The Weiss DAC202 is highly praised for its clean, neutral, and transparent sound, offering exceptional detail and a rich tonal palette while remaining smooth and liquid rather than dry or sterile. Reviewers note it provides an accurate window into the recording's "house sound," with excellent separation of instruments and clear, unhighlighted sibilants. While it may lack some of the "jump factor" and macro-dynamic excitement of other DACs, it is ideal for users seeking ultimate neutrality and is particularly recommended for high-end systems with computer audio sources connected via FireWire. Sound quality: Neutral and transparent: The DAC202 is described as tonally dead neutral, providing a clear and uncolored representation of the source material. Rich detail: Reviewers highlight its ability to retrieve deep musical detail, offering a realistic and involving listening experience. Smooth and liquid: Despite its analytical precision, the sound is not sterile. It has a smooth, liquid quality, especially with Filter B, and an ultraclean background. Excellent with high-resolution audio: The DAC202 excels at revealing the benefits of high-resolution files, making them sound more palpable than standard CD-quality recordings. Performance and features Professional heritage: As a product from a company known for professional mastering equipment, the DAC202 is built for accuracy and low distortion. FireWire connection: It was particularly praised for its FireWire connection, which was found to provide a high level of performance for computer audio. Filter options: The unit includes a choice of digital filters, with Filter B generally preferred by reviewers for offering a more three-dimensional and liquid sound. Potential drawbacks Lack of "excitement": Some reviewers noted that the DAC202 gives up some "jump factor" and macro-dynamic excitement for its smooth and liquid sound. Price: The high price point means it is best suited for audiophiles with already high-end systems who can truly benefit from its performance. Build quality: While sonically excellent, the build quality for the price may not feel as "tank-like" as some other high-end components, though the chassis is aluminum and the internal components are high-quality.