How would Audiophile USB>Scott Nixon TubeDAC+>SR71>HD650 sound?

[blessingx]

Okay, I've been playing around with picking up a DAC for a few months and for whatever reason I keep coming back to the 6moons review of the TubeDAC+. Source (AP USB) being my felt weak point at the moment. So I was curious if anyone had any opinion of this setup? Any comments/criticism would be greatly appreciated. Let me know if I should throw money elsewhere.

I may also be digital EQing through some Audio Hijack Pro VST plugins also as one of my favorite characteristics of the Senns are their tweakability.

 

[S_Dedalus]

It looks like there's a lot more info on the tube dac on audio asylum than there is here.

 

[blessingx]

You're probably right S_Dedalus. The Nixon doesn't get discussed here much. Will look around.

 

[Covenant]

I've been pondering a similar setup, with something like Audiophile USB + SR71 + HD650. What i need is assurances of quality

 

[Scrith]

I have a long post on here somewhere about my experience when transitioning from an internal sound card (E-MU 1212M) to the Audiophile USB.

 

[blessingx]

Well it's on the way. I'll let you know what I think.

 

[grox]

IMHO the AP's audio out (internal DAC) isn't that great - there are a number of reviews around. Having said that, having an external DAC would greatly ameliorate the sound. Blessingx, I haven't used the digital out on the AP USB yet-good luck! Covenant, I'd reccomend either getting a better source (different soundcard) or getting an external DAC. The stock DAC inside the AP is alright but I definately feel I am missing stuff.

 

[blessingx]

Another cheap way to dramatically improve the sound of the AP USB is to upgrade the PS. We talked a bit about this in the past, but ungrading with a Stancor made a not subtle improvement.

 

[mattigol]

As of late, I have been researching CDPs and DACs to upgrade my source (a Rega Planet). 1000 US$ and more can be easily spent, even when using budget or used components. Now for ultimate playback - wouldn't it be the most audiophile solution to buy a Mac Mini with a big HDD, rip all CDs to a Lossless Format using EAC (on some PC) and listen with a really good USB-DAC? Cheers Matthias

I decided to ask this question in a new thread: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...30#post1444430

 

[Jahn]

i tried this - modded 3960 - SD TubeDac+ - modded Solo - SR200. Sounded nice and rich and warm, added some euphonics to the neutral HP1000 drivers. YMMV, but i liked it, it kinda "John Grado"ed my cans, without adding those shrill highs.

 

[grox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blessingx Another cheap way to dramatically improve the sound of the AP USB is to upgrade the PS. We talked a bit about this in the past, but ungrading with a Stancor made a not subtle improvement.

I wonder if there are any good PSs for Australian power supplies. I've never tried but I would if I knew of any. The one's I've seen walking about have quite high THD on their output (can't remember figures but remember thinking they were quite shocking (no pun intended of course)).