[pompom]

I hope that the TUR-08 will sound as good as it looks....

 

[drbobbybones]

I hope that the TUR-08 will sound as good as it looks....

I don't think they're really competitors. No DAC in the TUR-08 and it's a hybrid, not all tube like the WA8.

And I know looks are subjective, but I think the WA8 is way better looking than the TUR-08, at least in pictures. The WA8 is truly a stunning piece to look at and to operate. I get positive comments about mine all the time.

 

[dawktah2]

Anyone paired a Sonica DAC?

 

[drbobbybones]

Anyone paired a Sonica DAC?

Not sure why you would do that, considering the WA8 has a ESS SABRE chip inside it already. I realize the Sonica has the updated one, but seems like a lot of work to have a similar sound.

The closest I have come is trying the Oppo HA-1 through the WA8. Both are ESS SABRE 9018 DAC chips. To my ears, it sounded worse than just going through the WA8 itself. YMMV though.

 

[dawktah2]

Not sure why you would do that, considering the WA8 has a ESS SABRE chip inside it already. I realize the Sonica has the updated one, but seems like a lot of work to have a similar sound.

The closest I have come is trying the Oppo HA-1 through the WA8. Both are ESS SABRE 9018 DAC chips. To my ears, it sounded worse than just going through the WA8 itself. YMMV though.

I am considering a WA22, and since I have the WA8 opinions would give me an idea if I'd like the pairing. At this time I don't have a stand alone DAC. My thinking is the WA8 should sound very similar to WA22?

 

[drbobbybones]

I am considering a WA22, and since I have the WA8 opinions would give me an idea if I'd like the pairing. At this time I don't have a stand alone DAC. My thinking is the WA8 should sound very similar to WA22?

No, they sound pretty different--especially if you tube roll the WA22. The WA22 in general is more euphonic and lush than the WA8 though.

 

[JoeDoe]

Change of topic: So when are we gonna see those tube-rolling options that we keep hearing about?

 

[dawktah2]

Change of topic: So when are we gonna see those tube-rolling options that we keep hearing about?

I thought I saw an image of the three tubes soldered to a board?

No, they sound pretty different--especially if you tube roll the WA22. The WA22 in general is more euphonic and lush than the WA8 though.

I just don't want to get a DAC that doesn't enhance the sound. Neutral + warm = ? Bright + warm = ? Accurate + warm = ?, and so on.

 

[drbobbybones]

I just don't want to get a DAC that doesn't enhance the sound. Neutral + warm = ? Bright + warm = ? Accurate + warm = ?, and so on.

That's a whole other discussion. I've been through a lot of DACs. Once I heard the Chord DAVE, it was game over. Pricey, but it makes every other component in my system better. Can't say that about anything else in my chain.

 

[dawktah2]

That's a whole other discussion. I've been through a lot of DACs. Once I heard the Chord DAVE, it was game over. Pricey, but it makes every other component in my system better. Can't say that about anything else in my chain.

A Chord DAVE will cost me $18,000 USD...

 

[drbobbybones]

A Chord DAVE will cost me $18,000 USD...

The going rates for a Chord DAVE are around $9-10K new, and less than that used. So expensive, but less than what you thought. And if you listen to one, you'll hear why

That said, if I was going to set up a killer desktop DAC/tube setup for less, I'd probably go for a Holo Audio Kitsune edtion ($2500), paired with: a WA2 ($1200), WA22 ($2000), Glenn 300B amp (ask him for pricing), WA5 LE ($4000), or a WA33 ($8000). Depends on how much you wanna spend.

 

[dawktah2]

$9,000 Chord DAVE
$9,000 Tiffany & Company

 

[raypin]

$9,000 Chord DAVE
$9,000 Tiffany & Company

Mm...Lol! His and hers.....ouch. I feel sorry for your domestic arrangement.

 

[drbobbybones]

$9,000 Chord DAVE
$9,000 Tiffany & Company

If you're only paying $9000 for something at Tiffany, you've made a good deal

Source: my wife's engagement ring is from Tiffany.

 

[dawktah2]

Mm...Lol! His and hers.....ouch. I feel sorry for your domestic arrangement.

LOL, not arrangement but I just don't feel it's honorable