Maverick Audio Tubemagic D1 Plus Differences?

[NinjaVampire]

Hi guys,
 
I have been looking into buying my first amp and dac to pair with my new DT 880 Pros and have been very interested in the Maverick Tubemagic D1 as a combo solution. As a guitar player, tube sound is something I'm quite accustomed to and I also hear Beyers go nicely with tube warmth. On the other hand, as a student, tube sound is generally out of my price range, which is why I was excited to see such good reviews on the Tubemagic D1, at an affordable price too. 
 
After reading countless reviews of the Tubemagic, I have come to the conclusion that it is a Jack of all Trades, but a master of none. Some people complain about the low quality dac and others about the opamp. What I am wondering is, do you think these issues have been remedied in anyway in the newer version, the Tubemagic Plus D1? 
 
For those interested and with more technical know-how than myself, you might want to check the comparison sheet between the 3 main systems Maverick sell as it might help: http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_d1/dac_comparison1
 
The D2 is also included on this sheet, but I don't have much interest in that piece of equipment, as I am looking for a amp/dac combo!
 
Thanks very much guys.

 

[NinjaVampire]

Does anyone have experience with both these systems, or even just the newer Plus model? 

 

[NinjaVampire]

Bump

 

[Aging Hippy]

I've been listening to a TubeMagic D1 Plus for the last month. I too prefer tube preamps and needed the optical digital input for my HDTV monitor. I'm using a Schitt Magni as headphone amp. If I did not need the extra inputs I would have gone with the Magni/Modi combo, but as is I am very pleased with the D1 Plus. Both the D1 Plus DAC and the Modi DAC offer 24/96 Bitperfect sampling by USB. I did pay $20 extra for the tube upgrade but kept the stock opamp in the D1 Plus.
 
The solid state headphone amp in the D1 Plus is very good, but the real magic happens at the tube preamp line out. I use UE-10 Pro inner ear monitors, often for 6 to 8 hours a day while working at my computer station. With the D1 Plus/Magni combo I am enjoying very natural and non fatiguing sound. Highs are extended and liquid, voices and acoustic instruments are especially realistic. Bass is well controlled and extended. The soundstage has height and depth, and extends beyond my ears with pinpoint placement of individual instruments. By comparison the solid state line out of the D1 Plus has more punch, but less detail and air around voices and instruments, and the soundstage lacks depth and width.
 
The only complaint I have about the D1 Plus is the front volume control only works on the headphone output. The tube and solid state outputs at the rear are line out, the level is not affected by the volume control. The volume control works on all outputs on the lower priced base D1, why not also on the D1 Plus?
 
Sorry I don't also have a Schiit Modi to compare to the DAC in the D1 Plus. If you are on a budget, I do not think you can go wrong with the D1 Plus. It is a solid performing unit you can buy and design a system around depending on your needs and budget.
 
* Excerpt from full review published at http://aginghippy.org/general/maverick-audio-tubemagic-d1-plus *

 

[nbarber]

Quote:

 
The only complaint I have about the D1 Plus is the front volume control only works on the headphone output. The tube and solid state outputs at the rear are line out, the level is not affected by the volume control. The volume control works on all outputs on the lower priced base D1, why not also on the D1 Plus?
 
I just upgraded to the Plus model through warranty exchange. The volume control is out of the signal path by default but can be introduced by adjusting two jumpers on the main board.  

 

[starrman93306]

I've got a D1 plus coming today (so the tracking info says). I can't believe I missed the fact that the volume control isn't active with the preamp outs. I'm sorely disappointed at this because that was to be its primary use -- connected to a power amplifier. I'm also frustrated with the fact that the Mav-audio website doesn't make this apparent. In fact in the comparison table "Volume Control" section, it just says "Yes" for both the D1 and the D1 plus.
 
Enough ranting. The question is whether anyone can tell me if instructions exist to put the volume control into the path for the preamp outs? nbarber -- have you done it?
 
Thanks for any guidance you-all can give,
 
Doug S
 
*** never mind folks - I found it ***