No not quite. I'm saying that tube gear isn't built for spectacular numbers. Its appeal is in its pleasing sound, which basic specs won't show. Even a low-end SS amp will have better specs but will sound much worse.
Many high-end DACs use opamps, and there's nothing wrong with them. It depends on the implementation.
Yep you guys were right. The AD797 are great. I haven't listened to them enough yet to come up with a conclusion, but so far they're among the best. A bit slow but fluid, expansive, warm, smooth involving sound.
Shahrose, If I may ask, what is a bit slow?? It can't be the music being slowed down and it can't be the transient response because that "musical aspect" is lighting fast, just by the definition of the word..The only part of a musical playback system that IMO could warrant "IT'S SLOW" would be a sub-woofer lagging behind, lets say your monitors...... Could you please explain to me what is slow, or what do you hear as being slow...... PS how do you like your new MK 3 JK Hi-Face.......I'm happy with the complete set of the AD797 Op-Amps.......for my system and my ears they are the best combo for my EE Mini Dac.... Thanks for any info...duke
Shahrose, If I may ask, what is a bit slow?? It can't be the music being slowed down and it can't be the transient response because that "musical aspect" is lighting fast, just by the definition of the word..The only part of a musical playback system that IMO could warrant "IT'S SLOW" would be a sub-woofer lagging behind, lets say your monitors...... Could you please explain to me what is slow, or what do you hear as being slow...... PS how do you like your new MK 3 JK Hi-Face.......I'm happy with the complete set of the AD797 Op-Amps.......for my system and my ears they are the best combo for my EE Mini Dac.... Thanks for any info...duke
Hi Duke. I tested both the AD797 and LME49990 thoroughly in my system the past few days and here's what I found. The AD797 is smoother and has slightly more prominent lower mids. The focus of the sounds is deeper into the tone whereas the LME49990 are more airy and ethereal, but without losing groundedness (in my system).
Now in terms of technical ability, I feel the LME49990 is just better. It has a faster, more natural attack and pace. The AD797 rounds the leading edge a bit for a slightly softer sound. I also think the soundstage/imaging isn't as good as the LME49990, though it can sound larger on recordings which have more ambient info in the lower midrange. Lastly, the bass seems snappier and harder hitting with the LME49990...this is not a big difference, but it is noticeable.
I love the MK3 HiFace, best transport I've heard. Read here (post # 203): http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/483900/review-jkeny-s-modified-hiface/195
Thanks Dutchamps, I'm more worried about the Output impedance, why it is always so high for EE products? hmmm.
Look like we need a pre-amps or buffer before the amps?
I can't really comment on op-amps sounds worse or better, but most Audio-gd DACs, MHDT Havana, has fully discrete output and the Output Impedance is only 20 ohms. I have NFB-2 and LOVING it!!!
i know. if i go away from the minimax, its only to go balanced. a huge mistake at its new [price point. leads me to believe, theyre gonna release a mk3 or somethign else that is balanced sooner rather than later.
i know. if i go away from the minimax, its only to go balanced. a huge mistake at its new [price point. leads me to believe, theyre gonna release a mk3 or somethign else that is balanced sooner rather than later.
I wish that was true but I believe personally its just poor design. at the 1100.00 price point there are many Dac's that have better s/n ratio and are balanced. I think the Minimax was a nice bang for the buck at 750.00 but 1100.00 for the new one without any new technology is really just a rehash of whats already in the audio world. Maybe they will see their mistake and come out with a balanced DAC soon
For someone who wants to use USB(not my case) the new version might be interesting and it does have a few other additional improvements which should translate into better sound.
For discrete and balanced output there's always the Audio GD NFB-7 which has both those features - however it has no tube output, its USB only does 24-96 and it costs almost $300 more than the EE. $400 more than the $998 introduction price.
Personally I would still go for the EE unless I wanted a DAC with a Wolfson chip(which I don't) in which case I would get the NFB-8.
Edit - Regarding the aforementioned Havana... It's a beautiful DAC but does not have a real tube output only tube buffer. Its technology is a bit dated also but for some that could be a good thing. I never heard it so I can't comment on its sound but I've owned the Paradisea and it was not even in the same league as the EE.
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