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Digital Processor That Are Great Matches 4 Tubes?

I wanted to narrow down my search by putting together a list of Digiital Processors (DAC) which would be good candidates with a low-powered (25 W) tube back end (amp and preamp). What am I looking for in terms of its characteristics? (1)Musical (2) Open (3) Clarity. Price range: Top 5K retail. Thanks. Appreciate your time on this.
fullrun
fullrun OP
26 posts
 
How would you compare it to AMR's DP 777 which I currently own and wish to segway out of? And is there a place in NYC where I can audition it? And thanks for taking the time with the response.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Fullrun - The Overdrive SE pretty much beats all comers. I have a demo unit that you can audition with a deposit. It is at Dagogo in NJ right now, but could easily be shipped direct to you. It also has the Final Drive transformer buffers with it. These are $2999 and make a big difference in SQ for the entire system, even for your vinyl. Best transformers on the planet.

Go to my website and use contact us.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
For reference, the Maverick D2 also has a solid state output. I have the outputs hooked up to different inputs on my amp and prefer the solid state feed.
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
Hello Fullrun.

I have a McIntosh MC275 tube amp and a Lamm LL2 preamp to drive it and love the combination. My digital front end is a highly optimized PC feeding (thru PPA USB card) to Audiophilleo with PurePower and into a Metrum Octave DAC. I have just received an exaSound e22 that I'm in the process of breaking-in and expect to compare it to the AP+Metrum combo later this week, and eventually compare it driving the amp directly vs thruu the preamp.

Bottom line: I cannot provide input on the e22 yet, but will be able to soon. The e22 retails for $3.5k. One feature is it is supposed to make the computer source quality irrelevant by buffering data in the DAC (not relevant for my situation, but might be for you).
ketcham
92 posts
 
Fullrun,

I purchased the Overdrive SE will all options with the Final Drive late last year. It best any pre-amp setup I auditioned except one, the Allnic L5000 DHT with Kron tubes at around $24,000 retail.

When you are listening at level of quality, one is not necessarily better either. It is just different.

I believe Empirical is the best value for the quality it delivers.

You are welcome to PM for my thoughts on the dac too.
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