Author Topic: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread  (Read 24283 times)

Offline tmazz

  • Out Of My Speaker Cabinet
  • ******
  • Posts: 12088
  • Just basking in the glow of my tubes.....
DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« on: May 18, 2012, 10:46:36 PM »
Well guys I have been dreadfully behind on my posting (very busy with personal issues (in a good way) and then I had a computer meltdown and had to build a new PC).

So while all this was going on I had the opportunity to hear the new EE DAC Plus both with the upgraded 2107/627 and the Dexa discrete op-amps.

First I got the 2107 version and I have to say that this was easily the best DAC I have ever heard in my system (although I must admit I have never had any of the $4-5K DACs in my mancave).
This was the closest to analog sound that I had ever heard. Was it just as good as my VPI 19/SME IV/ Sumiko Blackbird combo, no. But for the first time the vinyl was not the immediate and obvious winner. I have the 30th Anniversary DSOTM release on both Vinyl and SACS Hybrid so I compared the two and while the vinyl was better, you had to sit down  in the chair and really listen to hear the differences. With every other DAC I ever had in the system you could drop the needle on the LP and standing off to the side next to the TT you would immediately hear am obvious difference, without even parking yourself in the sweet spot. With the EE you had to not only sit in the sweet spot, but also actively listen to the audiophile type characteristics of the sound to hear the differences. They were there if you listened, but they didn't jump out and hit you in the face. And if you didn't have an audiophile trained ear you probably would miss most of them.

I was very impressed with this DAC, that is until Bill shipped me the Dexa equipped version to audition. I put it on and all I have to say is wow. It just takes the DAC plus to a whole different level.smoother better imaging better detail and even more relaxed. The first thing I played was the "Our Love is Here to Stay" cut from the Jacintha Here's to Ben XRCD. The thing that I immediately noticed was that with the echo return on her vocal seemed to have a dimensionality on it that was much more defined and more like what one would expect to hear in a real acoustic environment.

For the extra amount that the Dexas add to the price I think they are well worth the additional investment. A significant SQ improvement for what is not a big incremental cost.

And BTW I did my auditioning using one of Pete's Triode Wire Labs 10 Plus power cords. This cord play very well with the unit and I highly recommend that anyone with an EE DAC should give one a try.
« Last Edit: May 19, 2012, 05:02:34 AM by tmazz »
Remember, it's all about the music........

• Nola Boxers
• Sunfire True SW Super Jr (2)
• McIntosh MC 275
• ARC SP-9
• VPI HW-19 Mk IV/SDS/SME IV/Soundsmith Carmen Mk II ES
• Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 DAC/Rasp Pi Roon Endpoint
• DigiBuss/TWL PC&USB/MIT Cables

Offline StereoNut

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 1890
  • So much great music, so little time!
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2012, 05:36:17 AM »
Nice!!! :thumb:
"Friends, Romans & Countrymen; lend me your ears"

• Primaluna Dialogue Tube Pre-Amp
• N.Y.A.L. Moscode 600 Amp
• Bolder/EE Minimax DAC
• Cambridge D-500SE CDP
• Von Schweikert 2012 Mod.VR-4 Gen.III speakers
• VPI Prime/Soundsmith MMP3/DV20x2H
• T.W.L

Offline mfsoa

  • Obsessively Audiophilic
  • ****
  • Posts: 716
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2012, 07:32:05 AM »
So this is the tour unit you have?

I'd very much like to get on the list if possible as I still haven't replaced my original EE dac yet.

Might save some $$ and go with a DacIt but would love to hear them both in my system before I decide.

Thanks for the review!

-Mike 

Offline Bill O'Connell

  • Obsessively Audiophilic
  • ****
  • Posts: 360
    • http://www.morningstaraudio.com
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2012, 07:43:21 AM »
I believe Triode Pete has the DAC PLUS with Dexa's at the moment. If you contact him I think you would be next in line.
 After you Mike I believe the tour will end.
Bill O'Connell,
Retired /Morningstar Audio/Eastern Electric distributor for North America
847-255-1150
"If your playing more than 3 chords your just showing off"  John Lee Hooker

Offline machinehead

  • Obsessively Audiophilic
  • ****
  • Posts: 507
    • Affordable Web Design & Development
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2012, 08:53:52 AM »
Bill,
I think there are a couple more in between. Me for one, then it is going to Andys.
M
Its cool ndude.

Vapor1

  • Guest
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2012, 11:30:46 AM »
What's the 2107/627 designate?  Is that an opamp? 

I have the DAC Plus, lived with it for quite awhile in stock form ... then by removing the tube from the circuit.  And now with DEXA's in all 4 positions.  I have to say it's within a hair of as good as it gets with analog conversion ... and I do have a $5000 DAC in my mancave, the BMC DAC1.  In stock form there were a few nits to pick, it could sound a tad etched at times and had an overall lean, very focused and defined, but lean presentation.  Removing the tube from the circuit brought a bigger soundstage and a bit of smoothness, a nice step.  But  the DEXA's really added the refinement I was looking for, as well as a much fuller bottom couple octaves.  Stand up bass and deep male vocals have significantly more weight and heft with the DEXA's ... and overall it feels more effortless and relaxed. 

I still have the BMC DAC as my primary because of the way it integrated with the BMC amp, but just DAC vs. DAC the EE really makes a strong showing. 

Offline StereoNut

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 1890
  • So much great music, so little time!
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2012, 12:59:08 PM »
Bill,
I think there are a couple more in between. Me for one, then it is going to Andys.
M

Me too! :-)  Last I talked to Tom, it was being auditioned by someone in Bellmore/Merrick...???

SN
"Friends, Romans & Countrymen; lend me your ears"

• Primaluna Dialogue Tube Pre-Amp
• N.Y.A.L. Moscode 600 Amp
• Bolder/EE Minimax DAC
• Cambridge D-500SE CDP
• Von Schweikert 2012 Mod.VR-4 Gen.III speakers
• VPI Prime/Soundsmith MMP3/DV20x2H
• T.W.L

Offline mfsoa

  • Obsessively Audiophilic
  • ****
  • Posts: 716
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2012, 07:06:33 PM »
Well as long as I'm in there somewhere!

Mike interested to hear about v. the NAD!


-Mike

Offline Bill O'Connell

  • Obsessively Audiophilic
  • ****
  • Posts: 360
    • http://www.morningstaraudio.com
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2012, 09:19:55 PM »
SN/Bill, Forgot about ya,as the guy in Bellmore dropped it off at Pete's but I believe you are next as the guy who picked it up from Tom,dropped it off at Pete's place.
 You guys seem to know more about who receives it next so keep me in the loop where it lands.

 Thanks,
 Bill
Bill O'Connell,
Retired /Morningstar Audio/Eastern Electric distributor for North America
847-255-1150
"If your playing more than 3 chords your just showing off"  John Lee Hooker

Offline StereoNut

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 1890
  • So much great music, so little time!
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #9 on: May 19, 2012, 09:22:12 PM »
Well as long as I'm in there somewhere!
-Mike

+1 :thumb:
"Friends, Romans & Countrymen; lend me your ears"

• Primaluna Dialogue Tube Pre-Amp
• N.Y.A.L. Moscode 600 Amp
• Bolder/EE Minimax DAC
• Cambridge D-500SE CDP
• Von Schweikert 2012 Mod.VR-4 Gen.III speakers
• VPI Prime/Soundsmith MMP3/DV20x2H
• T.W.L

djdube525

  • Guest
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #10 on: May 20, 2012, 03:26:40 AM »
What's the 2107/627 designate?  Is that an opamp?  

Yes... The are both op-amps...

For those who like to geek out... some links to datasheets...
Burr Brown OPA2107
Burr Brown OPA627
« Last Edit: May 20, 2012, 03:28:50 AM by djdube525 »

Offline richidoo

  • Out Of My Speaker Cabinet
  • ******
  • Posts: 11144
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #11 on: May 20, 2012, 06:14:43 AM »
Sources
OPA627 $25ea
OPA2107 $15ea
DEXA $81ea

Offline Triode Pete

  • Industry Participant
  • *
  • Posts: 1466
  • Strive for Perfection, Settle on Excellence!
    • Link to System Details & Photos
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #12 on: May 20, 2012, 06:36:31 AM »
SN/Bill, Forgot about ya,as the guy in Bellmore dropped it off at Pete's but I believe you are next as the guy who picked it up from Tom,dropped it off at Pete's place.
 You guys seem to know more about who receives it next so keep me in the loop where it lands.

 Thanks,
 Bill

I have the unit right now... it's very special  :thumb: I'll post my thoughts a little later after I give it additional listening time.

Here's who on the waiting tour list (that I'm aware of)...

StereoNut
machinehead
drewshifi
mfsoa

Cheers,
Pete

www.TriodeWireLabs.com
WT Reference/Lyra Titan I
Quadratic Audio MC-1
Custom BorderPatrol preamp with phono & line stage
Innuos Statement Server
BorderPatrol S20 EXD w/EXS PS
Klipschorns - Volti hot-rodded
UberBUSS

Offline Triode Pete

  • Industry Participant
  • *
  • Posts: 1466
  • Strive for Perfection, Settle on Excellence!
    • Link to System Details & Photos
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #13 on: May 23, 2012, 06:45:08 PM »
This EE DAC Plus with the Dexa Discrete op-amps is excellent and IMHO, better, to my ears, than the regular DAC Plus (which is no slouch).

The main difference is the upper midrange & extension of the highs... effortless & airy... decay is excellent for digital (one of my main criticisms for digital... SACD helped solve this issue but this DAC is just as good on Redbook). The bass remains the same to my recollection... tight & authoritative...

For the asking price with the Dexas, a superb bargain...

Who's next on the list... BTW, no hurry on my part...
StereoNut
machinehead
drewshifi
mfsoa
any other takers?

Thanks,
Pete
www.TriodeWireLabs.com
WT Reference/Lyra Titan I
Quadratic Audio MC-1
Custom BorderPatrol preamp with phono & line stage
Innuos Statement Server
BorderPatrol S20 EXD w/EXS PS
Klipschorns - Volti hot-rodded
UberBUSS

Offline shadowlight

  • Obsessively Audiophilic
  • ****
  • Posts: 990
Re: DAC PLUS with Dexa Discrete op-amp thread
« Reply #14 on: May 23, 2012, 06:57:31 PM »
This EE DAC Plus with the Dexa Discrete op-amps is excellent and IMHO, better, to my ears, than the regular DAC Plus (which is no slouch).

The main difference is the upper midrange & extension of the highs... effortless & airy... decay is excellent for digital (one of my main criticisms for digital... SACD helped solve this issue but this DAC is just as good on Redbook). The bass remains the same to my recollection... tight & authoritative...

For the asking price with the Dexas, a superb bargain...

Who's next on the list... BTW, no hurry on my part...
StereoNut
machinehead
drewshifi
mfsoa
any other takers?

Thanks,
Pete

Please add me to the list.  Really would like to have around a few days before and after the Zu tour date (July 7th) if possible