I had the following DACs in my system. I slightly preferred the Chord 64 to the Audio Logic but I did not get a chance to experiment with NOS tubes in the AL. I thought the ECD-1 was the biggest bang for the buck using my Sony SCD-777ES as a transport. I also preferred using the ECD-1 with the Audiomeca Mephisto CDP and a highly modified Shanling CDP. The ECD-1 is a very good DAC for the used prices. The ECD-1 had the best/deepest bass of all the DACs I listened to. It also had a wider soundstage. The Audio Logic had better separation and placement of vocals and instruments and was clearer sounding. I also liked the mid range better as it was more real sounding versus the ECD-1 which as a SS unit sounded laid back but not real. The Chord slightly bettered the AL DAC in the same areas and has a 4 second delay which took some time to get used to. I also felt that NOS tubes in the AL would better the sound of this DAC and that I could taylor the sound with tubes. It was also cheaper then the Chord although I saw one on Agon for around $1500 yesterday.
I may have posted this on Agon in another thread but overall all three are very good DACs and the ECD-1 would be a good choice for someone on a budget, or an older model AL 34 DAC if you prefer the sound of tubes.
Happy Listening.
I may have posted this on Agon in another thread but overall all three are very good DACs and the ECD-1 would be a good choice for someone on a budget, or an older model AL 34 DAC if you prefer the sound of tubes.
Happy Listening.