Tube DACs

Peter: jeffcott here (Holleys and Cragars). I am currently using a CEC TL2 and Audio Logic M34 combination. This combination has shown me the deficiencies in my system which I am currently in the process of correcting. IMO, this combination raises good Redbook recordings to the level of good HDCD. In truth, I must say that by itself a good DAC has not made as much of a difference as a good DAC used in COMBINATION with a good transport. For me, purchasing the CEC has been an eye opener: not black and white, but much clearer shades of grey. In terms of singing the prowess of Audio Logic, I would hope that Rcprince would chime in on this thread. He has experienced Jerry Ozment's handiwork two generations ahead of me, and can speak with polished experience of the differences between the AL products. Wish you lived close by, I would gladly bring them to you to experience with your system. All of the above has been with VERY modest tubes in the DAC. I am just now getting ready to improve things in that area.

Jeffcott, I have been to Rcprinces home and heard the AL DAC and I will probably get one this week to hear in my system versus the Electrocompaniet DAC. I also want to hear the Audio Aero DAC to compare and I am trying to locate one or an audition. I also want to hear the Tube Technology DAC if I can find one of those also. I also remember our previous stories. If I get them in to compare, I will let you know what I hear and maybe even see if Russ wants to take a listen to for a second opinion.

You may consider having your Sony modded. Modwright has turned my Sony into an exceptional player. The mod included an added tube section. It surpasses the Sony/Audio Note 3.1x sig. as well as Cec TL1x/ AN.

Let me put in a third vote for the Dan Wright mod. The absolute truth mod of my XA-777ES surpassed the performance of my previous Sonic Frontiers P-3.

Although Audio Research is not known for their digital equipment, the DAC 3 MK II is a superlative DAC. It uses 4 6922 tubes and is the best I have had in my system. My dealer loaned me a CD-3 for audition, which bested the DAC 3 in the bass, but not in the mids and highs.