[Hi-Fi-Apricity]

So I've got the L300LE and 353XBK incoming and began hunting for a DAC and came to realise DAC output volts varies, which raised a few questions for me:

1) Will running XLR 4V input equate to louder output as opposed to 2V RCA input?
2) Looked at the Modi2U and it only has 1.5V RCA out as opposed to standard 2V, should this concern me?

The 323 has more than enough power to get plenty loud. I use the 353x at very low volume like 10oclock with an RME Adi 2 dac. I haven't tried unbalanced yet but if you listen at healthy levels it's far more than you'd ever need

 

[Sinery]

RCA will be MORE than loud enough on a STAX 323S / 353X driver unit...knob position is around 2 for my nominal listening level, and the knob indications go to 10.

Also, get the best DAC you can within whatever your budget is - electrostatics will be hindered by something like a Modi - really needs something better to not limit them. If you really want it to shine something like a used Gustard X20 Pro or equivalent would be the minimum level of DAC that I would recommend and probably one of the best cost/performance levels you can get. Schiit Modi's and Bifrost really aren't even comparable in their audio quality, and you can find a used Gustard for similar to new Bimby prices.

The JDS labs EL DAC is better than the Bifrost I previously had, but is still no Gustard. For a $200 B stock unit though, the EL DAC is a great little DAC with optical, coaxial, and USB inputs that I'd recommend over those lower end Schiits. Works great for my dynamic rig with my modded TH-X00s. If you can find a used Gustard X20U/Pro for $500-$600 it would be highly recommended though - that is the level of DAC which works VERY well with a Lambda, simply phenominal for the price. New is ~$860 with USB/$830 without for X20 Pro and $1k for the X22. They are almost Schiit Yggy level.

I've spent a lot of time looking at DACs, hence my revelation about the volts.
I heavily consider JDS for a soothing cheap tiny tidy simple DAC, but it'll no doubt get stuck at the Swedish border adding a 30-50% fee or so.

But if I can't get my El/Ol DAC cheap I want balanced but nothing really spoke to me.
Did look at the Stealth DC-1 thinking it was neat with its digitally controlled preouts and headphone outs, something I'd pay extra for.
The upcoming DC-2 is something I'm keeping an eye on.

Currently looking at a used dirt cheap DacMagic XLR for the time being.

 

[CalvinW]

So I've got the L300LE and 353XBK incoming and began hunting for a DAC and came to realise DAC output volts varies, which raised a few questions for me:

1) Will running XLR 4V input equate to louder output as opposed to 2V RCA input?
2) Looked at the Modi2U and it only has 1.5V RCA out as opposed to standard 2V, should this concern me?

I have a 353x driving a 007. RCA from chord mojo to amp and volume is only at 8 o clock

 

[Magol79]

Hey! I'm also looking for a new DAC for my L700 + 007tII combo. I'm thinking about getting either an RME adi-2 dac or a Hegel HD12. What do you guys say? I haven't found any direct comparison between these two.

 

[bmichels]

I wonder if HeadAmp will show their new TOL "all tube" amp at the Munich HighEnd show ? My BHSE wants a big brother...

 

[astrostar59]

Dunno, I'ii take a look friday and see as at show.

 

[VRacer-111]

Just some pictures of my Electrostatic setup since it's mostly finalized now except for custom brackets I will be making to keep the DAC off the amp... the rubber car lift blocks and plywood are temporary.

 

[padam]

The previously presented desktop amp/DAC is now called the Stax SRM-D50

Pricing and availability haven't been announced yet.

 

[astrostar59]

Mal Valve electrostatic amp and planar amp (all tube)

Has anyone here heard the Mal valve amp? I heard it at Munich Hi-End at the Hifi Deluxe add on show. It drove the 009s so well I was shocked. It also sounded superb on the LCD4s.

It was this one. It was a bit ugly, but wow, it sounded marvellous.

 

[protoss]

The previously presented desktop amp/DAC is now called the Stax SRM-D50

Pricing and availability haven't been announced yet.

Another brand new amp/dac ?

So there is a D10 and D50 ?

 

[Ali-Pacha]

22 tubes. Not sure if serious.

Ali

 

[musicman59]

Mal Valve electrostatic amp and planar amp (all tube)

Has anyone here heard the Mal valve amp? I heard it at Munich Hi-End at the Hifi Deluxe add on show. It drove the 009s so well I was shocked. It also sounded superb on the LCD4s.

It was this one. It was a bit ugly, but wow, it sounded marvellous.

This amp is a tube roller wallet nightmare!!

 

[astrostar59]

Yes indeed, 22 tubes, so I am guessing no fets or SS gain at all, tube rectified and tube all gain stage. I would not buy it, as the price at 14K euros is just too high. Plus it was ugly. BUT I have to admit it is the best sound I have ever heard out of the 009s, and the LCD4s as well. Totally smooth, full, rich, fast, huge soundstage. It particularly transformed the 009 into what I would say is my ideal signature.

But no idea how much safety for the 009s built in, or overload or overdrive. It puts out max 2400 volts I heard they designer say. And enough volume to blow even the Abyss if required. Anyway, it showed to me what the 009 could do if driven to the max in an all tube amp. Just saying what I heard........

 

[musicman59]

Yes indeed, 22 tubes, so I am guessing no fets or SS gain at all, tube rectified and tube all gain stage. I would not buy it, as the price at 14K euros is just too high. Plus it was ugly. BUT I have to admit it is the best sound I have ever heard out of the 009s, and the LCD4s as well. Totally smooth, full, rich, fast, huge soundstage. It particularly transformed the 009 into what I would say is my ideal signature.

But no idea how much safety for the 009s built in, or overload or overdrive. It puts out max 2400 volts I heard they designer say. And enough volume to blow even the Abyss if required. Anyway, it showed to me what the 009 could do if driven to the max in an all tube amp. Just saying what I heard........

If you compare it to the Woo WA33 Elite Edition is not that bad for a "Do it all" amplifier as long as is at the same sonic level as the WA33 which is $15,000 usd and doe not do electrostatic headphones.

 

[Whitigir]

Yes indeed, 22 tubes, so I am guessing no fets or SS gain at all, tube rectified and tube all gain stage. I would not buy it, as the price at 14K euros is just too high. Plus it was ugly. BUT I have to admit it is the best sound I have ever heard out of the 009s, and the LCD4s as well. Totally smooth, full, rich, fast, huge soundstage. It particularly transformed the 009 into what I would say is my ideal signature.

But no idea how much safety for the 009s built in, or overload or overdrive. It puts out max 2400 volts I heard they designer say. And enough volume to blow even the Abyss if required. Anyway, it showed to me what the 009 could do if driven to the max in an all tube amp. Just saying what I heard........

I thought you didn’t believe an amplifier would change Stax 009 headphones ? And it was not capable of achieving your ideal signature ?

Anyways, I am glad that you found out now.

I just want to repeat what I said before. It is not that SR009 is Bad, or with Flaws, it is that because the amplifier/energizer is unable to drive it correctly. Or the consumer has not enough pocket changes to buy such energizer