Ypsilon DAC-100?


There's an Ypsilon DAC-100 for sale that is calling to me, and I would like to know if anyone has any knowledge of such a DAC. I know it's old (at least ten years, but it has got my interest. There seems to be very little info on it out on the web. There is one very informative review on Dagogo from back in 2010 which speaks very highly of it and compares it to the Audio Note Dac 5. What I Iike:

1- Very simple R2R dac built very well.

2- It's based on Burr Brown 1704 DAC chips.

3- Heavy, inhouse made transformers.

4- It uses tubes, Siemens C3G and Mullard EZ81

5- I think it needs me.

I do not listen to CD's or SACD's. I only stream and would add the likes of a Lumin U2  or Innuos Pulse, etc... in front of it., my current DAC/Streamer is a Cary DMS-600 which I like very much. I have no issue with its age as I am a very capable tech, and I'm the VP/GM of an aerospace/defnese contract manufacturer which makes cables, harnesses, and chassis level electronic assemblies. If my diminishing eyesight keeps me from performing any needed repair, one of my ANS- J-STD 100 and IPC certified solder assemblers and engineers can certainly help. The system this DAC would be introduced into is; Conrad Johnson GAT S1 tube preamp, CJ LP27M monoblocks, feeding Wilson Alexia speakers. All cabling is Audience Front Row. The analogue side is a well upgraded recent edition Linn LP12 feeding a CJ TEA1 S3 phonostage. As you can see, I am a tube guy and lean towards the eclectic. My music likes are very broad with the only limits being no rap or hip-hop. Again, any info would help, and please feel free to poke holes in my thoughts. At my age, I've been through a lot in my life and have very thick skin. After all, this is just a hobby and a release from the daily pressures of life.

Thanks, Alan

awise1961

C3G are tough to find ,  and pricey.  EZ81 are plentiful, new and NOS.    I would pass.   

Not all tube testers can test that tube either ,. It has a Loctal socket.       

Good sound is good sound whether it's yesterday or today. That brand is known to b ewell built, so I vote yes, buy it. 

You probably posted just to get a little push, or some demonstrable reason not to buy it. I say carpe diem. Life is short. And I'm an outlier too. (you said "eclectic"). And if it's a mistake? You'll resell. I might reach out to the manufacturer just to see if anybody there knows the unit, its history, what service issues might generally arise and whether they can address them if you cannot. (I hate shipping gear).

I find some of my most enjoyable quests are not always rational. (Not suggesting that buying this piece is irrational).