Wyred 4 Sound µDAC-HD
The diminutive Wyred 4 Sound µDAC-HD delivers engaging musicality with assured 24/192 high-resolution playback, bringing genuinely accomplished computer audio to desktop, streaming, and headphone systems. Positive Feedback found its sound notably satisfying and its versatility unusually strong at this level, while asynchronous USB, RCA outputs, and a built-in headphone amplifier keep the package focused and practical.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
84/100
Build Quality
75/100
Features Connectivity
72/100
Value for Money
88/100
Pros
Engaging, genuinely good sound with a musically involving presentation.
Handles 24/192 high-resolution files smoothly and reliably.
Versatile enough for main-system, streaming, and headphone-amplifier duties at its price.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 84/100
Positive Feedback found the compact µDAC-HD genuinely good sounding and especially engaging musically. It handled 24/192 high-resolution files without audible protest, though the review provides limited discussion of fine-detail retrieval or long-term comparisons.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
89/100
The reviewer calls the µDAC-HD an “engagingly musical component,” a meaningful endorsement of its ability to involve the listener rather than merely reproduce files competently. No tonal imbalance, fatigue, or sterility is reported.
Resolution and Detail
75/100
The review confirms satisfying overall sound and high-resolution playback, but says little specifically about micro-detail, separation, ambience, or low-level information. There is not enough direct comparison evidence to make stronger claims about resolving power.
Digital Performance
86/100
Positive Feedback reports that the DAC played hi-res files up to 24/192 “without even a hint of protest.” That suggests stable, clean high-resolution operation, although the review does not directly assess background blackness, glare, timing, or measured digital performance.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
75/100
The µDAC-HD is an exceptionally compact unit and includes a five-year warranty, but the review offers little direct commentary on chassis execution, internal layout, power supply quality, or long-term durability. Its small form factor appears practical rather than lavishly engineered.
Features Connectivity
72/100
The µDAC-HD provides asynchronous USB input supporting 24/192 playback, RCA outputs, and a built-in headphone amplifier. It is a focused desktop DAC with no cited balanced outputs, additional digital inputs, remote control, display, or network functionality.
Value for Money
88/100
At $499, Positive Feedback describes the price as “Spartan” and says the µDAC-HD could suit a variety of high-end applications, including main-system, streaming, and headphone use. That flexibility and positive framing make the asking price appear well justified, even if the review does not compare it directly with named rivals.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
No reviews found yet
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- General Features
- State-of-the-art USB Technology 24 bit 192 kHz Asynchronous USB Input Optionally powered by USB or DC supply (USB cable and DC power supply included!) ESS Sabre 9023 DAC Class A Output Stage Analog RCA Outputs Built-in Headphone amp Signal Lock Light Compact (3.5" x 3.5" x 1") Covered by a 5 YEAR WARRANTY
- Technical Specifications
- Max Output Level: 2.5V Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz: ± 0.2db S/N Ratio: -103db Noise (A weighted): 15µV Output Impedance: 50Ω THD+N (A weighted): 0.0035% Channel Tracking: ± 0.05db Crosstalk: > 94db Headphone Output (300Ω): 200mw Headphone THD+N: 0.006%
Manufacturer's Description — Wyred 4 Sound
Digital-to-Analog converter & Headphone amp
No matter how you choose to use the µDAC HD, you'll be amazed how such a small package can deliver such a great sound. The building block is the the amazing Sabre DAC, a chip that's derived from the same platform as the industry-standard ESS9018 found in our flagship DAC-2 series. The ESS patented Hyperstream™ and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology guarantees a jitter-free digital signal and remarkable sound from any source.
As a fully portable unit, the µDAC HD's headphone stage allows for high-quality music reproduction when powered through your computer's USB port. When plugged-in with the unit's DC power converter, the µDAC HD automatically becomes a superior performing Class A headphone amp.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Wyred 4 Sound µDAC-HD
- Elite Audio UK — online and in-store — Pittenweem, Escocia, United Kingdom (website)
- Hi Fi Mansion — in-store — Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Mister Hifi — online and in-store — Raamsdonksveer, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands (website)
- Reference Analog — online and in-store — Moore, Oklahoma, United States (website)
- Theatermax LLC — in-store — Boca Raton, Florida, United States (website)