Thoughts on DACs, CDPs and Tubes . . .

[SolidSqual]

So, I've been trying to determine the final source for my system and have determined that I definitely need tubes. I listened to a CA DacMagic, Benchmark DAC-1, a Modded PSA DLIII Lvl. 4 Mod. and a Bryston BCD-1. All of them but the PSA seemed to have more detail but none of them had the warmth and musicality of the Raysonic CD-128. Thus, I need tubes.

So here's my dilemma:

Know any good tube dacs other than those made by Wavelength? I still haven't given up on the computer audio route.

I think I've come to a point where I'm not looking for more detail but more tube goodness. Non-tubed digital sources just seem stale.

[F1nut]

The Raysonic CD-128 didn't do it for you?

[nikolas812]

I know you seem to like some of the pricier stuff. But have you thought about demoing a Jolida CDP?


I loved mine. It had a stong tube like sound...





Nick

[pearsall001]

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb/index.html Paul builds some fantastic gear. I had his DAC & it was superb. Maybe right up your alley.

[SolidSqual]

The Raysonic CD-128 didn't do it for you?

Well it did actually, but I'm still trying to find that same sound in a DAC where I can connect a CDP and a music server to get the same kind of sound. Not sure if that's possible, but I've gone back and forth many times on the idea. My main reason for pursuing the music server avenue is total access to my music library right from my couch.

[F1nut]

I know that some CDP's have a digital in/out, so that the internal DAC can be used for a purpose like yours, but off the top of my head, I'm not sure any of them are tubed.

[lakesailor]

Have you tried a tube buffer ? Might be a relatively inexpensive solution.

[SolidSqual]

Have you tried a tube buffer ? Might be a relatively inexpensive solution.

I did once with a MF Tube Buffer, but it seemed more like a band-aid

[lakesailor]

I did once with a MF Tube Buffer, but it seemed more like a band-aid

I haven't tried one myself; however I have heard some good things. Mark Marc; who chimes in here often did a good review on one in the Affordable Audio online digest he puts out monthly. Might be worth a read.

[markmarc]

From what I've gathered Solid is beyond the tube buffer stage. I've got to believe there are more options available (not to attack Raysonic, but for the idea of choice). With CES just ending, gut tells me there are more tube DACs coming out in the next few months.

[SolidSqual]

One option is to buy the Raysonic and some time down the road buy a great DAC. I could use the Raysonic as a transport, but then this option would only be good if the tubes buffered the digital outs as well.

[heiney9]

Monarchy NM24.

Tube Dac or SS Dac and line stage tube pre.

http://www.monarchyaudio.com/

[adam2434]

The MHDT Havana seems interesting. It's a non-oversampling DAC with a true tube output stage sans opamps (not just a tube buffer as many DACs have).