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Tube DACs

For some time I've assumed that tube DACS are meant for direct output to power amps -- in other words, no reason to use a tube DAC if you are running through a tube preamp (unless all components are by same mfr and designed for synergy).

But lately I have seen posts implying some run Brand A tube DAC through brand B tube preamp -- say, Primal Luna 100 to Rogue RP-9. Can't find any prior threads addressing this topic directly.

So, question: am I wrong to suppose that pairing random tube DAC A with random tube preamp B is a bad, or at least a silly idea, absent a known synergy?
 


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hickamore
hickamore OP
657 posts
 

"Tube DACs were not designed to eliminate the preamp any more than a tube phono pre is."

The above succinctly states what all responses are telling me, and thanks for it. There are those who run streamer/dac/pre combo units straight to amp. But none of these products are tubed so far as I'm aware . . . ?

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,127 posts
 

Why ? Tube dacs can sound very good but there are far more SS dacs that are better in several areas  for under$7 k World class T&A 200 dac 

that is next on my list it is exceptional and I have heard many dacs at 2x the cost 

not as good.

hickamore OP
657 posts
 

@audioman58 The T+A DAC 200 is actually top of my list. With a tube preamp always. Whether a tube DAC would better sit my ears is TBD.

mournbladeiv
33 posts
 

Well I am waiting on my first Audio tube component ( I have 2 tube amps for bass guitar, and 2 hybrids), an Ayon Kronos Signature DAC. It will be XLR'd into my ML 523 pre, and taking signal from an AES connection from the HiFi Rose RS150B. Pretty excited.  Even though the tube bass amps have a special sound, I use my hybrid tube pre/mosfet power amp the most.  So I am hoping for the same excellence with the new DAC.

smoorenc's avatar
smoorenc
48 posts
 

I have the Line Magnetic LM-32 DAC. It has a button to select either tube or SS. I also have a tube pre and a tube amp. Sounds fantastic. Closest I have gotten to sounding like my vinyl side. 

 

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