Maverick Audio TubeMagic D2 DAC


After weeks of research, I scooped one of these up because the price seems unbeatable for the hardware/specs provided. $274 delivered from the Chinese mfr ($249 ex works).
Analog Devices 1955 chip; Burr-Brown OPA2604 op-amps; tube pre-out stage includes JAN GE 5670/2C51 tube "upgrade".
Also solid state pre-out.
Optical, Coax (RCA & F-type), and USB (asynchronous, using the Tenor 7022L chip) inputs.
24/96 capability (unfortunately does not go up to 192).
Audiophile S/N ratios for both outs.
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After only 15-20 hours listening and break-in, I am thrilled. The tube out is fantastic; so rich, so full, yet so clean and dynamic. No tube fog or any sort of masking, just pure enhancement. Can't really comment on solid state out because I'm so smitten with the tube stage. Very dimensional and natural.
This thang has made a BIG improvement in my enjoyment of CDs (using an old Phillips CD/DVD player as transport) and the tube out is a step or five up from the Squeezebox Touch DAC that is also part of my setup.
VERY pleased and looking forward to even sweeter sounds as the TubeMagic breaks completely in.
More to follow...
colorfulpellets

Showing 6 responses by colorfulpellets

Dang, bro. Times like this make me wish I still lived up in Rhode Island. Short hop to NYC and "beverages of choice". :-)
I didn't read any rudeness in your post, Mjcmt (or can I refer to you here as Mike?).
One of these days, you'll hear the D2 with your own ears and hopefully you'll find it as pleasing as I do.
Mind you, this is my first experience with an external DAC, so I might be caught up in the excitement of the new purchase, but it really is a terrific-sounding unit and I'm extremely psyched about the value. Gotta start somewhere, and it suits my needs perfectly.
Hey Jedi, where do you live? If you're anywhere close to Charlotte NC, you are more than welcome to come over and listen to the Maverick D2. Let me know.
Great post, Strate. Thanks for chiming in, and I'm glad you like your modded D1.
The D2 continues to impress me. Just a rock-solid, high performing unit, and sooo inexpensive.
The D2 does not include a headphone jack. Or were you thinking of using it upstream of a dedicated headphone amp?