Adam- Given the rest of your system, I don't believe that the CJ DAC (and to a lesser degree the PD-65) are your best choices. Though I like many of CJ's products, their DACs require a lot of modifications, including better tubes, to sound great. If possible, I'd consider a different DAC and/or transport, or simply a CD player that will match your system and tastes. A used Polyfusion 800 DAC will certainly improve the sound and can be found occasionally at about $800. A used Sony XA7es CD player is an excellent CD/transport unit at around $1K that would allow you to dispense with the PD-65/CJ/digital cable. There are many other units and combinations that can provide you with the sound I think you're looking for at around the same price that you probably spent on your current digital equipment (around $1K ?). Good luck with your search. As an afterthought, some of the lowerend Monster stuff is quite limiting sonically. I'd suggest that you try to borrow some better cables just to eliminate this as a potential contributing culprit. Just my .02. Goodluck with your search.
Conrad Johnson DA2b... "Is it the Tubes?
Yes my curiosity surrounds the Conrad Johnson Da2b. But first I must back up and explain my situation. I am looking for advise and feedback. The system I have now is the best components that I could afford to buy second hand. (being that I am only a 22 year old college senior). First let me explain my current system. Mcintosh 7100 amp, Mcintosh C-36 preamp, Pioneer Elite PD-65( as a transport), Conrad Johnson Da2b DAC(XLO digital cable connecting the two), B&W 602 II's, The interconnects and Speaker Bi-wiring were the Best Monster cable I could afford. Before the addition of the CJ and Elite, I was using a crappy sony 200 disc changer that had to go! When I made the upgrade I was not that impressed. My question is ...is it the tubes? The DA2b was 2 years old when I got it and still has the stock tubes. If so what tubes should I get? The new set up has added warmth to my music but it seems that much clarity is missing and there is actually less of a sound stage.I listen to everything from Jazz to classic rock. Being not that experienced in the audiophile world I may be wrong and it may not be the tubes at all and something else, but I know for 2000$ retail the DA2b should sound better than a sony changer and it barely does. HELP!! ps- affordable!! solutions will be greatly acccepted as well as critiques of my system as a whole! Thanks! Adam