Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Paul79,

I have just received some confirmatory feedback to what you say from a trusted industry participant in the high end of the market:

"I am not a fan of the ecc83 and 12x type tubes as i consider all double triodes flawed by design (two amplification elements are never properly
aligned when used in parallel and crosscouple into each other when used for different channels or amplification stages).

That said, this is the extreme purist point of view.

A well made amp using them in parallel config. can still deliver , even so a similar amp with single stage tubes of comparable design will add more performance on top.

So single element triodes or pentodes come to mind (most state of the art recording consoles of the golden age used pentodes, only later double triodes, as they were cheaper.

I would look for a pre with a minimum number of tubes in signal path and with the best tube power supply. According to my research the more tubes in the signal path, the more "fuzzy haze" .

However, if you use digital only, I would got straight out of the dac into the power amp. If the tube output stage of the dac is properly designed for direct drive, any additional preamp should not be necessary and in fact will
add haze and time- smear to the sound.

OK Paul, what 6922 do you like?

Hi Winson, That is exactly what I do with my Tube digital, Run it straight to the Stereo Amplifier I have, you can get a really good active pre-amp that will work well, However, My exsperience is what your post said, most, but not all pre-amps smear, add haze, and slow the timeing down compaired to what I am doing, I know, I know, get a $10,000.00 pre-amp or a little less, that will do the trick, mmmm, yet to hear one that does not add their own flavor of sound to the mix!

Paul79, I still would like to know your reply on my above post to you, thankyou.

Grannyring, Hi, Did you roll your 12AX7 tubes?, If so, what did you use in the position?