Thanks for the thoughts and replies.
The set up goes like this, yes it's connected to my av receiver, an Integra dtr8.4. Powering the front 2 HT2-TLs is a parasound 2250. Only source is Mac mini. All 3 DACs connected with usb: The W4S DAC2 (also can be used as a preamp), audioengine D1, and ODAC into video 1,2,3 rcas in stand alone DAC mode. Seems like a fair even test. The differences were slight. I do believe the W4S was the more detailed one but not sure how else my untrained ears and brain would articulate the differences. If I did the blind test a,b,c I'm not sure if I could pick out the best one. It's hard. I dont get out there and hear a lot of different sets ups. I'm sure in my circle of friends my system is the best. But also my friends can not understand spending the kind of money we spend to get to this level. The speakers are definitely the meat and potatoes of the system.
So where is gets interesting is the W4S can and is now being used as a DAC and preamp. So it is being used "separate"ly. The AV receiver is off. I figured removing the av from the system, as most people suggest, would really take it to the next level. And frankly it doesn't seem THAT different. I'm not complaining. I am very happy I purchased it. I think it sounds amazing. Is the W4S dac/pre combo a legit pre amp? If I only have one source seems like a great option just use it. I wonder if getting another hybrid pre or ss pre would really affect the sound? Maybe I could get an all tube pre ( and use the W4S as just a DAC) to add variety and give options for a different sound? Also I thought thought about a hybrid tube amp? I'm leaning towards the Van Alstine line because because if you are reading this we are in the same circle, and our circle strongly over laps with their circle. I'm sure there is other great options but at this level everything is really good. There is just different.