Weiss Engineering DACs at Hi-Fi Centre | DAC204, DAC 501, DAC 502 & Helios

Weiss Engineering DACs: Swiss Reference Digital Audio at Hi-Fi Centre

(DAC204, DAC 501, DAC 502 & Helios)

Weiss Engineering holds a rare level of credibility in the world of high-end digital audio. With roots in professional recording, mixing, and mastering, Weiss designs products where accuracy is not optional—it’s the entire point.

That “studio-first” philosophy translates directly into their hi-fi components: meticulous low-jitter clocking, carefully engineered conversion stages, and in select models, powerful onboard DSP tools that allow you to optimize playback for your room or headphones—without turning your system into a complicated science experiment.

At Hi-Fi Centre, we proudly recommend and support four standout Weiss components:

Each offers a different approach to reference-level digital playback, depending on how ambitious your system is.

Weiss DAC204 MK 2: A Minimalist High-End DAC with Maximum Flexibility

If your goal is straightforward, high-integrity digital-to-analogue conversion—with the kind of connectivity that works effortlessly with modern sources—the Weiss DAC204 MK2 is an elegant solution.

What is the Weiss DAC204 MK 2?

The DAC204 is a multi-format high-end DAC that can also function as a digital-to-digital converter when your system requires format bridging. Weiss positions it as equally at home in an audiophile setup or a professional studio environment.

Key Features of the DAC204 MK 2

Wide digital input support
Accepts audio via USB and S/PDIF, making integration easy with computers, streamers, disc transports, and televisions.
High-resolution audio capability
Supports PCM from 44.1 kHz up to 384 kHz and DSD64/DSD128.
Balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs
Offers both XLR and RCA outputs, allowing compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers and preamps.
Smart interoperability
Can output digital audio in AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats and convert DSD to PCM when required.

Who is the DAC204 MK 2 for?

Listeners who want a clean, high-performance DAC with excellent connectivity and “just works” ergonomics—ideal for compact reference systems or multi-source setups.

Weiss DAC 501 MK 2: Reference DAC with DSP Processing and Roon Streaming

The Weiss DAC 501 MK 2 steps into a more ambitious category: not only a DAC, but also a network renderer and a platform for Weiss’ professional-grade DSP processing.

This is where Weiss begins to shine as more than conversion—it becomes system optimization.

Purist Conversion with Serious Clocking

Weiss describes the DAC 501 MK 2 as using:

Dual 32-bit D/A converter chips
Two conversion channels per audio channel
An internal high-precision, low-jitter clock generator

The result is ultra-stable, reference-level conversion.

Streaming and Digital Inputs

The DAC 501 MK 2 is designed for modern listening environments:

AES/EBU and S/PDIF
USB input
Ethernet UPnP/DLNA streaming
Roon Ready certification

Supports PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD64/DSD128, with future format support possible via software updates.

Onboard DSP: Studio Tools for Real Listening Rooms

The DAC 501 MK 2 becomes a problem-solver thanks to Weiss’ onboard processing suite:

Room Equaliser (improves bass accuracy and room response)
Creative Equaliser (subtle tonal shaping when needed)
De-essing (reduces harsh sibilance without dulling detail)
Constant Volume (track-to-track loudness consistency)
Vinyl Emulation (a tasteful analogue-inspired option)
Crosstalk Cancelling (XTC) (enhanced speaker immersion)
Headphone EQ and Crossfeed (more natural headphone staging)

Control & Usability

Includes IR remote control and browser-based configuration for presets and DSP management.

Who is the DAC 501 MK 2 for?

Listeners who want reference-grade conversion plus the ability to meaningfully optimize playback—whether through speakers or headphones—without adding extra components.

Weiss DAC 502 MK 2: The Complete Digital Hub with Balanced Headphone Output

Closely related to the DAC 501, the Weiss DAC 502 MK 2 expands the concept further with a larger chassis and enhanced headphone flexibility.

Core Concept

The DAC 502 MK 2 functions as:

DAC
Audio processor
Network streamer
Preamp
Headphone amplifier

It’s designed as a true “hub” for a modern high-end system.

Connectivity and Format Support

Includes:

AES/EBU and S/PDIF
USB
Ethernet UPnP/DLNA
Roon Ready streaming
PCM up to 384 kHz
DSD64/DSD128

Key Differentiators

Balanced headphone output
Adds a 4-pin XLR headphone output alongside the ¼″ jack—ideal for serious headphone systems.
Full DSP toolset included
Features room EQ, de-essing, loudness control, vinyl emulation, and more.

Who is the DAC 502 MK 2for?

Anyone building a modern reference system who wants one component to anchor streaming, conversion, DSP correction, and premium headphone listening.

Weiss Helios: Flagship-Level Digital-to-Analogue Performance

The Weiss Helios is where Weiss moves beyond “excellent DAC” into true flagship territory.

Advanced Converter Architecture

Weiss describes Helios as using:

An eight-channel 32-bit D/A converter chip
Four paralleled conversion channels per audio channel
Discrete analogue output stages built around OP2-BP amplifier modules

This approach lowers noise, improves linearity, and reinforces that Weiss treats the analogue stage as a primary design priority.

Modern Platform and Usability

Helios includes:

AES/EBU and S/PDIF
USB
Ethernet UPnP/DLNA
Roon Ready
PCM up to 384 kHz
DSD64/DSD128

Also supports IR control and browser-based DSP management.

DSP Where It Counts

Includes the same family of powerful tools:

Room EQ
Creative EQ
De-essing
Crosstalk cancelling
Loudness control
Headphone EQ and crossfeed

DSP can be switched between speaker and headphone modes.

Who is Helios for?

Listeners with revealing amplifier/speaker chains (or true reference headphones) who want maximum resolution, flagship analogue output, and professional-grade fine-tuning without sacrificing musical flow.

Choosing the Right Weiss DAC for Your System

Here’s a simple way to think about the range:

DAC204 MK 2: Pure, flexible conversion with excellent connectivity
DAC 501 M K 2: Reference DAC with onboard DSP and streaming
DAC 502 MK 2: The most complete digital hub with balanced headphone output
Helios: Flagship-level analogue output and ultimate Weiss execution

FAQ: Weiss Engineering DACs

Are Weiss DACs good for Roon?

Yes. DAC 501 MK 2, DAC 502 MK 2, and Helios are all specified as Roon Ready, making them ideal for high-end streaming systems.

What makes Weiss different from other high-end DAC brands?

Weiss products are built on a professional mastering heritage, with extremely precise conversion and practical onboard DSP tools designed for real listening rooms.

Which Weiss DAC is best for headphones?

The DAC 502 is particularly strong thanks to its balanced 4-pin XLR headphone output and headphone-focused DSP features.

Experience Weiss at Hi-Fi Centre

Weiss Engineering represents the intersection of Swiss precision and studio-grade digital audio design. Whether you want a minimalist DAC or a flagship streaming processor, Hi-Fi Centre can help you choose the right Weiss component for your system.