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Tube DAC (Black Ice) Users - What Streamer Are You Using?

This question is primarily targeted at other Black Ice users but I would appreciate comments from other tube DAC users as well.

I have a newly acquired Black Ice DAC fed by a BS Node N130 w/LHY power supply upgrade.

Digital is not my primary source but since my upgrades from a stock Node, I'm listening to digital more frequently. 

I know the Node is entry level (and a great place to start IMO), but I'm guessing the Node is now the weak link.

So what dedicated streamers are you using with your Tube DAC?

macg19
Post removed 
wlutke
728 posts
 

@dorislucero

Oops! The N130 supersedes the Node 2i. The U2 mini supersedes the U1 mini.

@macg19

Not a Black Ice but I have the latest Audio Mirror IV, a tube DAC. I upgraded from an N130 with Sbooster LPS to a Lumin U2 mini. It’s certainly a different animal and it’s certainly a serious upgrade. Rather than repost my current thread here, please have a look.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/from-an-mhdt-to-an-audio-mirror-quick-impressions

My posts starting 3/3/23 are about the Lumin U2 mini. The optional IR remote wasn’t mentioned. It has all the functions you would expect plus an unusually fine lossless volume adjust.

macg19 OP
941 posts
 

@dorislucero what does the myhealthonline URL have to do with your post?

Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,960 posts
 
macg19

@dorislucero

what does the myhealthonline URL have to do with your post

It’s spam.

macg19 OP
941 posts
 

@wlutke I've looked at your DAC before - looks really interesting. I thought the same about the stock Russian tubes but I ordered some NOS Mullards at the same time as the DAC so they weren't in long. Massive improvement and IMO the point of owning tube gear to a certain extent. 

My takeaway is the Lumin was a significant SQ upgrade to the Node but the app took some getting used to, correct?

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