2. digital
  3. 1203462034

CAL Alpha DAC: Stock vs. 24/96 upgrade

I recently purchased a used stock (I believe 18-bit) CAL Alpha Tube DAC. I'm considering the 24/96 upgrade. Those of you who are familiar with the sound of both, please weigh in. Also, tubes that you like with either version, what sound do they produce? My DAC came with the Eico/Mullard brand 12AX7/ECC83. Thank you in advance.
routeman21
elevick
2,636 posts
 
The eico/mullards are tough to beat as long as they test strong. 5751's will definitely have a different personality.

You'll never get the $500 back out of it if you sell the unit. So, do you intend to keep it forever? Alpha are nice but I have never missed mine. A modded music hall or denon dvd will crush the alpha's sound.
routeman21 OP
110 posts
 
Elevick, What personality do the 5751's have? I own a stock Denon 2930 DVD player. Have you heard one modded? Let me know. Thanks,
Kevin
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Kevin, if you send in the alpha to the service company (Kevin there) will tell you to do this. Repairing these is a big part of his servicing of the Alphas.
routeman21 OP
110 posts
 
Ckoffend, I don't understand what you're saying. Please explain in more detail. Thank You!
Kevin
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I think the mullards have very smooth mids and really clean, crisp highs. Telefunkens seem to get a little better bass. In my experiences, 5751's rock a little better. They do not smooth over any sound. 5751's can handle more plate voltage which is why the can "crank" a little more. CJ pre-amps always came with 5751's and I hated it. They would cook mullards but I felt they sounded a little more "tubey" with mullards in them (I've had a PV-5, PV-9 & PV-10).
More to discover