AudioNervosa

Group Therapy => NC Triangulation => Topic started by: Carlman on July 25, 2010, 07:19:20 AM

Title: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Carlman on July 25, 2010, 07:19:20 AM
FYI, Bill sent me a shipping notification that the EE tube DAC is on its way.  I will be burning it in and barring any complications, I should be able to host a G2G to give it a listen in the next couple of weeks.
I give everything 200 hours of burn in before comparison so, if it comes tomorrow, it'll be a week or so before the G2G date...

This month is mostly scheduled for me so I may not have much flexibility on when the G2G will be.  Depending on what I can shuffle around, it'll either be August 1, 22nd or 29th... I'll update with a date as soon as I can firm it up.

Any other DAC's are welcome, but I'd like to limit the comparisons to DAC's only.. I'd like to A/B them at first but then listen to each for a while and get a little more of an impression of each DAC's presentation... or at least do what we can with the time we have.

I'm pretty excited to hear this EE! :)  Hope you can make it!

-C
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: bpape on July 25, 2010, 07:30:52 AM
You guys just have way too much fun.    :pop

Bryan
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: tmazz on July 25, 2010, 08:11:24 AM
You guys just have way too much fun.    :pop

Way too much fun and way to far away.  :(
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: richidoo on July 25, 2010, 08:12:14 AM
Fantastic!! Thanks Carl!

Can't wait to hear a EE tube stage after that great ESS chip. Big thanks to Bill for sending the demo.  Wish he could be here for the meet too...

I'm waiting to hear how topround likes his Sowther transformers before I buy some for my Buffalo2 DAC. Maybe mine will come together by then.
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: mdconnelly on July 25, 2010, 08:44:46 AM
Let me know when you nail down the date and I'll bring along the trusty Oracle DAC if I can make it.   August 1st however, will be challenging due to other commitments.   

Thanks, Carl!
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Carlman on July 25, 2010, 10:16:00 AM
You guys just have way too much fun.    :pop

Way too much fun and way to far away.  :(

There is no such thing as 'too much fun'. ;)
We are only a plane trip away... RDU is 10 minutes from my house.  I have 3 spare guest rooms so no rent.. I cook, have booze and snacks.. What are you waiting for?

-C
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: satfrat on July 25, 2010, 11:07:01 AM
Will you be using this Dac as USB Dac Carl? I found it to be as nearly good as when I demo'd the Dac with my Empirical Off-Ramp 3 w/Ultraclock,,, I was mightily impressed with the 3D sound stage of this Dac, even if it was too much of a good thing with my system who's strong points are it's sound stage depth. I'll be curious to see what you think of it.  :thumb:

Cheers,
Robin
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Carlman on July 26, 2010, 04:48:53 AM
I will be doing USB but I am also trying to find a good transport... Thanks for the reminder.
A deeper soundstage would be nice.. I'm very interested in how it sounds too!
-C
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: mdconnelly on July 26, 2010, 06:55:45 AM
So will your G2G comparison just be between USB enabled DACs?   That will rule out the Oracle but should prove to be quite interesting. 
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Carlman on July 26, 2010, 08:10:21 AM
No, it'll include others, just need to get a good transport.  The EE and my Scott Nixon have coax inputs as well.
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: stereofool on July 26, 2010, 08:41:57 AM
I could bring the Raysonic CD168, for transport purposes...it has digital out, but only Coax....I'll let you make that call.
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Carlman on July 26, 2010, 10:22:27 AM
I may take you up on that Steve.. I have a Pioneer DVD player.. but it's not necessarily what I'd want for a comparison..

The only reason I'm looking for a 2nd transport is to use the coax and remove the audio PC variables..

-C
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: mdconnelly on July 26, 2010, 04:44:40 PM
I've got the Oracle transport as well.   
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Carlman on July 26, 2010, 04:58:32 PM
ok, cool... thanks for the transport offers! :)  We'll see how it shapes up...
The DAC should be here tomorrow by UPS's estimate.. so assuming I get it running by the end of the day, I would only have a little over 100 hours on it by Sunday.. so, it's definitely not going to be this weekend.

Right now Aug 8th is looking like the best day.

-Carl
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Bill O'Connell on July 26, 2010, 08:05:06 PM
To my ears  and Alex Yeung's ears,we like the AES/EBU input best.
 From worst to best. USB,toslink,coax,BNC,AES/EBU. Of course I could be wrong, thought I was once but I was mistaken.

 I should have sent along a couple of 12au7's, I know Rich likes our stock tube, but my favorite so far has been a Siemens Silverplate 12au7.Keep in mind though I run EL156 monoblocks and glorious midrange with warmth is what they do best so the Silverplate just adds to the sparkle. If I was running SS amps the silverplate might be to much. I think Carl is still running the McIntosh so the silverplate would be the ticket there also.

Hope you have some 24bit/96kHz music on hand.

 Later guys and Thanks,
 Bill
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: tmazz on July 26, 2010, 08:57:52 PM
To my ears  and Alex Yeung's ears,we like the AES/EBU input best.
 From worst to best. USB,toslink,coax,BNC,AES/EBU. Of course I could be wrong, thought I was once but I was mistaken.

 I should have sent along a couple of 12au7's, I know Rich likes our stock tube, but my favorite so far has been a Siemens Silverplate 12au7.Keep in mind though I run EL156 monoblocks and glorious midrange with warmth is what they do best so the Silverplate just adds to the sparkle. If I was running SS amps the silverplate might be to much. I think Carl is still running the McIntosh so the silverplate would be the ticket there also.

Hope you have some 24bit/96kHz music on hand.

 Later guys and Thanks,
 Bill

Hey Bill,

I was just curious, do you have any idea if the ESS that your are getting the Sabre DAC chips from is the same company that built speakers using the Heil Aitr Motion Transformers in the early 1970s? From that I remember the font used in the ESS logo is similar to the font used by ESS, the speaker company (it of course has been a long time since I have seem the speaker company's logo, but from what I remember it is not all that disimilar. Just wondering if it might be the same company.

Tom
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: lonewolfny42 on July 27, 2010, 12:49:04 AM
Two different companies.... :thumb:

http://www.esstech.com/index.php?p=company_contact

http://essspeakersusa.com/Contact.html
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Bigfish8 on July 27, 2010, 03:04:10 PM
Carl:

I would like to attend your DAC comparison if I am in town (uncertain at this time).  If I am available I would be willing to bring along The Tranquility and DB Audio Labs USB Cable but it is USB Only. 

Ken
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Carlman on July 27, 2010, 05:08:52 PM
The DAC has arrived and is working perfectly! Thanks, Bill!  :thumb:
First impression is very good.. looking forward to hearing how it shapes up with some hours.

Ken, I'm still not 100% on the date.. I do have it narrowed down to either 8/8 or 8/15... sorry I can't commit yet.. just working out all the details for a lot of travel, work, projects, and so on..
Also, YES.. I would like to have a 2nd good USB cable.  Right now it is plugged in with a cheapo.  I have worked out how to switch devices fairly quickly at the PC but I'll need someone at the preamp to change inputs.

So, system is on 24/7 now.. as I listen a room away.. I can definitely hear a difference from the Scott Nixon.. not as soft and rounded-off.. but not super harsh either.. nice!

-C





Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: mdconnelly on July 28, 2010, 04:59:02 AM
Damn, neither of those dates work for me.   Norah Jones tickets on the 8th and taking my daughter to college the following weekend.   Anyone else notice how life is really getting in the way of this hobby?   ](*,)
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: tmazz on July 28, 2010, 05:55:45 AM
Damn, neither of those dates work for me.   Norah Jones tickets on the 8th and taking my daughter to college the following weekend.   Anyone else notice how life is really getting in the way of this hobby?   ](*,)

I hate it when that happens.  :?
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Carlman on July 28, 2010, 07:07:12 AM
Try having 2 or 3 hobbies and a life.. That'll keep you busy. ;)
I have a very high respect for you guys with children. 
Mike, I hope your daughter has a wonderful time.. let her know I wish her the best of luck..
-C
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: Bill O'Connell on July 28, 2010, 07:25:20 PM
To my ears  and Alex Yeung's ears,we like the AES/EBU input best.
 From worst to best. USB,toslink,coax,BNC,AES/EBU. Of course I could be wrong, thought I was once but I was mistaken.

 I should have sent along a couple of 12au7's, I know Rich likes our stock tube, but my favorite so far has been a Siemens Silverplate 12au7.Keep in mind though I run EL156 monoblocks and glorious midrange with warmth is what they do best so the Silverplate just adds to the sparkle. If I was running SS amps the silverplate might be to much. I think Carl is still running the McIntosh so the silverplate would be the ticket there also.

Hope you have some 24bit/96kHz music on hand.

 Later guys and Thanks,
 Bill

Hey Bill,

I was just curious, do you have any idea if the ESS that your are getting the Sabre DAC chips from is the same company that built speakers using the Heil Aitr Motion Transformers in the early 1970s? From that I remember the font used in the ESS logo is similar to the font used by ESS, the speaker company (it of course has been a long time since I have seem the speaker company's logo, but from what I remember it is not all that disimilar. Just wondering if it might be the same company.

Tom


Tom,
 Now your bringing back some memories that were recessed. I had the Heil Air Transformers back in my youth and had forgotten I even owned them. Of course the amplification I used back then probably did not do them justice :lol:
Title: Re: EE DAC coming soon
Post by: tmazz on July 28, 2010, 08:13:26 PM
Bill,

Believe it or not they are still in production. Chris (Lonewolfny42) put up a link to their web site a few posts earlier on this thread. A real blast from the past!
Title: August 8th
Post by: Carlman on July 29, 2010, 02:42:54 PM
OK, mark your calendars!  The hottest G2G is scheduled for August 8th.. super easy to remember 8-8.  ;)

2:00 PM sounds like a good start time to me.  If others have a preference, let's hear it.

-C
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: stereofool on July 29, 2010, 03:16:09 PM
Since that is a Sunday, any time is good for me...well, not 10:00PM  :roll:.

Just let me know if you want me to bring the Raysonic...or anything else audio or 'cookie' related  :lol:.
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Carlman on July 29, 2010, 03:52:00 PM
I think everyone loves your cookies, Steve... It wouldn't be a G2G without them! 
I'll let you know on the Raysonic.. thanks for the generous offer.

So far I am only aware of my own DAC and the EE.. Are others coming?

-C
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Bigfish8 on July 29, 2010, 05:00:59 PM
Carl:

My attendance next weekend is up in the air and weather dependent.  One of my customers is holding a fishing tournament on Monday, August 9th.  If the weather is predicted to be acceptable I will be on the Eastern Shore next weekend to fish in the tournament.

I certainly hope to be able to attend and will let you know.

Ken
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: richidoo on July 29, 2010, 06:27:35 PM
I'm in. Should be fun!

I am deciding right now which transformers to buy for my DAC. If it's done I'll bring it.
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: manaox2 on July 30, 2010, 10:46:50 AM
I'm new to the forum, close by in the area and would love the opportunity to hear a professional DAC using tubes and the Sabre chip. My current DAC is the Buffalo24 (Sabre ES9008 chip) kit by TPA and plan to upgrade soon to the ES9018 in my own DIY kit.

Plus, its always nice to make more acquaintances in the hobby which some might argue the real fun in a G2G is. :)
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: stereofool on July 30, 2010, 12:47:07 PM
I'd love for you to join us, and I'm sure that Carl will agree. I'm sure that you can PM Carl for directions.

If you can make it, then you'll have 2 good weekends, back-to-back, with the CanFEST on the 14th.

Hope to see you at BOTH  :D.
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: bacobits on July 30, 2010, 06:31:01 PM
I would like to come again too.
Just to see you nut cakes and Carl's finished room.
I can bring some killer WyWires.

Den

Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Carlman on July 31, 2010, 03:09:33 PM
It would be great to see some new faces and ones we haven't seen in a while..
Everyone's invited and welcome, just let me know if you need directions/address via PM.
-C
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: chrisa on July 31, 2010, 06:57:07 PM
Carl,

I hope to make this one. PM me the directions if you would.

Chris
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Carlman on August 01, 2010, 04:46:12 PM
All PM's replied and directions sent.. Looks like we're going to have a fun crowd! :) :) :)
-C
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: ebag4 on August 05, 2010, 08:11:50 AM
I hope the Tranquilty DAC makes it to your G2G as well.  I have not read of any direct comparisons between the EE and Tranquility DACs, could be very interesting!

Have a geat G2G! :thumb:

Best,
Ed
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: hometheaterdoc on August 05, 2010, 08:27:27 AM
I'm going to try to make it to this.

I'll drop off the PS Audio Transport and DAC if you want to include them Carl?  I can drop them off early so you have them even if I can't make it..... anything else you need from me?
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Carlman on August 05, 2010, 11:45:14 AM
There you are!
I have a bag of goodies for you, Shane.. and it'd be nice to see my soldering iron again. ;)

Also, Bill says the AES digital in sounds the best.. If you want to lend your PC to the comparison, I think that'd be the best possible transport available.

I'll give you a call later this afternoon and we'll work it out.

Thanks,
Carl
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: bacobits on August 07, 2010, 05:38:28 PM
Tomorrow tomorrow........

I will be bringing A Ray Samueles Night Hawk Phono Pre. I may bring my Nova Phenomena Phono pre. BTW, the RS is NOT better in any way than my Nova.
Also, all WyWires, 3 Pr Interconnects and speaker cables all "cooked".

I think these cables are fantastic. Read about them on the AC board under Industry ads.

Some of this stuff is from Fred, aka "Gopher" from the NY audio gang.
Myself along with Fred and a bunch others were in on the beta testing of the WyWires.
We all have very different systems and $$ levels.
We got to keep these. Alex of WyWires has been extremely generous.

I hope we have time to flip some of this stuff.

D
 
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Carlman on August 07, 2010, 06:44:46 PM
Cool, we'll slap it in there if we have time, Den.  We're mainly comparing DAC's then we'll delve into whatever people want to do. 

Some folks have asked about bringing things.  I think it's a good idea if you bring a snack or drink.  I will provide water and I have a few beers from previous meets... and I have Scotch and wine.  So, please bring something you would eat or drink.  I'm sure others will share and it'll just work out.

I will have some plain rice cakes, tofu, Ezekial bread and other odd stuff around as a penalty for those who have no snacks. ha. ;)  If the meet runs into dinner time, I plan on ordering pizza... Just too much going on to cook or prep.

Thanks,
Carl
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: bacobits on August 07, 2010, 06:54:40 PM
Got it!

D
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Carlman on August 08, 2010, 06:00:25 AM
Shane has delivered the PS Audio transport and DAC, along with his PC that has the Lynx audio card w/ AES/ABU output.  THANKS!

It's interesting to hear how the PS Audio transport/dac works.. seems like a copy of how an audio PC works.. but it looks just like a cd player/dac and also has digital inputs and volume control.  Good stuff.

We should have enough digital outputs to compare 3 DAC's and I have a transport.. so I have what I need to do DAC comparing, and even a wide variety of options at that.  But it should work out to have all 3 DAC's plugged into Shane's PC.

If other DAC's show up, we'll probably have to swap something in our out.

After the DAC comparisons it'd be fun to hear the difference in the phono pre's.. I'm hoping we'll have time/energy.

-C
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: richidoo on August 08, 2010, 07:14:39 AM
I'll bring the Vista AC1 phone pre, I've been playing it a lot lately so it's limbered up. It is 40dB gain only, but it might be enough with Carl's high output MC. My cart is 4mV and my volume control is down low. The preamp can add a little more if needed.

I am doing the final assembly of Sol's battery powered headphone amp today, so hopefully that will be ready to come along. I will bring my cans and people can listen to the DACs through cans too, or bring your own cans.

Looking forward to hearing the PS and EE DACs side by side.  My Buffalo2 is not ready. I ordered the new Legato discreet output stage and shunt power supplies, but it's not here yet. Maybe the EE will still be around for next g2g at my place.  I don't think there has been published a direct comparison of EE and Buffalo yet.

See yall reeeeal soon!
Rich
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Carlman on August 08, 2010, 08:15:21 AM
Don't forget to bring a few records, then!
I've never heard a good 'can' setup so that'll be interesting.

Also, Shane please bring your power strip.

Thanks and looking forward to it!  I won't be ready but I'm looking forward to it! ;)

-C
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: richidoo on August 08, 2010, 10:44:20 AM
Kids sucked up every minute this morning. Sorry, no HP amp this time.   I am so full of shit.  :roll:
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Carlman on August 08, 2010, 06:35:17 PM
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for coming tonight.. Excellent crowd, good sounds and comparisons.

I really liked the EE DAC's sound, more detail, more decay, nuance, etc. than what I'm used to... changing the power cord from stock to (anything) was a noticable improvement.  I felt it held its own in comparison to the much pricier PS Audio DAC compared against it.. and did things the Scott Nixon just didn't.  However, I still prefer the sound of the non-oversampling DAC.  If I find one that resolves more that doesn't oversample, and is tonally accurate and coherent, I'll buy it.  Until then, I'll take one that doesn't resolve as much to get all the other goodies.

We were going to compare the EE to the Buffalo DAC, an interesting comparison since they both use the Sabre chip.. but we ran into technical issues and could not.

In any case, thanks to all who were able to make it.  It was really nice to see everyone and meet some new folks (Scott and Ray).  You are welcome here anytime and I hope to see you again at future meets.

Hope everyone made it home safe. 

-C
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: stereofool on August 08, 2010, 07:36:07 PM
Carl,

Once again, thank you for your wonderful hospitality  :thumb:!

I agree, it was very nice seeing everyone again, as well as meeting a couple of new guys, as well.

I thought all of the DACs sounded good, but I would need time alone with each to be able to discern any differences. I think that nowdays you almost have to think of a given price-point, and then ask yourself...do I really hear that much difference, for the 2x-3x price difference (???)  :?.

Sorry, for the 'technical' difficulties, and I hope that you can get them resolved quickly, and to your satisfaction.
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: bacobits on August 08, 2010, 07:44:01 PM
Good time Carl thanks!
Made it home by 10 pm, not a bad ride at all.
320 miles round trip from here.
Good seeing everyone again and meeting some new friends.

There were differences in all the DAC's. I also didn't think  the PS Audio was at the top of the list as much as the others. It's all system dependant. As Steve says you have to sit down and spend some time with them all. Please no offense to Shane.
 
Great job on the room and nice system Carl.

I'll be back.

Let me know what you think of the "cooker".

D
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: richidoo on August 09, 2010, 07:29:16 AM
Thanks much to Christine and Carl for hosting our g2g. It's always great to hang out in the ultimate man cave. Welcome to Scott and Ray to our audio club, and welcome back to Roger. It was great to see you guys.

In order of preference inside Carl's system, I liked the Buffalo32 with Sol's output stage mods best, then EE with tube disengaged, then Nixon DAC, then EE with Sylvania 12AU7 tube, then EE with stock  tube, then the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC. PerfectWave had the best soundtaging and resolution but tonally was not a good match.

The EE without the tube engaged was a very nice sounding, satisfying, clear and musical sound. I wish there was more time to just sit back and listen to it for a while, the comparison must go on, and the preference for the tube output among the other listeners was equal to those prefering no tube. I look forward to hearing it in my own system, and trying some of my own fav 12AU7s in it. RCA cleartop especially I think will give minimal coloration and with the opamp providing plenty of bass the cleartop should be a good balance. The stock tube was splashy in the DAC and the Sylvania was better controlled but still too tubey for me. The DAC is definitely not the same circuit as the dual tube minimax preamp which sounded less colored using two of the same stock tube. Some niggles: the tube socket is recessed into the case making it very difficult to pull the tube out. The orange LED on the front signalling tube engaged is too bright.

In my own system I think I would like the PerfectWave DAC and Transport best. It is a detail monster, and felt the most open and free of sonic encumbrances, but was peaky and tilted up in Carl's system which is tuned for his mellower Nixon DAC. Thanks to Shane for bringing it, along with many other goodies. Also, thanks to those who brought equipment that we didn't get to play this time.

I always thought that the JPS wires were graded according to resolution only, and was surprised to hear Shane suggest swapping out the less expensive UltraConductor2 ICs for SuperConductor3 ICs to quench the zinginess of the PerfectWave DAC. I thought with more resolution it will make it even worse. But it did take the edge off and made the DAC very listenable, although the tilt was still there, the peakiness and shouties in the mids and uppermids were mostly tamed. I assume that the abillity of JPS alloy to eliminate any ringing in the signal is stronger in the SC3. Of course the SC3 upped the resolution even more which was intoxicating.

Certainly there is interest in a vinyl meet in the future, and there are some DIY amps, speakers and DACs brewing so this fall should be a fun time for us. I hope to see you guys at the next meet.
Rich
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: manaox2 on August 09, 2010, 09:35:26 AM
Thanks to Carl for being such a good host, it was a great afternoon. The man cave was very impressive. :thumb: It was really nice also meeting all who attended, some very friendly folks who didn't mind entertaining some of my naivety about some of the gear.

The EE Dac sounded nice, the tube being on or off sounded to me like a very small difference, maybe just a very small effect on the mid-bass and/or some small change in gain. The Scott Nixon DAC sounded laid back in that system, seems like it would synergize very well with the right type of music. The PS Audio Wave like others said, sounded detailed, but the tonality didn't match well with the system it seemed. Shane seemed to have done a nice job on modded Buffalo32 DAC, sounded very good. :) Looking forward to meeting again down the road.

Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: Bill O'Connell on August 09, 2010, 11:53:26 AM
RCA cleartop, :roll:  No thanks, out of all the great 12au7's out there , this tube would be at the bottom of my list.

 The effort that it takes to pull the tube out of its grab hold death grip socket is a lot for sure. My motto, better tight then loose :thumb: :rofl:

 Later,
 Bill
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: evan1 on August 09, 2010, 02:10:21 PM
Any pics ?
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: bacobits on August 09, 2010, 02:33:59 PM
No one took picts.

D
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: etcarroll on August 09, 2010, 06:10:09 PM
Any link to these output mods?

"... I liked the Buffalo32 with Sol's output stage mods best..."
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: richidoo on August 09, 2010, 06:52:42 PM
I think he just swapped the 4562 output opamps. The I/V opamp is still stock. I'll ask him the details.
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: hometheaterdoc on August 10, 2010, 07:13:06 AM
only got to stay for a few minutes...wasn't feeling great (although the drugs improved situation before I left) and had to take care of the better half.   After the past couple months, I'm just thankful I can listen to music again... this past weekend was the first time in 2 months...  great to see everyone and great to rejoin the world so to speak...

It's amazing to hear the different pieces in the context of different rooms and gear surrounding it.  It really is about the sum of the parts not entirely just the individual parts... each piece adds its own sonic signature to come up with a combined sound.  It takes several systems and rooms before you can draw conclusions about what a particular piece sounds like.  The PS Audio and, to less of a degree, the EE and Buffalo just don't match up well with the rest of carl's setup.  The Nixon has appeal because of it's sonic signature to get everything else in line.  The same PS Audio combo in my setup with the moscode or tube amps and harbeth Monitor 40.1s sounds waaaaaaaaaaaaaay different.  The Nixon wouldn't work at all in that setup.

Sol can tell you exactly what he did... but for now, the Buffalo32 currently is wired with JPS Labs wire, has custom power supply and regulators, and he changed some caps and all the opamps if the part list that was ordered is to be believed. 

I bought the newer version II board with no output stage built in and when he finishes up with my 6C33C amps Sol is going to build out a tube output stage with 6SN7s for me.  I hadn't listened to this DAC in > 6 months I believe because he's had it at his place to do the mods...... but the amp and life got in the way from getting to it.... oh well... in time....
Title: Re: EE DAC arrived, G2G 8/8!
Post by: rollo on August 11, 2010, 10:46:38 AM
Great to see you active again Shane. Hope all is well. The best.


charles