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Ypsilon DAC-100?

There's an Ypsilon DAC-100 for sale that is calling to me, and I would like to know if anyone has any knowledge of such a DAC. I know it's old (at least ten years, but it has got my interest. There seems to be very little info on it out on the web. There is one very informative review on Dagogo from back in 2010 which speaks very highly of it and compares it to the Audio Note Dac 5. What I Iike:

1- Very simple R2R dac built very well.

2- It's based on Burr Brown 1704 DAC chips.

3- Heavy, inhouse made transformers.

4- It uses tubes, Siemens C3G and Mullard EZ81

5- I think it needs me.

I do not listen to CD's or SACD's. I only stream and would add the likes of a Lumin U2  or Innuos Pulse, etc... in front of it., my current DAC/Streamer is a Cary DMS-600 which I like very much. I have no issue with its age as I am a very capable tech, and I'm the VP/GM of an aerospace/defnese contract manufacturer which makes cables, harnesses, and chassis level electronic assemblies. If my diminishing eyesight keeps me from performing any needed repair, one of my ANS- J-STD 100 and IPC certified solder assemblers and engineers can certainly help. The system this DAC would be introduced into is; Conrad Johnson GAT S1 tube preamp, CJ LP27M monoblocks, feeding Wilson Alexia speakers. All cabling is Audience Front Row. The analogue side is a well upgraded recent edition Linn LP12 feeding a CJ TEA1 S3 phonostage. As you can see, I am a tube guy and lean towards the eclectic. My music likes are very broad with the only limits being no rap or hip-hop. Again, any info would help, and please feel free to poke holes in my thoughts. At my age, I've been through a lot in my life and have very thick skin. After all, this is just a hobby and a release from the daily pressures of life.

Thanks, Alan

awise1961
awise1961 OP
73 posts
 

Thank you all.

Each of you has echoes precisely what has been going through my mind.

oddiofyl; Yes, the C3G is indeed rare, but they are available, As an output stage tube, they should last a vey long time. I would buy a spare set to have on the shelf. I will look at both my Hickock and Jackson tube testers to see if they can accommodate the C3G.

roxy54; My sentiments exactly. A well built R2R non-upsampling dac with native 24/192 with tube rectification and analog output stage. 

whart; You are correct in your assessment of my reason for posting this. In the business I am in, and have been for over 40 year, I am fortunate to have relationships with many component suppliers who can find and provide whatever I may need. I'm in SC, but I have a sister company in NJ who's sole purpose is to deal with obsolescence in the military electronics world. My first area of concern would be any electrolytic cap's which are over ten years old and the degree of decay they may have. 

Thank you, Alan

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,030 posts
 

If you have a tube tester there's really no reason not to....   many a tube component has failed due to a bad "nos" tube.   

Gear like that was $$$ new.     Medium to low risk....

awise1961 OP
73 posts
 

Well, I’ve confirmed that my Jackson tester has the ability to test local tubes. I can test for shorts but I will need to know what spec’s are for GM testing. I’ll give Brent Jesse a call next week and see what he has to say 

lanx0003
937 posts
 

If you have that kind of money, why not consider the Mola Mola Tambaqui? It's well-reviewed and highly regarded by prestigious reviewers and audiophiles.

awise1961 OP
73 posts
 

Thank you.

I had looked into the Mola Mola, however it only has balanced outputs and my CJ GAT preamp utilizes single ended ins and outs. On my shortlist if the Ypsilon doesn’t get purchased is either a second hand Lampizator Posieden or an EMM Labs DA2 V2.

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