I think I got my WE20se not long after this post. I am very thankful for having gone for the WE20se instead of the N10.

Do you think the W20SE is worth it if one is only using USB to connect to DAC?

George

I suppose it depends on the DAC. I have tried both (USB and AES)... if there is a difference it is not great. But your Esoteric can do dual AES inputs to the full 384mhz... your DAC is ready to take full advantage of the WE20se. This is such an incredible streamer very much worth it.

I use USB (Nordost Valhalla2) to connect from W20SE to MSB Select2 DAC and the sound is spectacular! YES it is worth it. I also demo’d the N10, and the W20SE is absolutely worth the upgrade.

I recently upgraded from an N10 to a W20SE. I thought it was worth it, but the extra cost did take a bite out of my wallet. It did make me upgrade my USB cable and my DAC, I just had to. The justifications we make for better sound are amazing. Don't listen to the W20SE unless you can afford it because you will want one after hearing it.

Very wise words. Skepticism can evaporate into “I must have” in a couple seconds... followed by, “I’ll figure out how to pay for it later”. Well worth it though.

Thanks for the feedback guys .. I'll make sure and not audition it until I'm ready to buy! :-)

George