How does the Weiss Helios actually sound as a converter? In a word, remarkable.

The sound is accurate and clear, with a balance so precise it can almost seem boring at first until you realize just how much other converters have been lying to you for all these years.

There is almost no detectable texture to the sound with the Weiss Helios, something I have heard from almost no other DAC. Perhaps the only giveaway that a DAC is indeed in the system is a sort of liquidity and coherence from top to bottom that few converters provide. It’s as if inserting this converter makes the treble, bass and midrange all sound more texturally consistent. Even this trait does not particularly draw attention to itself however, and the Helios somehow manages to be spectacularly detailed with large, focused images that are never wider than reality as some DACs portray. Yes there is exceptional accuracy, but its accuracy done so smoothly and listenably that music still speaks to me emotionally.

The Weiss Helios seems to have quite a bit more punch and dynamics in the bass and treble than a lot of hi-fi DACs, the added dynamic contrast sounded fantastic on every system I inserted it into.

This brings me to my favorite DSP feature, one that I almost always leave on when playing the Weiss Helios. Yes, I unashamedly use the vinyl emulation and it is exceptional. This is another one I wish Weiss would release as a standalone plugin because it’s simply that good. While I won’t claim it makes things sound exactly like your favorite record, the 0dB calibration level kisses the signal with a liquidity and texture that I find totally addictive… it doesn’t change the basic nature of the Weiss Helios which is coherent, clear and open, but the subtle profile it adds to the music gives the impression of added layers, smoother transients and tonal warmth that I personally look for in great high-end analog gear.

It’s rare to find gear that both sounds great and also scratches the itch for tweakability – too frequently audiophiles buy a new piece of gear to change the sound. Weiss instead opted to put more of that control into our hands, and I think this greatly increases the longevity and ownership prospects of the Helios. This is a converter that will never be a weak point in any system.

The Weiss Helios is amongst the best digital converters I’ve heard, and it deserves my highest recommendation for those looking for a high-end statement DAC at any price. Must audition.

Grover Neville, Part Time Audiophile, Reviewers Choice Award Winner, February 2024