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Post by tropicallutefisk on Sept 16, 2021 11:08:13 GMT -5
I've got a bit of an itch to upgrade. Overall I'm quite pleased with my two channel system. As it currently stands:
1. 2 Emo DR1s
2. Schiit Freya+ pre amp
3. Cambridge CXN v1 Streamer/DAC
4. Magnepan 3.7i Speakers
I've been considering adding a DAC and using the CXN just as a streamer. However, this is the best sounding source I've had, so I'm not sure if I'd notice any difference with a new DAC. I've got a budget of $2500 give or take, but would hate to add a new DAC only to find I fail to notice any improvement. Has anyone else added a separate DAC to a CXN? Was there a noticeable improvement? What I'd like to get is some better mid bass response. Also, at times I feel like I'm in the balcony and would prefer it sound like I'm closer to the stage. Not sure if a DAC affects this or if its just my ears playing tricks on me.
I welcome any input.
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Post by Boomzilla on Sept 16, 2021 11:13:29 GMT -5
Black Ice DSD tube DAC
It'll warm up your midrange.
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Sept 16, 2021 11:41:37 GMT -5
Black Ice DSD tube DAC It'll warm up your midrange. I've heard your glowing recommendation of this DAC and its one I've given serious consideration. It also appears to be a bargain. Though unsure where to purchase. Seems the closest dealer is 8 hours away. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Sept 16, 2021 12:02:32 GMT -5
Check Amazon & eBay for a multitude of Chinese tube DACs. They're far cheaper than the Black Ice (and their construction is commensurate with their price), but you could try one of the Chinese ones - see if you like the effect, and if so, then search for a better quality one later if you like it.
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Post by vcautokid on Sept 16, 2021 12:17:41 GMT -5
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KeithL
Administrator 
Posts: 9,945
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Post by KeithL on Sept 16, 2021 15:25:27 GMT -5
Just for the record.... You do all know that there is no such thing as "a tube DAC" right? It's just a regular DAC with a tube buffer on the analog output to add a bit of tube coloration. It is so horrifically impractical to make an entire DAC using vacuum tubes that, as far as I know, nobody does it. In general "tube DACs" are simply a regular DAC with a tube buffer tacked onto their analog output. This will add a bit of tube coloration if that's what you're looking for. However it is a complete waste if you already have a tube preamp, or a tube buffer, or a tube amplifier, which you already like the sound of. (You are adding some tube circuitry - but you are not simplifying the signal path by eliminating any of the complex solid state circuitry that a DAC requires to do its job.) It is actually possible to use a tube for the I/V converter on a current output DAC (thus replacing one part of the DAC itself with a tube equivalent). This is a simple but quite important part of the conversion process (although, on a normal voltage output DAC, it is internal so you can't replace it). However, the performance of a tube in this role is so bad that, although it has been done in some DIY projects, I don't think that anybody currently does it in a commercial product. I should also mention that there are one or two DACs that offer both a regular "solid state output" and a "tube output"... Which should give you a good opportunity to compare them... or to pick one or the other for different source material... These guys make a DAC with both tube and solid state preamp outputs - and even an analog input and a headphone amp (the headphone amp apparently does not go through the tube). The reviews are only middling... but some folks seem to like them very much... and it is not at all expensive... |
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Post by monkumonku on Sept 16, 2021 17:39:10 GMT -5
Just for the record.... You do all know that there is no such thing as "a tube DAC" right? It's just a regular DAC with a tube buffer on the analog output to add a bit of tube coloration. It is so horrifically impractical to make an entire DAC using vacuum tubes that, as far as I know, nobody does it. In general "tube DACs" are simply a regular DAC with a tube buffer tacked onto their analog output. This will add a bit of tube coloration if that's what you're looking for. However it is a complete waste if you already have a tube preamp, or a tube buffer, or a tube amplifier, which you already like the sound of. (You are adding some tube circuitry - but you are not simplifying the signal path by eliminating any of the complex solid state circuitry that a DAC requires to do its job.) It is actually possible to use a tube for the I/V converter on a current output DAC (thus replacing one part of the DAC itself with a tube equivalent). This is a simple but quite important part of the conversion process (although, on a normal voltage output DAC, it is internal so you can't replace it). However, the performance of a tube in this role is so bad that, although it has been done in some DIY projects, I don't think that anybody currently does it in a commercial product. I should also mention that there are one or two DACs that offer both a regular "solid state output" and a "tube output"... Which should give you a good opportunity to compare them... or to pick one or the other for different source material... These guys make a DAC with both tube and solid state preamp outputs - and even an analog input and a headphone amp (the headphone amp apparently does not go through the tube). The reviews are only middling... but some folks seem to like them very much... and it is not at all expensive... This is probably the closest to a "tube DAC." It uses a tube clock in addition to the analog output via tubes. www.primaluna-usa.com/primaluna-evo-100-tube-dac |
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Post by vcautokid on Sept 16, 2021 18:42:31 GMT -5
Chillax Keith. Have you heard one yet? I am getting one for my demo turn and I guarantee you it is not like anything else you will hear. Plus how many DACs do you know weigh almost 30 pounds? Take your time. No really. It is a DAC and puts some receivers and Integrateds to shame in the beefy category. Is it the best sounding period? Hell no, that is not what it is about. But is it really good? Hell Yeah!
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Post by audiobill on Sept 16, 2021 19:26:22 GMT -5
I suggest you take a hard look at the Minidsp shd that will replace your streamer, preamp, dac and add Dirac room correction for under $1,500. Check out all the reviews and measurements online. The room correction can make a big difference. www.minidsp.com/products/streaming-hd-series/shd-seriesGood tube stuff costs. |
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Post by LuisV on Sept 16, 2021 20:26:49 GMT -5
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Post by brutiarti on Sept 16, 2021 22:46:38 GMT -5
I find the Dacs in Cambridge products very nice sounding. Smooth and detailed. I would try the Yggy and see if you find it better. You can always send it back if it’s not much of an improvement.
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Post by donh50 on Sept 16, 2021 23:12:00 GMT -5
Now for the contrary opinion: Speaking as an old Maggie owner (both owner and Maggies are old  ), with that rig and $2500 to spend, I would pick up a nice sub or two. Maggies distort heavily (10's of percent) when deep bass is thrown at them. You may be surprised by how much better they sound with a crossover before the amp to offload the deep bass. FWIWFM - Don |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2021 0:32:08 GMT -5
Just for the record.... You do all know that there is no such thing as "a tube DAC" right? It's just a regular DAC with a tube buffer on the analog output to add a bit of tube coloration. It is so horrifically impractical to make an entire DAC using vacuum tubes that, as far as I know, nobody does it. In general "tube DACs" are simply a regular DAC with a tube buffer tacked onto their analog output. This will add a bit of tube coloration if that's what you're looking for. However it is a complete waste if you already have a tube preamp, or a tube buffer, or a tube amplifier, which you already like the sound of. (You are adding some tube circuitry - but you are not simplifying the signal path by eliminating any of the complex solid state circuitry that a DAC requires to do its job.) It is actually possible to use a tube for the I/V converter on a current output DAC (thus replacing one part of the DAC itself with a tube equivalent). This is a simple but quite important part of the conversion process (although, on a normal voltage output DAC, it is internal so you can't replace it). However, the performance of a tube in this role is so bad that, although it has been done in some DIY projects, I don't think that anybody currently does it in a commercial product. I should also mention that there are one or two DACs that offer both a regular "solid state output" and a "tube output"... Which should give you a good opportunity to compare them... or to pick one or the other for different source material... These guys make a DAC with both tube and solid state preamp outputs - and even an analog input and a headphone amp (the headphone amp apparently does not go through the tube). The reviews are only middling... but some folks seem to like them very much... and it is not at all expensive... This is probably the closest to a "tube DAC." It uses a tube clock in addition to the analog output via tubes. www.primaluna-usa.com/primaluna-evo-100-tube-dacDude, just wished to inquire whether your avatar is of a dude with a man bun? |
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,230 
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Post by novisnick on Sept 17, 2021 0:47:50 GMT -5
Dude, just wished to inquire whether your avatar is of a dude with a man bun? You must be rather young and have never enjoyed any old black and white Kung Fu movies. Those were some great days my friend. Classics! |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2021 1:05:16 GMT -5
Dude, just wished to inquire whether your avatar is of a dude with a man bun? You must be rather young and have never enjoyed any old black and white Kung Fu movies. Those were some great days my friend. Classics! Dude killed my teacher! |
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Sept 17, 2021 6:21:23 GMT -5
I suggest you take a hard look at the Minidsp shd that will replace your streamer, preamp, dac and add Dirac room correction for under $1,500. Check out all the reviews and measurements online. The room correction can make a big difference. Good tube stuff costs. Great suggestion. I had not thought of something like this. Thanks! |
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Post by audiobill on Sept 17, 2021 6:24:05 GMT -5
You're welcome. All reviews, including ASR are very positive. Best source is Deer Creek Audio. Note that the full SHD also has an analog input and output as well as crossover for sub whereas the SHD studio is digital only. www.minidsp.com/products/streaming-hd-series/shd-series |
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Sept 17, 2021 6:26:28 GMT -5
Now for the contrary opinion: Speaking as an old Maggie owner (both owner and Maggies are old ), with that rig and $2500 to spend, I would pick up a nice sub or two. Maggies distort heavily (10's of percent) when deep bass is thrown at them. You may be surprised by how much better they sound with a crossover before the amp to offload the deep bass. FWIWFM - Don I do own a nice F110 JL Audio sub that I forgot to mention, but I do not have a way to adjust the crossover. The sub does not have speaker level inputs. Hmm... more to consider. Thanks |
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Post by tropicallutefisk on Sept 17, 2021 6:34:02 GMT -5
I find the Dacs in Cambridge products very nice sounding. Smooth and detailed. I would try the Yggy and see if you find it better. You can always send it back if it’s not much of an improvement. I agree and really cannot fault it. That is why I threw this out to the group. Sometimes we "think" we need something else when what we already have is perfectly fine. This hobby can have one behaving like an addict looking for a better fix. LOL |
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Post by fbczar on Sept 17, 2021 8:16:51 GMT -5
Now for the contrary opinion: Speaking as an old Maggie owner (both owner and Maggies are old ), with that rig and $2500 to spend, I would pick up a nice sub or two. Maggies distort heavily (10's of percent) when deep bass is thrown at them. You may be surprised by how much better they sound with a crossover before the amp to offload the deep bass. FWIWFM - Don I do own a nice F110 JL Audio sub that I forgot to mention, but I do not have a way to adjust the crossover. The sub does not have speaker level inputs. Hmm... more to consider. Thanks I am confused by your comment relative to your JL sub. The F110 is exceptionally versatile, has built in low pass filtering and even has its own DSP. In addition you have an XMC-2 which can set the crossover. I apologize for being dense. Could you explain the problem further? |
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), with that rig and $2500 to spend, I would pick up a nice sub or two. Maggies distort heavily (10's of percent) when deep bass is thrown at them. You may be surprised by how much better they sound with a crossover before the amp to offload the deep bass.
