CAL Alpha and an Equalizer


Hi all, Hope you can please bear with me through this post to explain my findings, and a possible solution?

About 5-6 months ago, I bought a mint CAL Alpha DAC from another A-goner here, and have posted before, about its characteristics, and sound.

I don't believe there is anything specifically wrong with it per se, just typicaly Alpha sound.

Well, first thing I did notice when replacing my long owned CAL Sigma II DAC, was a very "lean" glassy, analytical, and very hot sound, like the DAC was hitting my Mac Pre-Amp a bit too much on the hot side.

I have bought a pair of Endler's 12 Step Attenuators, and that solved the hot output, but it still sounds a bit lean. Can an EQ be inserted between the DAC, and Pre-Amp? Mark
markd51
I think it would work, but it seems like you are doing too many "wrongs" to try to make a "right." Why not simply invest in a warmer sounding DAC or CD player and sell your current digital gear, since it is not to your liking???
What tubes and output cables are you using? I have an Alpha and those two things really affect the sound in my system.
Hi, Thanks for your responses.
When I recieved the Alpha, there were two JAN-Phillips 5751 tubes, and those I replaced with two Mullard CV-4004 (12AX7A Equivalent) Tubes.

I'm using top of the line Straightwire 75ohm Digital vetween the Transport, and DAC , and Straightwire Maestro 1M Cables between DAC and Pre-Amp.
Both Power Cords are stock CAL Cords.

I am using the Endler Attenuators at the lowest 4db cut, and the output seems smoother, not so hot, but I remember the Sigma II giving a little bit better Bass response versus the Alpha.

The rest of my system sounds fine with no complaints of bass response though my Analog set up, and R-R Tape Deck.

I would assume that yes, a EQ could be inserted just between the DAC, and Pre-Amp, but as other would most likely say, it's a band aid trying to fix something that shouldn't need fixing in this manner, and another CD Player (or DAC) would better solve the problem. Mark