]

S/PDIF calls for 75 ohm connection. Why does Weiss use a 50 ohm BNC?

BNC connector - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Someone at Weiss made the decision to put a 50 ohm connector on the BOM and for potential customers, who recognize small details like that, it makes Weiss product design look sloppy.

Huh? BNC come in 75 ohms, I use them all the time. What's 'sloppy' are RCA connectors, with poor standardization and varying tolerance between manufacturers.

 

[Tannoyista]

Hi!

I am running the rca’s into my Elekit 8200 (6L6) that little gem of an amp replaced a high dollar AudioNote amp. I have tried some different RCA cables, although there seems to be not huge differences for my setup.

Where I find large sonic changes is in what USB cable I use to connect between the Eversolo, I have tested 4-5 different cables, recently changed out an Curious Evolved cable with a Tubulus Concentus USB cable. That change made the representation more relaxed.

Nice system you have there.

I like Audionote. That's interesting regarding USB cables... I'm going to have to experiment a little more I think.

I've always found the PSU to be the biggest upgrade. Either outboarding it or upgrading to a low noise linear type.

 

[Tannoyista]

Hi!

I am running the rca’s into my Elekit 8200 (6L6) that little gem of an amp replaced a high dollar AudioNote amp. I have tried some different RCA cables, although there seems to be not huge differences for my setup.

Where I find large sonic changes is in what USB cable I use to connect between the Eversolo, I have tested 4-5 different cables, recently changed out an Curious Evolved cable with a Tubulus Concentus USB cable. That change made the representation more relaxed.

Hi there.

To update, I've recently acquired (borrowed) a Tubulus Concentus USB cable and I must admit, it's a nice little upgrade.

My previous cable wasn't a bog standard one and so the Concentus has certainly been a nice surprise.

For those who might have missed the link for the Weiss 204, here's the link again

https://www.tannoyista.com/2024/06/weiss-dac-204.html

 

[Shindohaut]

Came close to buying a 204. Auditioned the 501 which was part of a mega buck system including Wilson audio speakers. Yes it was good to me but not outstanding. In the end I couldn’t get over the commercial look of the 204 and the high reported jitter. Still on the search.

 

[rossb]

One thing I forgot to mention in my comments above on how to get the best out of the 204/205: it definitely sounds better with -10db attenuation. With zero attenuation the DAC there is a slight harshness, particularly in the upper frequencies. With -10db it sounds smoother and richer.

I am still curious how the 204/205 compares with the 501/502, and trying to resist the temptation to buy one to find out. There was a suggestion - I think in the Steve Huff review - that the 205 sounded identical to the 501 but without the unnecessary extras such as the internal linear power supply, the LED screen and proprietary software. I don't really believe that, and I'm sure the 501 and 502 sound better (and the Mk II version better still), but I wonder how close the 204/205 get. If anyone has done the comparison, please comment.

 

[3fssNO]

Hi there.

To update, I've recently acquired (borrowed) a Tubulus Concentus USB cable and I must admit, it's a nice little upgrade.

My previous cable wasn't a bog standard one and so the Concentus has certainly been a nice surprise.

For those who might have missed the link for the Weiss 204, here's the link again

https://www.tannoyista.com/2024/06/weiss-dac-204.html

I am still stunned by the fact that usb cables can make a difference!

 

[3fssNO]

One thing I forgot to mention in my comments above on how to get the best out of the 204/205: it definitely sounds better with -10db attenuation. With zero attenuation the DAC there is a slight harshness, particularly in the upper frequencies. With -10db it sounds smoother and richer.

I am still curious how the 204/205 compares with the 501/502, and trying to resist the temptation to buy one to find out. There was a suggestion - I think in the Steve Huff review - that the 205 sounded identical to the 501 but without the unnecessary extras such as the internal linear power supply, the LED screen and proprietary software. I don't really believe that, and I'm sure the 501 and 502 sound better (and the Mk II version better still), but I wonder how close the 204/205 get. If anyone has done the comparison, please comment.

Is it possible that the un-attenuated signal from the Weiss was too much for your amplifier?