2. digital
  3. 1348511384

Tube DAC Recommendations

I am in the market for DAC; my preference is a tube DAC. My primary music source will come from a computer or music server. The DAC will connect to Sim Audio 700i integrated amp. Budget is up to $7000 for the DAC.
I have been studying this forum over the last several months but cannot seem to find a consensus on the top 3-5 tube DACs.
Any input is appreciated.

Thanks
ddelisle911
ddelisle911 OP
34 posts
 
It seems to me that tube DAC technology may not have caught up with the current sampling rates currently on the internet.
Perhaps there is a limitation of hi rez music available; I will need to check that.

Two of the suggestions above have limitations regarding the sampling rate. I have no CD collection right now; I am starting from scratch. The plan was to use downloaded hi rez files from the internet and store this on a server. My thinking was that I would get a better sound quality.

I am not opposed to making an investment in cd's; I just thought that I was going backwards with CD's. Your thoughts?
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i do not have a model number for the original dac. i don't think they use model numbers.
ddelisle911 OP
34 posts
 
MrTennis-
I am seeing the model # as 5000; there was a successor of 5100 but which went up to 24/96, but they still kept the 5000 as their "signature" model.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/zanden/mkII.html
My only concern is the low sampling rate of 16/44.
rcprince
3,074 posts
 
The Audio Logic DACs, especially the Model 34, are superb tube DACs, even if they have the transformer upgrade that replaces the 12AU7s in the unit (it still has two 6922/6DJ8/ECC88 tubes in it that can be rolled to change the sound). Sadly, the maker and designer of these units, Jerry Ozment, has passed away, so they are no longer made and may be tough to find service for (my 8 or so year old unit still works just fine), but his design is alive and well in the Mk I version of the Jadis DAC mentioned earlier, which is pretty much the same circuit but with different parts. I agree with that poster, both the Jadis and the Audio Logic have a sound that is difficult to describe; maybe a little fat in the bass compared to my EMM Labs unit, but it shines in the midrange and still really seems to make the music come to life, to my ears.
chayro
3,003 posts
 
Yes, go out and buy an old, used Zanden. When it tanks, you can send it to Mr. Tennis for repair. I would not buy a Zanden product without reliable dealer backing, as you can't exactly drop them off at the local fix-it shop for repair. IMO.
More to discover