Cayin CS-100DAC - massive new DAC with selectable tube output stage

[project86]

John, without going too far off thread, i had bought the matrix x sabre pro 2 a while ago but found the dac too sterile/clinical / not musical enough for me.

Does this matrix element s bring with it a character like that?

If so, it may not be what i am after in sound

let me know what you think the matrix streamer brings.

Thanks in advance
Peter

Yes we are going off topic but not a big deal, happens all the time around here so why stop now?

The Matrix Element S is just a streamer... no internal DAC involved. There are other Element models like the Element X and X2 Pure which have integrated DAC as well as streaming. But the Element S is their pure streaming transport, so your end result will vary based on what DAC you pair it with.

As far as transport quality, I would rate the Element S very highly but would not call it analytical unless you pair it with that sort of DAC. Like when I use it to feed the Cayin CS-100DAC, it is not overly sterile at all, just very clean and transparent. If we paired it with a more sterile DAC we would of course get that result, which is why I stay away from those devices.

 

[Musikfan]

Hi everyone, I'd like to know if you need to use a matched quad of the 6922 tubes or if you need to just have each pair for the separate channels matched? On a related note, can you use matched pairs of 6922 tubes from different brands/manufacturers or each channel? What types of 6922 tubes are you using? Thanks!!

 

[project86]

I am not clear about whether or not we need a matched quad or just two sets of matched pairs, so I went with matched quads just to be safe. To be fair I never really asked Cayin to break it down for me, so I can't blame them for my not knowing.

I already had a matched quad of the Valvo-branded Amperex pinched waist 6922s from the 1950s, so I started with that. It made a difference but not drastically so, to the point where that particular set is rather expensive and not really worth the upgrade. I later switched to a more modest set of JAN Sylvanias from the 1970s and the sound was slightly "different" but not better or worse. I would definitely recommend rolling 6922s but don't spend a fortune on it - this circuit is not the type to make the most of exotic/rare/expensive tubes.

Which is good news actually, as you can spend a few hundred dollars and get a great set of tubes. Divert that money to rolling opamps as well! I've got a few opamps sitting here but haven't had a chance to try them yet.

 

[Musikfan]

Thanks!!