Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1

As a new member, I was encouraged to buy a Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 from reading all of the positive comments on the site...but a few things caused me to return the unit.
 
FIrst, which was my own fault, on receipt of the unit, I realized that the tube output is not connected to the headphone output - the tube stage is only valid for preamp use.  I was hoping that like their other product, a product called Tube Magic would support tube output to my K701s.  It didn't.  Users expecting to use this as a dedicated headphone amp will not need the tube stage.
 
Second, I thought that the new DAC supported 24/192 thru USB.  Unfortunately, it only supports the higher rate through the dedicated digital inputs. The updated pages on their website made it look like USB did support the higher rates (like my Peachtree Audio amp).  Unfortunately,  It doesn't and is limited to 24/96 through USB. (I'm using an iMac with Audirvana and a number of tracks at 24/192.
 
So, based on the above issues, I decided to return the unit and purchase the M-stage everyone has been raving about.  This is where the problems really surfaced, and I want to make sure other forum members, who are considering the Maverick Audio unit, be very careful before you buy to understand return costs.  I assumed, like other manufacturers, that the return would be easy...it wasn't.
 
First, I had to pay Priority International shipping back to China in order to be refunded.  This was not clear in the terms and conditions on their website.  The cost to return was @$60.00 USD.  And I wasn't refunded until they received the unit back (which I understand, but for USA customers, they should have a US return depot).
 
Second, when they received the unit, they only partially refunded me, stating that I had to pay shipping charges outbound.  This was also never clarified at time of order or on their website  Another $25.00.  
 
So, be cautious and certain that this is the unit you want before you buy.  The return is costly.
 
I wish I could say more about the sound, but the Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 (updated version) just couldn't drive my K701s at all.  The sound was weak and lifeless.

I decided to purchase this after reading several reviews on this site and the product somehow surpassed my expectations. For my senn hd600s and my beyerdynamic dt 770s it sounds as good if not better than my modi magni stack all while offering down the line upgradeability and a pre tube amp all in in one package. With five input options and 3 output the versatility is also a selling point for those like myself who use various input sources. I look forward to experimenting with several different upgrades in the near future and will post the results. 
Overall I would recommend this to any of my friends looking for a beginners dac/amp solution.

I listened really carefully to this DAC and compared it in four ways: to  the Audioengine D1 DAC, the earphone output of a NAD C 720 BEE receiver using either the DAC of the Maverick or the DAC of a NAD CD player, then the DAC of the Maverick and its own earphone output. I listened to USB from a Mac and various CD's. My final conclusion, I would not buy this DAC again or recommend it. The NAD CD DAC was superior to the Maverick, so no point for the coaxial or the l/r or the Maverick earphone out from the CD. There much better solutions that also include iPod USB inputs. I did upgrade the Opa chip, but why don't they sell it this way to begin with? It made a big difference for the usb music, but the NAD cd play was still way better. Bottom line, this DAC is simply not worth the effort. The audioengine D1 was just as good and a whole lot more convenient. Personally, I would recommend the RDAC from Arcam. It is light years better and offers iPad/iPod usb in. The price difference is well worth it. As for Ryan's assistance, yes, he was helpful (if Ryan is in fact his name, based in China), but being helped down a muddy road is really not much improvement. Honestly, I kept feeling I had been "had" with the "tube" hype. 

About Me: I'm just a young man who loves music.  My music taste is quite selective but not limited to one genre: I listen to some acoustic rock, melodeath, classical, and soundtrack music.  I don't really believe in burn-in, and upgrading cables and using power conditioners are secondary to me.  I generally prefer a neutral sound but I'm fine with mid-range warmth, some mid-range forwardness, some darkness, or even slight brightness, as long as there are no extremes.
 
My System:
 

1. Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD sound card - Features a PCM1794 DAC and no amplifier.  I only used stock opamps: JRC211D on the I/V stage, and LME49710NA on the buffer stage.  For music listening I would disable game optimizations, set it to Audio Creation Mode, and listen through Foobar2000 using Creative ASIO and bit-matched playback.
2. Audio Technica ATH-A900X headphones

 
I purchased the Maverick Audio Tubemagic D1 from the manufacturer on Ebay, for a mere $130 brand new although the shipping cost was $25.  Still, that is an amazing price for a solid state amplifier, DAC, and a tube preamp.  My review will focus only on the DAC and headphone amplifier, I don't have worthy active speakers to evaluate its preamp performance. 
 
The build quality is pretty much all metal, the buttons and knobs feel sturdy.  There are two knobs on the front: a volume knob which feels like it uses a stepped attenuator, and a source selection knob, letting you choose between Coaxial, Optical (TOSLINK), USB, Analog, and Line-in.  Line-in refers to a 1/4" headphone jack right next to the source knob, which is appropriately labeled Line-in.  There is another 1/4" jack right next to it which is a headphone output.  Aside from the 1/4" Line-in, all inputs are on the back.  The D1 comes with a really short AC cable (too short for my needs), a USB cable which also looked short, and a 1/8" to 1/4" cable.
 
Setting up the D1 is easy.  There are no drivers so it's just plug and play, unless USB mode requires it but I wouldn't expect very good USB performance out of this thing.  Maverick Audio recommends the newer D1 models if you want to use USB.  
 
At first I was only using the D1's amplifier, connecting it to my sound card with dual RCA connectors using the sound card's line outputs and setting the D1's source to Analog.  Even with stock opamps there were some noticeable improvements, such as:
 

1. Goodbye sibilance!  My favorite change for sure.
2. Lower noise floor, but still far from completely quiet.
3. Slightly improved instrument separation.
4. Ever so slightly improved bass extension.
5. A tiny bit more air around instruments.

 
The sound also became slightly more smooth and buttery, but nothing major.  The A900X is extremely efficient after all, it doesn't beg for amplification. Overall the changes are nice and more than welcome.  In addition, using the D1 like this with my sound card does not take away any of the sound card's gaming features, for those who were wondering (I play PC games using X-Fi CMSS-3D and bass boost). 
 
Things became interesting when I got my optical cable to use the D1 as both a DAC and amp, using ASIO4all drivers with Foobar2000.  I wasn't expecting any improvement over my sound card's DAC, in fact I was simply hoping it wouldn't be a downgrade.  But some improvements were there, such as:
 

1. Improved sound stage depth.
2. Slightly wider sound stage.
3. Better decay?  It seriously sounds that way to me.

 
I didn't expect this, especially since I'm still only using stock opamps.  The improved depth is really helpful when it comes to immersing myself in the music, and so is the improved decay combined with the lower noise floor from the amp.  Let's not forget the added air and superior instrument separation mentioned earlier; all of this makes for a much better experience than using my headphones straight out of my sound card.  
 
Based on these characteristics I have come to the conclusion that as a DAC/amp, the Maverick Audio Tubemagic D1 is neutral, smooth, but slightly forward sounding.  However the smoothness seems to hide some of the texture detail from strings and percussion instruments, which is an unfortunate change.  
 
Note that using the D1 as an optical DAC and amp, along with my sound card, doesn't prevent me from using my sound card's gaming features like X-Fi CMSS-3D and EAX.  In Windows I simply have to keep my default sound device set to "Speakers (Creative SB X-Fi)" instead of "SPDIF Out (Creative SB X-Fi)" and I have to enable "Play Stereo Mix Using Digital Output" in my sound card's software control panel.  Using SPDIF Out as the default sound device bypasses all sound card functions; I actually switch to this when listening to music.  
 
I recently replaced the two opamps with LT1364s.  Upgrading the unit is a bit of an annoyance; the chassis really does not want to come out and there's nothing to hold on to, so it really has to be pried off.  Replacing the opamp near the tube requires more caution since there are capacitors all around it, in close proximity.  My new listening impressions are as follows:
 

1. Slightly wider and deeper sound stage
2. Slightly improved instrument separation.
3. More neutral sound, slightly more tamed highs.
4. Slightly less forward sound presentation (again, more neutral I guess since my A900X is rather forward).
5. A tiny bit more detail in the lower mids and maybe in the bass (hard to tell with the latter).

 
Not a huge upgrade, but I will probably try a different opamp in the buffer stage eventually.  I look forward to trying this with other headphones, I'm thinking the AKG K712 Pro might be next which should be about as close to dead neutral as I can get.

Could not be happier with the D1 .(Bought with Opa 627 upgrade and the ge5670w tube.)$264 delivered.
It has done as advertised and upgraded my digital music and movie collection in leaps and bounds.
As this is my first unit i can not make any comparisons.
My beyer Dt770 pro 250s now sound so much fatter that they have a dac/amp driving them.
Using Media monkey  on pc laptop playing 44.1 mp3's via usb into the D1 with the beyers and everything from Reggae to blues , Hardcore metal/punk to dubstep just sounds awesome,
huge improvement on standard soundcards highly recomended!
Using the tube preamp through my old logitech 5.1 speakers adds warmth and depth and a truckload more volume, turning the volume up full on D1, and to about 80% vol on the logitech with no distortion!!! just a big fat sound that annoys my neighbours and gets the wife all sexy and fired up , lol.
Plugged into the ol yamaha Htr 5630 av receiver and similar outcome to the logitechs ,
movies are sounding awesome straight from the pc using hdmi into the tv all while the D1 is still connected via usb then tube pre amp out into the Yamaha.
All in all this is a truly versatile unit that has totally impressed my wife and friends.
It is so awesome for the money and has made all my old speakers and new cans sound like i don't need to fork out for upgrades for a long while !!!
Although more cans will be coming soon i think! mmmm sweet sweet cans.
 
It is a great start and has inspired me to explore the Audiophile world .
I now have a new found love for my music collection,
thanks to everyone for their great reviews, especially spanky .
Do not have any regrets buying the D1 , it does it all , without eating a hole in the pockets!
 

I bought this DAC-preamp and after several attempts made the following changes to it for an amazing result:
 
Installed 5670 Raytheon Windmill getter tube
upgraded diodes to [size=10pt]Schottky Diode 11DQ10 [/size]
[size=10pt]Changed the output coupling caps to Sanyo Oscon 47uF[/size]
[size=10pt]opamp for tube to LT1364 or metal version of LM4562.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]The biggest gain came from opamp then the diodes.  Do not underestimate the diode upgrade.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]I own a lot of HIFI equipment and have tested this modded version with STUDER A68 Amps and Infinity 9A speakers. The result is outstanding and the sound is precise and like liquid ! plenty of bass and despite the higher value of coupling caps, no loss of highs.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]There are better DACs on the market like the new DAC-01 with SMD components but the opamps can not be changed as easily as well as the diodes which are SMD. I think the DAC stage of the tube magic might not be the best but with the above mods, the overal result is AMAZING. The D1 has now become a very high class preamp that I use with my modded Behringer scr2496 and the DAC stage holds its own without of course competing with the modded Behringer. The only drawback of this combination is that the output of the Behringer is very high and one tends to have a very loud sound right at the begining of the volume potentiometer.[/size]
 
 
 
[size=10pt]HAVE FUN ![/size]
 
[size=10pt]--------------------------------------[/size]
 
[size=10pt]Last mods:[/size]
 
[size=10pt]- Changed the main opamp to Burson discrete opamp. Quality is above any IC and by far. The only shortcoming seems to come from voltage either from the resistors lowering too much the voltage supplied to the DIP8 socket or maybe a shortcoming of the powersupply (I am not advanced enough in the field to correct this). However I have found one way around it, noticed that by taking away the opamp for headphone section the clipping I could hear when volume was past 12oclock have reduced, therefore I managed to solder the most recent audio IC from TI OPA2209 onto a dip socket (had no SOIC adapter at hand!) and now the clipping is only at 2 oclock (way above my listening needs) and headphone quality is better than with the canned version of LM4562 or OPA627.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]- Changed to the OSCON 47uF coupling caps for Roederstein 47uF gold Caps. The bass is endless and trebles are not cut off, barely mellowed. Do not have enough space to put a similar MPK inside [/size]
 
[size=10pt]Now the Maverick is connected to my PC with TOSLINK cable (24/96 upsampling) and I use ADAM A7X Studio monitors. The sound is truely near perfection, it is as good, sometimes I even better than my main system with Infinity 9A speakers and STUDER A68 power amps.   For a total cost of about 1600 USD, this is the highest quality I can imagine to achieve in a sound system within a reasonable budget but by putting the money where is should be, even 96kb/s MP3 sound quite good when going through this setup.[/size]
 
 

Great

All the other reviews sum up my feelings about this. It's a great all-in-one component. I have my PS3, computer, stereo, and portable devices all feeding audio to the TubeMagic D1. It handles them with ease and doesn't get uncomfortably hot like other amps I've used.
 
Only flaw I've noticed is that my computer generates a slight signal noise that carries through the SPDIF connection. It's unnoticeable when the volume is set to comfortable levels for the computer, but if I leave the computer on, switch the source to my PS3/portable device, I have to turn the volume up, and the signal noise becomes noticeable until I turn the computer off or disconnect the SPDIF cable. This could be solved by eliminating the signal noise from the computer, but it's odd to me that the noise isn't "turned off" when using a separate source.
 
edit: The signal noise was from a ground-loop, and I fixed it by using a CyberPower UPS that provided cleaner power.

I've only had this for a short time but I love it so far.  The xfi soundcard on my computer didn't have enough juice to power my HD650s so I got this to use as an amp and DAC.  I'm using the optical out from my soundcard instead of USB because the USB on this DAC does not support 24-bit/96Khz (it is resampled in the DAC).  This wouldn't be an issue except that I would like to hook my xbox 360 up using the optical connection, now I have to use RCA.  The tube didn't change the "warmth" of the sound as much as I expected or would have liked, but probably for the better.  This has been a great purchase and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a good all-in-one solution for a reasonable price.

I got the Maverick Audio TubeMagic A1 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier w/ Raytheon 6AK5 tube. It was magic right out of the box. Surprisingly good bass, clean midrange and treble, great soundstage. Incredible value, incredible service, incredible sound. Used as a companion with the Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 DAC w/ GE 5670 Tube, lossless music from a 13" white MacBook into Klipsch KB20 loudspeakers or AKG 701 headphones. Very highly recommended.

This small little desktop dac+headamp+source switcher is one of the single most useful and value for money items out there.
 
It is a huge leap forward in sound quality for people who currently uses onboard pc sound or low-end cd/dvd/blu-ray players as well as a convenient one stop portal to connect every sources you have to a single output point (acting like an audio receiver).
 
Couldn't have more complain with this beautiful looking unit.
 
Only thing I hope for is a possible DAC chip upgrade option for potential audiophile looking for a small and beautiful desktop dac/headamp and are willing to pay a little more.
 
Clearly, this DAC pale in comparison to the big brother of DA11, Benchmark DAC as well as PS Audio which could cost up to 10 times Maverick D1's price.
 
But for an entry price of USD199, you get a decent sounding DAC that rivals that of Zero/Citypulse/Cambridge DACMagic.
 
Reason for me giving only 4 stars to SQ is because this is not the best that money can buy.
 
Couldn't be more satisfied with this purchase.

this is my 1st DAC  ( for me like First love never die   )

is open my ear , how enjoy sound quality

i like the multi function

price is cheap , perfomance is good

overall i very happy to have it

I've been playing around with the D1 for a few days now, and I must admit, its pretty good.
 
The large number of input possibilities (Optical, Coax, Analog in) as well as the built in USB DAC at this price makes it a very good value-for-money (if not a bargain) buy. The tube pre-amp is also a nice touch.
 
Considering that Maverick audio do sell these as a 'Desktop mini series', I only use mine in association with a computer and some bookshelf speakers (with the purchase of the D1 companion, the Tubemagic A1). I can see people using this as a 'mini standalone speaker system' though, and it does have the tools to do a (entry level) job.
 
The design looks solid. The dials are fine and its intuitive to use, although I would have prefered a small white hyphen '-' as the indicator (instead of a thin cut out) as it will give better indication of what volume and source you are choosing. One other niggle I have is that when choosing the source, I'd loved it if it had a small LED indicator instead of a printed on hyphen '-'. It would be easier to see what source you are using.
 
The bypass button is really useful. When its not pushed on, you can use the volume dial (and the headphone out) to adjust volume. When it is pushed on, you can adjust the volume on the device you connect to this.
 
All in all, if you are looking for an entry level (and cheap) multi-function DAC, you have to put this on your shortlist.

 
After following the discussion on this forum for a few weeks I decided to go for the D1. I've input from many of you to be very helpful. Thanks for that!
 
I was looking for an amp/dac that could for the time being replace my TC-electronic Konnekt D24. I haven't read much about this device around here. For me it has been a reliable and high quality work horse in my private project studio. But since I wanted to start streaming audio to my main system in the living room, I've abused this DAC/amp for that.... I have a Philips NP2900 with the digital output connected to the DAC. The last few months I am using the Konnekt more and more in my studio/rehearsal room. And decided to move it back there.
 
I believe that audio streaming on a real High-End level is only just starting to develop (I've heard the Naim Uniti in my system and wasn't impressed. So I want to wait some time until this technology gets more mature. And work with something on a significant lower budget in the mean while. 
My specs: I wanted a simple black box with a volume control, a straightforward input selector, analog AND digital input and preferably a good headphone output to drive my AKG K271, Shure E3c and a few lesser headphone specimens lying around in my house. Oh yes, it would be great if it could drive my DUSON A10 poweramp and my STAX SRM-1 to
 
Well, the D1 is 'just what the doctor prescribed' in terms of inputs/outputs/selection/volume control. But does it deliver the sound quality? 
 
My music taste ranges from a broad spectrum of classical music (Bach to Strawinsky), Blues, Jazz, Rock and once in a while some straightforward pop music. Some albums I've always used for listening sessions are:
- Jenifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat
- Sara K. - Hobo
- Haitink/Ashkenazy - Brahms 2nd pianoconcerto on DECCA
- Herreweghe - Bach Matthaus Passion on Harmonia Mundi
- Roger Waters - Amused to Death
- Pink Floyd - Delicate Sound of Thunder
- (?) - Jazz at the Pawnshop 
- Van Morrison - It's to late to stop now (live)
(yes I know, Im getting old)
 
I've mainly based this review on listening trough the following setup:
NP2900(digital out) > D1 > DUSON A10 > Epos M22i
 
My initial impressions (out of the box):
A pleasant sounding dac-preamp that delivered smooth highs, fluid mids and reasonably good bass extention. But I found it to seriously lack depth and detail. The tube output gave a slightly more 'open' sound, but not really more detail in mid and high. The bass on the tube output was less focussed and tight.
After a few days the mids improved a bit, they became more open an detailed. The bass seemed slightly more tight (best noticeable on the Roger Waters CD). On the tube output the difference was bigger and more apparent. There was a clear extention of the bass response and the midrange opened-up seriously. A much deeper and wider soundfield. But still I found details (in particular on the classical CD's) lacking. The good news was that I didn't find any clear flaw either (no boomy bass, no nasal mids, no shreeking HF).
Compared to the Konnekt D24 It was an easy choice: the Konnekt is much better in terms of HF detail, soundstage and bass extention.
 
After lots of reading on this forum I had become quite interested in experimenting with OpAmp rolling..... I had two options available for the line-out: OPA627 and OPA249. BTW I did the gain reduction mod imedeatly after I had played the first songs. I couldn't do more than 2-3 clicks and had some L-R balance problems in that range of the potmeter.
 
After having played around with both OpAmps for at least a week I've come to the following conclusions compared to the original LF:
OPA627: more open midrange, better soundstage and 'smooth' overall character
OPA249: better bass extention and control, much better soundstage and more detailed mids and highs. More forward overall character without sounding harsh (great positioning of Jenifer Warnes and Sara K. 's voices).
The difference in both cases was way more significant than the difference that burning-in made.
 
 
The D1 did not have any problem driving my AKG and Shure head/ear-phones. Plenty of power available. The Stax was an entirely different story. I found out that I have been spoiled by the Wadia 860 that I use to own (I sold it 2 years ago to finance some pro-audio stuff for my studio....) The Stax is the most revealing piece of equipment in my house at this moment. And I found the combination with the D1 in its original shape uninspiring. After the upgrade with the OPA249 it became more acceptable. But I decided to move the Stax to my studio and wait until I've found a real high-end solution for audio streaming to my main system.
 
Still, compared to the Konnekt I'm not entirely convinced. The midrange of the D1 is more fluid and open. The highs on the Konnekt are more detailed, without getting harsh. On the other hand, the D1 provides me with a much better usability for my system in the living room. So, for the time being, I'm a happy user of this DAC/Amp!
 
Albert Jochems

I'll make this a short review and just make several points.
 
- Excellent unit for beginners. You can use it so many ways, it's really an all-in-one.
- Build quality is great, I haven't heard of any dead units. Some minor problems here and there but they are quickly resolved.
- Superb support from the company. Fast and helpful emails.
- Upgrade and resale potential. You can use this as a DAC and amp and down the road get a nice tube amp hooked up to the tube pre-amp outputs on this device. Swapping the tube and opamps also upgrades the unit. I think resale value should be good due to the flexibility of the unit.
- I'm not disappointed with the sound quality of the unit but I only have a $60 portable cmoy amp and a computer sound card to compare it to.
 
Bottom line is it's an excellent product for the money backed by some of the best customer support I've seen from a company.