[Keko123]

The 131 has a headphone amp stage, the 198 doesn't. The headphone amp can be bypassed anyway so they are essentially the same in that configuration.

As manufacturers are swapping to the 131 now don't be surprised if stock of those runs out too in the new year.

True, many manufacturers chose CS43198 first (L&P, Astell & kern, Ibasso ...?). They will only use CS43131 when CS43198 is out of stock

 

[ClieOS]

The 131 has a headphone amp stage, the 198 doesn't. The headphone amp can be bypassed anyway so they are essentially the same in that configuration.

As manufacturers are swapping to the 131 now don't be surprised if stock of those runs out too in the new year.

Actually the amp section on CS43131 can't be bypassed, which is why it wasn't used on the original W2 as it will be more difficult to design a clean circuit when double amping is unavoidable. CS43198, which has the same DAC section as CS43131 but not the amp section, will be easier to design.

When the original W1/W2 R&D started back in early 2019, there was no COVID19 nor chip shortage. Therefore they pick a chip (198) that is up to the task and easier to work with. They only switch to 131 because Cirrus Logic later decided to focus their limited production capability on 131, thus making 198 hard to come by.

 

[tawmizzzz]

I know I briefly discussed the pair-up in my 131 impressions, but the OG W2 pairing with LCD5 is still surprisingly great. You do get a forward upper-midrange emphasized-tuning from both source and transducer, but it leads to a euphoric, energetic vocal presentation. You lose quite a bit of soundstage depth and layering versus desktop units, but the more forward/less technical sound is a fun, dynamic, and engaging listen. On tuning 2, it becomes mid-centric which is excellent for female vocals, with bass and treble taking a backseat with strong extension.

Pretty awesome that I can have a cheap portable option to drive these cans which still sounds just as good, if not better, than any TOTL IEM + DAP I've heard. The technicalities are still excellent, with strong detail and staging width. This is from Single Ended as well, and easily beats out the SP2000 SE synergy with LCD5. I am working on finding a good balanced cable which I imagine should only benefit further.

 

[musicday]

New firmware for W2: V.1.0.3.6 AS released 15 December
http://www.luxuryprecision.net/xiazai/
This version is compatible with the NoHID version. When the HID Key enable state changes, the USB connection is re-connected. If the HID Key is closed, the reconfiguration descriptor closes the HID communication. The HID Key is turned off by default, so it is compatible with Apple M1 tablets.

 

[Xinlisupreme]

i dind't update W2 FW since i got in june, did you notice improvements with new FW instead OG FW? can i update it from Mac?

 

[Fred5ek]

There is an improvement (V1.0.2.1_AS ) Vs (V1.0.3.4_AS) i wybór ustawień UAC1 & UAC2

 

[musicday]

Jest poprawa (V1.0.2.1_AS ) Vs (V1.0.3.4_AS) i wybór ustawień UAC1 & UAC2

www.google.com
translate

 

[NYanakiev]

Any idea how to get the W2 working with a M1 Pro MacBook?

 

[bluestorm1992]

Any idea how to get the W2 working with a M1 Pro MacBook?

Installing that firmware does not work?

 

[NYanakiev]

Installing that firmware does not work?

Just installed it and the W2 works with both my MacBook and iPad Pro. Happy days!

 

[NYanakiev]

After all the excitement of being able to finally use the W2 with my MacBook and iPad Pro, I dropped the W2 outside and stepped on it.
Luckily, the screen under the destroyed tempered glass protector was just fine so got away with a small dent.

Does anyone have a link for a replacement screen protector?

 

[musicday]

After all the excitement of being able to finally use the W2 with my MacBook and iPad Pro, I dropped the W2 outside and stepped on it.
Luckily, the screen under the destroyed tempered glass protector was just fine so got away with a small dent.

Does anyone have a link for a replacement screen protector?

Can we see some photos? I am sorry this has happened to you. I suppose you can buy an ordinary temperad glass and put it in place

 

[Frainen]

My mobile DAC ranking in picture.
RU6 came close, but W2 remains king to me.

 

[musicday]

My mobile DAC ranking in picture.
RU6 came close, but W2 remains king to me.

Great to know, with so many features now the W2 is hard to beat.
I've updated the firmware of my W2 to V.1.0.3.6 AS and everything works great, even the sound seems s bit improved.

 

[NYanakiev]

Can we see some photos? I am sorry this has happened to you. I suppose you can buy an ordinary temperad glass and put it in place