2. digital
  3. 1355694625

Potential DAQuestion - Tube preamps and Buffers

~

I'm looking to smooth out the sound a bit, and have a potentially DAQ (Dumb a$$ question):

I run a CDP DAC and transport (Resolution Opus 21) into a tubed pre-amp (Audio Horizons TP2.0), then from there out to a digital Class D switching amp (Spectron MII Hybrid.) When I put the tube pre-amp into the system, it really helped to mellow out and improve the sound, as compared to a solid-state pre-amp I had tried and tested A/B.

So far, so good... I've been enjoying, but it can still be a bit brash. The Magnapan speakers only call out the brash detail.

Would a Tube Buffer help further, or is it a redundancy in the system? Do I need to consider the tech specs of each piece to determine that, e.g., output impedance*? Would it be a total waste of time and money?

Thanks,
Rob

* Just because I can spell 'output impedance' should not suggest that I know much about specs. :)

~
rhanson739
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,589 posts
 
Definitely agree with tube rolling first.There's lots of info. at the Brent Jesse site and also a great thread called "Joe's tube lore"on audio asylum to read up a little before experiments ensue.All of the tube brands sound different and when you find the right combination you'll lose that harshness.Best of luck to you.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"I'm now looking for a decent quality DAC. The Resolution Opus 21 will accept an S/PDIF signal up to 96KHz, but I think I'd like to upgrade, at least for the computer connection."

The Opus 21 is an excellent dac. I would do a very good, side by side, demo with the new dac before you get rid of it.
rhanson739 OP
269 posts
 
Thanks, Zd542. I will certainly keep that in mind.

I'm sure there are plenty of other things I could do to improve the sound in lieu of a new DAC.

Thing is, I've read a lot of positive about Async USB DACs, whereas the Opus only accepts 96KHz S/PDIF. Is there a noticeable difference, or is S/PDIF just fine?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Async USB interfaces and DACs vary all over the map. Some are much better than any S/PDIF input and others are not as good. Depends on the design and parts choices.

The opportunity is there to make it a LOT better than other DAC interfaces because the master clock is in this interface.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
rhanson739 OP
269 posts
 
Thanks, Steve - That was my understanding of the async.

I'm still looking in that direction, although I appreciate Zd542's nod to the Opus. I would like to try something other at some point.

Looked at the Wavelength tubed DACs. Might be a bit expensive for me, particularly the Crimson. I've noticed a TON of PS Audio DACs on Audiogon, making me wonder why so many are for sale??

Can anybody point to one or two recommendations that I can research for an Async USB DAC?

Thanks,
Rob
More to discover