[Soundsgoodtome]

Call it ocd... but in my mind the dac should output as clear of a sound as possible (granted musicality mixed in there but tilted to fast/tubey sound) and THEN colored at the amp or phone.. but then again it's a buffer stage that's already AFTER the conversion and is basically just a built in tube buffer... but yea ocd. Color after the dac unit lol

Edit: exception would be if it's all neutral or bright SS after the DAC in which case there's only the tube buffer to get the tube distortion in -

 

[rajacat]

Call it ocd... but in my mind the dac should output as clear of a sound as possible (granted musicality mixed in there but tilted to fast/tubey sound) and THEN colored at the amp or phone.. but then again it's a buffer stage that's already AFTER the conversion and is basically just a built in tube buffer... but yea ocd. Color after the dac unit lol



Edit: exception would be if it's all neutral or bright SS after the DAC in which case there's only the tube buffer to get the tube distortion in -

Do tubes just add distortion? What does it mean if there are 2 DACs that measure almost the same but sound different? Can everything be measured? I think that they (tube gear)add a more holographic presentation that corresponds more closely to live music. Are there numbers that can measure and predict whether a given DAC will have 3D qualities or is this just trial and error? A very clear sound quality is nice but if it's 2D, that should be taken into consideration too. Could 2d sound quality be described as distortion because live music isn't 2D.

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

I don't think there's a way to measure imaging and soundstage, except maybe a waterfall graph on a headphone where decay can maybe point to stage in certain frequencies? Not sure..

I believe it's trial and error in that dept. You could also achieve more soundstage and imaging down the line in the amp or speaker/headphone.

 

[SeeSax]

Call it ocd... but in my mind the dac should output as clear of a sound as possible (granted musicality mixed in there but tilted to fast/tubey sound) and THEN colored at the amp or phone.. but then again it's a buffer stage that's already AFTER the conversion and is basically just a built in tube buffer... but yea ocd. Color after the dac unit lol

Edit: exception would be if it's all neutral or bright SS after the DAC in which case there's only the tube buffer to get the tube distortion in -

 
Totally agree and I felt this way too. But after I tried this combo, it sounded nice to my ears because I think the Atlantis is fairly dry by nature. That, and I'l be the first to admit that I am not skilled enough to hear the subtle difference lol. Maybe I'll re-try a Bendix or try my Teslas and then find a warm tube for my amp. 
 
-Collin-

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

Oh yes, the Atlantis is better matched to the WE than the bendix no doubt. Russian otk as well

 

[EricGC]

I like the Tesla pinched waist tube most on Pagoda - it brings more details & clarity to the sound, compared to some others. Vocals are more "real".
 
 
 
Quote:

   
Those two are definitely my favorites, but I have found that it can vary for me depending on what tube I have in my Project Ember at the time. So far, my favorite combination is the WE 396A in my Atlantis (which I think is a bit brighter than a Paradesea or Canary) and then an analytical/neutral tube like a Tesla gold-pin E83CC (12AX7 I think). 
 
At the end of the day, the possibilities are endless! I got some Tesla pinched waist tubes that I want to try in the Atlantis as well, should be fun! Sheesh since I've had this thing, I'm not sure I ever put the screws back in the top plate 

 
-Collin-

 

[RinMuf]

New to this forum etc, not sure if this is the correct way to respond etc.
Just received my Canary DAC: amazing piece of equipment. I agree with descriptions like 'romantic' and 'musical'.
Reminds me very much of my good old days when I was the privileged owner of the Marantz CD12/DA12 transport dac combo. That one had the famous tda1541as1 on board. This canary has no op-amps (which I like because I 'hate' op-amps).
Currently using it in my all tube pre power amp and my martin logans: as close as you can get to real analoge!
Highly recommended DAC!

 

[ericr]

Welcome to HF, and welcome to the MHDT club!

Great to hear more opinions of the Canary.

What DAC were you using previously?

 

[slex]

Putting a burson V5i dual opamp and changing the stock tube into WE396A had totally change this dac into a beast ( paradisea 3)

Now awaiting ericr's Bendix tube and perhap swapping the V5i into big brother red V5.

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

Can you link more info on the burson opamps? Should be good info for the older units utilizing opamps!

Putting a burson V5i dual opamp and changing the stock tube into WE396A had totally change this dac into a beast ( paradisea 3)

Now awaiting ericr's Bendix tube and perhap swapping the V5i into big brother red V5.

 

[RinMuf]

Hi, recently I used a cambridge audio dacmagic V2. I know this one is regarded by most 'high end people' as a cheap and simple dac. But it actually is a really good one. It is my understanding they use the dartzee algorithms, which is one of the reasons they sound so good. Other than that I have used audio note dac1 and 2, but find them sound too 'brown/dark'. Had a brief listen to the audiolab qdac and was very disappointed. Was considering the nad m51 dac, but that is such a sterile sounding dac, brrr. 

 

[slex]

Can you link more info on the burson opamps? Should be good info for the older units utilizing opamps!

Sure here

https://www.bursonaudio.com/products/supreme-sound-opamp-v5i/

If you wanna go for the top opamp V5 red you might goto laser-cut toplate acrylic.

 

[slex]

Just put an Burson V5 red to replace v5i. The still clearance of about 3-5mm of space without touching the acrylic casing.

The red V5 is definitely better then V5i. More pronounce highs and smoother mids.

 

[ericr]

Putting a burson V5i dual opamp and changing the stock tube into WE396A had totally change this dac into a beast ( paradisea 3)

Now awaiting ericr's Bendix tube and perhap swapping the V5i into big brother red V5.

 
The Bendix is on its way!

 

[slex]

The Bendix is on its way!

Thanks ericr.