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Tube DACs

I am looking for a very good tube DAC that will give me the tube mid-range magic (not too much bloom) but that alive sound, with deep bass and a wide soundstage. I tired the Electrocompaniet SS DAC on my Sony SCD-777ES and it threw a very wide soundstage with very deep bass, and great details. I am looking for a DAC that will add some of the tube maigic to the mid range especially for vocals.

I know of the CAL Alpha, Sonic Frontiers and the Audio Logic tube DACs, do you have any experience with these or any others?

Thanks for your input and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
bkeane
13 posts
 
Try an Audio Note Tube DAC. The DAC One 1x Signiture is an excellent tube DAC at a reasonable price. I had a problem with my B&W's being too bright until I put the Audio Note into the system.

Its worth a shot.
budrew
467 posts
 
I second the Audio Note DACs. I have the 2.1x balanced, purchased used. I also have the Wavelength Audio Cosine DAC which is very similar in design and concept (tube output, zero sampling) that I use in a headphone system.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
I have a Cal Alpha in my main system (w/a BAT DK5) and a Sigma II in a 2nd system and use them regularily so long as I'm not looking for the ultimate audio adventure (great resolution and soundstaging). They are warm and musical - they are a bit forward in presentation but not bright or glassy (assuming you've tubed them correctly). They are more forgiving of problems in CD's and for casual listening I actually prefer them to the BAT. What I would love to find is a CDP or a DAC which has the tonal balance and upfront presentation of the Cal Alpha, but with the resolution of the BAT. Anyone know of such a beast?
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