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CAL Alpha DAC: Stock vs. 24/96 upgrade

I recently purchased a used stock (I believe 18-bit) CAL Alpha Tube DAC. I'm considering the 24/96 upgrade. Those of you who are familiar with the sound of both, please weigh in. Also, tubes that you like with either version, what sound do they produce? My DAC came with the Eico/Mullard brand 12AX7/ECC83. Thank you in advance.
routeman21
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Kevin, if you send in the alpha to the service company (Kevin there) will tell you to do this. Repairing these is a big part of his servicing of the Alphas.
routeman21 OP
110 posts
 
Ckoffend, I don't understand what you're saying. Please explain in more detail. Thank You!
Kevin
elevick
2,638 posts
 
I think the mullards have very smooth mids and really clean, crisp highs. Telefunkens seem to get a little better bass. In my experiences, 5751's rock a little better. They do not smooth over any sound. 5751's can handle more plate voltage which is why the can "crank" a little more. CJ pre-amps always came with 5751's and I hated it. They would cook mullards but I felt they sounded a little more "tubey" with mullards in them (I've had a PV-5, PV-9 & PV-10).
buda
46 posts
 
Yes, I tried the Mullards in both Alphas with very pleasing results. If I had 3 sets, all my Dacs would have them. The Telefunkens and Mazdas have more air in the highs but the Mullards vocals are crystal clear (most of my music is vocal and acoustic). I have not heard modified players compared to the Alpha but saying they "crush" the Alpha may be pushing it. The Alpha is very hard to beat for the money. Plus with the next wave of audio being music server based, a nice tube DAC will come in handy. My neighbor already uses his SigmaII with an AppleTV in a 2 channel set up with Dali Helicon 400s and a Prima Luna Dialoge integrated. WOW! Both audio and video are outstanding. Plus the simplicity of a music library at your finger tips. I am planning on that next leap with my systems (which is why I have 3 Alphas).
routeman21 OP
110 posts
 
Buda, When I read your posts you sure do make a case for the Alpha. As stated before, I'm still getting used to it. It really does have some characteristics I like a lot. I also own a CAL Icon Mk.II Powerboss which I really like too. Of course, I'm finding it's a different animal than the Delta/Alpha combo. I will probably tube roll before I decide on the 24/96 upgrade. I don't want to spend too much on tubes but it would be a good idea to at least try some out. Thanks for your help.
Kevin
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