Well dang. I just spent a month breaking in the DAC plus with the original opamps only to find there is something better!? Oh well, here's my review of the original:
I must say that the DAC is a really nice piece and I can't expect more for a grand. It's heads and tails above DAC's I've had in the past, even with upgrades and so on. It's definitely modern, new world technology that reaches far into the deepest lows and extended highs while still producing good musical satisfaction.
I compared my Scott Nixon Tube DAC (with the latest technology/upgrades, etc.) to the EEDAC+. I let the EEDAC+ warm up for 2 weeks, and finally sat down for a listen.
Going from the SN to the EE, the imaging really snapped into focus and the bass detail was insane. Those were the first 2 things that hit me. So much slam and detail down low. I didn't know my speakers were capable of such things! I ended up moving them around to cure a little boominess from the extra bass. After that, the bass was very articulate.
The mids were fine, they didn't stand out or stand down, they were just faithfully reproduced. The upper mids had a touch of graininess as it transitioned into the highs... which were good but on the dry side and not sweet the way I prefer them. This grain wasn't apparent unless compared to something sweeter. Going back to my SN DAC, I noticed the midrange warmth and 'love' that created a beautiful and enjoyable presentation... but found myself missing the imaging and bass... and an overall grip on the music... now it's kind of smeared around, vague imaging.
I went back to the EE DAC+ and played around with the tube button, then removed the tube... then put the tube back in... I didn't hear huge differences. The tube added a little softness/warmth but not much... I slightly preferred it in the signal. In SS mode with the tube completely unplugged, I thought it sounded a tiny bit cleaner than without the tube... but not enough to write home about.
Now enter a 3rd DAC, the AMR DP 777, around $6,k msrp. Thanks to the Shane for sharing it, I wanted another 'data point' for comparison... Basically, take the best of both DAC's and you have no compromises. The AMR had the 'love' of the SN and the technical precision of the EE. Very cool and unexpected... just out of my budget.
In any case, the EE is a stellar performer at a great price. If there is any improvement to the upper mid/high area without sacrificing the bass, let me know, I'd like to hear it again. I don't mind being at the end of the list. It takes me a long time to listen... so, I'll need it for a week or 2.
-C
