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Let's hear you, best DAC's out there for 1500$ and less - Page 3

post #31 of 35
8/12/08 at 10:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon L View Post
Interesting, especially about detail and clarity, a long time handicap of tubed DAC's in general. You're not using the NM24's "SS output," are you?

Also when you get to compare them seriously, make sure you volume match the 2 DAC's b/c OMZ, as you know, has lowish output voltage.
Jon, I have sold the Oritek V4.1 so I will not be able to do another side by side. Currently I am mostly using the tube output, I am seriously thinking of putting down the $200 to get the coupling transformer Mr. Poon sells for the SS output, maybe if I sell the Glow Amp One.

At the rate I am going it will take me about it will take me about 4 more weeks to reach 200 hours of burn in. Then a more serious listening will be done.
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post #32 of 35
8/12/08 at 11:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gradofan2 View Post
I've got the M24 (without the SS DAC circuit) - and as you may know, it compares with the best DACs available (see the reviews).

I'm not sure... but... I think the tube output, is primarily acting as a tube buffer - you can see the discussions and reviews on the Monarchy site.

Match this DAC with a SS amp, or a good tube amp... and you'll have most of the clarity and detail you'll ever want. Sure... you may find a very slightly better detail in a SS DAC, but at the price of the tone, tenor and texture, which helps reproduce a lifelike sound.

But... you can readily A/B the SS against the tube circuit in the NM24 - so, Mrarroyo should be able to provide more perspective on that issue soon.

One of the features I like most about this DAC (apart from its superb sound) is the line stage, which readily allows you to adjust the DAC output to match your amp and phones. In the case of the "underpowered" X-CANv8, when driving Senns, the M24 line stage allows you to boost the DAC output up to allow you to drive the Senns to a higher volume at lower POT settings.
I thought the M24 had both circuits as well? At least that is what's stated on Monarchy's site. So you don't have a SS dac?
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post #33 of 35
8/12/08 at 11:18pm
Looking at the site closer I can see that their current model is the NM24 which has both. I was confused because when I click on the M24, it leads to the NM24.
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post #34 of 35
8/15/08 at 8:21pm
The DAC1 is definitely the cleanest, most detailed sounding DAC I've heard in the price range but the Cambridge Audio 840c gives a better "live" presentation.
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post #35 of 35
8/15/08 at 9:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bizzel View Post
The DAC1 is definitely the cleanest, most detailed sounding DAC I've heard in the price range but the Cambridge Audio 840c gives a better "live" presentation.
What do you mean by that? I would love the cambridge, I just don't use CD's enough to justify it.
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