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Best Dac for Jadis Defy and JPL combo?

I have started upgrading my system again and I am going to try and have some patience with my next purchase. I am trying to see what other Jadis owners are using for their dacs.

Right now I am thinking of a major redesign of my main system. I have a good start with Jadis Defy 7 mkII and a JPL preamp.

I have tried a few dacs lately, but nothing has really blown me away. I have tried a Weiss Dac 2, Musical Fidelity TriVista 21, Bryston BD1 and a Valab non oversampling dac.

I have been developing certain beliefs about these dacs and seem to prefer non over sampling dacs more than any other.

What I want to do this my time is to find out what other Jadis owners are using and why.

At this time, I am not using any phono sources, only a Teac VRDS 10 and a Mac Mini. I have a preference for the music server for its ease on use and interesting features. I also own Amarra Software with the key.

So, I am hoping to hear from folks that have a dac that supports toslink, but that is not mandatory. I also own a device that can convert usb to digital coax, but I have not played with that too much yet.

Anxiously awaiting your responses....
128x128mattzack2
mattzack2's avatar
mattzack2 OP
175 posts
 
I put a pair of Mazda 12ax7s's in there last night and it sounds pretty bright to me. Also, the soundstage seems narrow and the detail is disapointing, but it is starting to develop an interesting smoothness in the sound.

I think the tubes in this unit are very old possibly. I am going to replace all the tubes to eliminate them as a possible root cause of the disapointing sound quality.

I emailed the seller to see if he knew of any modifications or service that was ever done to this unit. I hope that gets me on the right track.
jay007
2 posts
 
lessloss dac mk11
missioncoonery
1,238 posts
 
Ive owned a JPL for over 15 years and IMO the American black plate RCA 12AX7 from the 1950s sound the best..Tele tubes are too sterile (again IMO) and the prices are ridiculous.1950s Raytheon are nice as well and a little cheaper. The 1950s Mullard are great but hard to find and really $$$..Ive found that tube selection in the Jadis pre is not as critial as the Defy 7 which Ive owned..Thats where I would put my money if retubing and spending vintage prices
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