Tube DACs

Jeffcott, I have been to Rcprinces home and heard the AL DAC and I will probably get one this week to hear in my system versus the Electrocompaniet DAC. I also want to hear the Audio Aero DAC to compare and I am trying to locate one or an audition. I also want to hear the Tube Technology DAC if I can find one of those also. I also remember our previous stories. If I get them in to compare, I will let you know what I hear and maybe even see if Russ wants to take a listen to for a second opinion.

Rcprince I am getting the AL DAC (newest version) in a day or so. I am also getting the Wavelength Tube DAC to compare. If you want I can maybe swing by over the weekend with the Wavelength if you want, it has to go back sometime Sunday unless I buy it. I will email you if I think it competes.

As an update, I have listened to the Wavelength and Audio Logic tube DACs. The AL is not a typical tube type of sound becasue it does not add the fuller/thicker mid range that I normally associated with tubes. It is extremely natural sounding, very nice soundstage that creates more depth to the music. In my system the backing vocals actually seem to be coming over the shoulder of the front vocals (more than any of the other DACs I heard). It is also clearer and does not compress dynamics or smear up the sound (muddy it up) and with P Barbers Wood is a wonderful (whatever that song is called) you can really hear the multiple voices better than any of the other DACs which each sound excellent but with the AL DAC, the voices come form all over the place, really nice! The Wavelength is also very natural and while it has slightly more mid bass tube sound, it is still not as much as what I normally consider that type of fullness with tubes. It also is very naturla and clear (slighlty more fuller notes in the mids than the AL) but it lacks the bass that the AL DAC offers. The AL DAC has some weight to it also as a sinble box unit and the Wavelength is light weight in comparison (for what that is worth I do not know about parts quality, etc.). They both worked very well with my Sony SCD-777ES SACD/CD player and that is my first priority. The other option is to have the Sony modified but I would prefer not to at this time because I may nto like the overall outcome of the modified player.

I just got the Chord 64 DAC in to audition and I have to tell you that this may be up to the task of giving the AL a run for the money. I will give them a few days and then compare them to each other.

Happy Listening.