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

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....

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 

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.

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.

Very nice DAC that I've always been curious about. I agree with your thoughts completely in both the pro and con categories, and my main concern would be the age of those caps. They have a built in shelf life and there's no avoid it.

Not an insurmountable problem but reminds me of buying an older high performance car... there are factors to consider even if it has always been thoroughly maintained. 

Let us know what you decide, seems like a fun adventure that could really pay off even if it involves some detours for recapping.