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Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi All.

Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.

I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.

Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?

All opinions welcome.

And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.

Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
mattnshilp
paul79
174 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth:

For 12AX7, the Mullard 10M are damn hard to beat. Very linear, focused, and dimensional.

12AU7, there is only one that will keep up with the 6SN7, and that is the CBS 7318. This was CBS answer to the audio grade Telefunken ECC802S. Ultra rare. I have tried them all, and this tube works well in any 12AU7 circuit. Nothing comes close.

Either of these tubes last a very long time. I have a set of 10M 12AX7 and CBS 7318's in my amps that have been cooking for over 5 years, and they still test like the day I put them in.

I know where some of the 7318's are, but they are pricey. Message me if interested.
jwm
918 posts
 
Paul79 I use Mullard 12AU7 10M in my preamp and they are my favorite.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi Paul79, I have heard of the CBS 5814 Hytron tube for the 12Au7 position, However, Ralph of Atmashere audio said that this tube does not always work here, because it requires more power and possibly could harm a unit, so I kind of took that off my bucket list,I have not heard of the CBS 7318 for the 12AU7 position, very interesting!, you are saying that you prefer the Mullard 10M over the Telefunken tubes for the 12AX7 position?, have any of you listened to the RCA Red Label 12BH7 tubes for the 12AU7 position?, I know Jafox has said that he likes this tube before,cheers.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Paul79, Now that I think about it, I believe you are spot on with the kind of sound I am looking for, I have listened to some units with the 6SN7 tubes before, The Big tone tube, If the CBS 7318 sounds similiar, that would be a winner for me, I will message you, any one else got some preferances for tubes that has worked for you? thankyou.
wisnon
700 posts
 
I have heard that Telefunken tubes are clean and quite but quite "dead" sounding!

Phillips/Siemens/Mullard/Brimar/Valvo/certain Teslas might be better options. In general for the small tubes, I have heard that the W. Europeans are the best choice and for rectifiers, the vintage Americans are the best. This I get from a pal with 25 years experience in tube rolling and he is based in Eastern europe.
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