AudioCircle
Industry Circles => ModWright Instruments (MWI) => Topic started by: demodisc9 on 21 Feb 2014, 12:04 am
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Good evening.
Is there a current status on the release of the Elyse DAC?
Thank you,
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Hi, sorry...late reply.
This design IS making headway and I am in the process of finalizing the enclosure design to be sent to my machinist. This has been a MAJOR project, due to the digital controls, finalizing and really optimizing every aspect of the design and wanting to be sure that it is 100% the way I want it to be.
I do plan to be showing it in Chicago at Axpona and in Munich in May.
I am shooting for a summer release at this point.
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan,
No problem with the delayed reply - we are all busy people.
I look forward to the product release.
Thanks,
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Any word on how many AES digital inputs it will have?
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Am hoping for two ... one for my Mark Levinson No37 and the other for my Bryston BDP-2!
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It has one AES/EBU, one RCA, one SPDIF and one USB.
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan,
Any updates?
Thanks
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Hi guys, I can give some more information!
First of all, retail price will be $6900!
Final digital PCBs are being manufactured.
Chassis are here.
Design is complete.
Waiting on final digital PCB's, then surface mount assembly of dig. boards, then we can start building production units!
We WILL have a production Elyse DAC at the DC show, along with PH 150 Ref. Phono and of course the Oppo 105 mod and Sony HAP-Z1ES mod.
I have just about finalized selection of Beta tester/customers for the PH 150.
I AM looking for Beta tester/customers for the Elyse DAC.
Thanks,
Dan W.
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Where is my Elyse? :thumb:
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USB boards should be here any day. Final digital/DAC boards are at board house for final surface mount assembly. All Lundahl transformers, chassis and all other parts are here. As soon as I get the USB boards and final assembled dig/DAC boards, we can begin production.
It is about 3-weeks for production of dig. boards at this point.
Be sure you are on our potential Beta tester list if interested!
This is our VERY best digital product EVER produced....PERIOD!
It is also the first digital piece that is WHOLLY designed and produced by us, and not a mod.
Thanks,
Dan
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Here is a photo from the Munich show of the FINAL Elyse DAC design.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=101535)
Gallery also updated at ModWright Site with full Munich photos as well as PH 150 early Phono stage shots.
http://www.modwright.com/gallery/album.php?s=munich-show-photos-2014 (http://www.modwright.com/gallery/album.php?s=munich-show-photos-2014)
Thanks,
Dan W.
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USB boards should be here any day. Final digital/DAC boards are at board house for final surface mount assembly. All Lundahl transformers, chassis and all other parts are here. As soon as I get the USB boards and final assembled dig/DAC boards, we can begin production.
It is about 3-weeks for production of dig. boards at this point.
Be sure you are on our potential Beta tester list if interested!
This is our VERY best digital product EVER produced....PERIOD!
It is also the first digital piece that is WHOLLY designed and produced by us, and not a mod.
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks for update Dan. I have been on your beta list since 11/13. :)
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I forgot to mention how gorgeous your DAC looks.
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Thanks! I really appreciate that! Now you have to hear it!!!
I will be contacting those on our Beta list FIRST!
Sincerely,
Dan W.
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Any chance you are kicking the idea around to incorporate a volume control with a couple of inputs/outputs?
DAC/Preamp combos sure seem to becoming a more desired product....
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I have decided that this is not feasible with this design. I looked at it, but there is no good way to introduce a volume control into this circuit without compromising sonics.
Thanks,
Dan
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Ok thanks - good to know that the optimal presentation is always the driver at Modwright...
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So no headphone amp? :o
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That is correct, no headphone amp.
We just finished the Capital Audiofest where the Elyse DAC provided BEAUTIFUL digital playback via Macbook pro streaming USB via J. River.
Thanks,
Dan
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Good morning,
Knowing nothing about the Elyse DAC, I assume that the significant upgrade over the built-in LS 100 DAC is that it does DSD? Single or double DSD? I have been mulling whether to purchase a LS 100 from MW with the DAC or Phono option. (I already have an amp that I like, so didn't want to consolidate to the KWI 200, although I have heard one and it was very tempting.)
Any opinions on whether the phono or DAC in the LS 100 is likely the better choice, considering the available purchase options for the odd man out? I play either computer audio or vinyl, and nothing in between. :D
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Hi, neither DAC does DSD or double DSD at this point. An upgrade for the Elyse DAC will be available in the future. To be honest, the technology 'lapped' me as the design for the Elyse DAC has taken so long. I am still waiting to see if the technology will stay or not...
The ELYSE DAC does use the same DAC chip, but that is where the similarity ends.
The DAC upgrade for the LS 100 IS very good!
The Elyse DAC is our Reference Digital offering. It is fully transformer coupled in and out with Lundahl transformers. It is 6922 tube based and has no coupling capacitors in the signal path. It utilizes a more sophisticated power supply, Digital/USB input design and analog stage than the LS 100 DAC upgrade. It offers RCA, BNC, XLR (AES/EBU) and USB (24/192) inputs. It is also a different price.
The LS 100 DAC upgrade = $1650.
The ELYSE DAC is $6900.
Thanks,
Dan
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I have had my Elyse DAC now for about a month. As good as the ModWright 105 is, this DAC is on a whole different, higher level. First, it sounds like I added a subwoofer to my Venture Audio speakers. The soundstage is deeper and wider. It sounds like I have a center channel and the highs are to die for. But what really amazes me are the vocals and midrange. An example, on Mary Chapin Carpenter's Stones in the Road, she appears to be playing and singing right in front of me. Well done Dan, well done. And Alex is truly a great guy.
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Thank you very much for the feedback. It is a product that I have been working on for a LONG time and I am pleased with the results. Alex did brilliant work in the digital domain and the entire product has come together very well.
Take care,
Dan W.
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I have had my Elyse DAC now for about a month. As good as the ModWright 105 is, this DAC is on a whole different, higher level. First, it sounds like I added a subwoofer to my Venture Audio speakers. The soundstage is deeper and wider. It sounds like I have a center channel and the highs are to die for. But what really amazes me are the vocals and midrange. An example, on Mary Chapin Carpenter's Stones in the Road, she appears to be playing and singing right in front of me. Well done Dan, well done. And Alex is truly a great guy.
In bold and underlined above! This is one of the aspects that I noticed as well. So sweet and smooth! There is a lot of traffic in the DAC category but this one should not be ignored!
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In bold and underlined above! This is one of the aspects that I noticed as well. So sweet and smooth! There is a lot of traffic in the DAC category but this one should not be ignored!
This is also true with the MW Sony HAP-Z1ES probably due to similar design. I agree there is a lot of traffic in the DAC category and MW transformer coupling designs shouldn't be ignored.
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I have tubed rolled to Philips 5R4GYS and Philips JAN 6922's. But, I have heard and read that the Siemens CCA is the one to get. They are fairly expensive, and was wondering if anyone has any for sale. Thanks. I noticed quite a bit of price differences with the Siemens 6922. There are Cca's, gold tips, greys and even different numbers on the glass.
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Also, I cannot play my Elyse DAC with either Oppo 105/103. I get a loud hum noise. Anyone else with this problem? I had to return both a 103D and 105D, and get a Sony 7200ES, which works fine with coax digital cable. But now I am researching old and new transports to match up with this super class Eylse DAC. Also am wondering any difernce in sound quality between rca/bnc or aes?
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For a CD Transport, a Marantz DV9600 makes an excellent one. I have a bunch of Oppos and it makes a good transport but not as good as the Marantz. In my old house, I had room for the DV9600 in addition to an Oppo but with the new house and rack I have limited space so the Marantz DV9600 sits in a guest bedroom. A Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi is also supposed to be a good CD transport.
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Just buy a used PS Audio Transport. The sound is one of the best and it directly plays 24/176 DVDR like used with Reference Recording discs.
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Just buy a used PS Audio Transport. The sound is one of the best and it directly plays 24/176 DVDR like used with Reference Recording discs.
Thats what I use. Not with an Elyse but I am still curious...
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This sounds quite odd. Have you asked Dan directly? He uses Oppos all the time. It doesn't make sense why this wouldn't work.
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This sounds quite odd. Have you asked Dan directly? He uses Oppos all the time. It doesn't make sense why this wouldn't work.
+1 on that. I've never had an issue with any DAC and transport like that and over the past few years between all the systems I've had 10+ transports around. The PS Audio transport sounds like a good idea as well. Older Oppos, like a BDP-83 can send full resolution from DVD-A via the coax output.
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I talked with Kristen, and she told me they use a 105 at their shows. I had the Elyse digital designer at my house, and was told it was the grounding fault of the 105/103. So go figure. I am testing out a Teac CD-1000 and a Enlightened Audio t-1000 transport with Pioneer Stable Platter. I am also feeding a new Sony BDP-S7200 for my Runco plasma screen to my Elyse. The sound for movies is fantastic. I almost bought a PS Audio Memory transport, but there are too many for sale on A-Gon.
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The Proceed PMDT is a marvelous transport but it is old and could be a problem getting a repair. I've probably owned about 25 transports (or more) since I've owned DACs and the Proceed was the best and the Marantz DV9600 was second to those I've owned.
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^ Thanks for info.
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I talked with Kristen, and she told me they use a 105 at their shows. I had the Elyse digital designer at my house, and was told it was the grounding fault of the 105/103. So go figure. I am testing out a Teac CD-1000 and a Enlightened Audio t-1000 transport with Pioneer Stable Platter. I am also feeding a new Sony BDP-S7200 for my Runco plasma screen to my Elyse. The sound for movies is fantastic. I almost bought a PS Audio Memory transport, but there are too many for sale on A-Gon.
There is always tons of PS Audio for sale on Agon and there has been PWTs on there since they came out. PSA is a big brand... But I have been using my PWT (used) for over two years with no issues. It replaced an Oppo 83se. When the PWT went in place, to me, it sounded like all the jitter was gone. It was clean and clear... That's not to say that a non-memory buffer transport can not play clean and clear or sound better, I'm sure they can but for me, for 1500 bux, I was and am quite happy...
So don't write it off just due to Agon, as PSA always has a ton of everything they offer for sale on that site... If you get a chance to compare the PWT with another transport, I would love to hear about what wins out.
But now I am curious about the Proceed and the Marantz...
Phil A,
Did you ever have a PWT?
Jason
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Phil A,
Did you ever have a PWT?
Jason
Jason - never had one in my rig. Years back when Dan I believe was modding some of the units I was debating as to whether to get a newer DAC/Transport (had an older DAC and a Modwright Absolute Truth Mod to my Sony XA-777ES) I looked at the PS Audio site for a bit and there were times when I thought about it but held off. I guess about 4 years back I made the move to digital audio and file playback. The Proceed weighed about 45 pounds shipped and of course could do DVDs as a transport as well. I had a friend come over when I first hooked the proceed to the older DAC (Micromega DuoPro) and he was blown away. He thought I bought a new DAC. The Proceed as a CD transport was much better than the Sonys I had, the Oppos, etc. and was better than the Marantz but not nearly as much as the others. The only time a disc really gets played on any of my systems is when I have a get together at my house of the Space Coast Audio Society (like once a year) and maybe a couple of times a year when I get something new and have not burnt the file yet. So literally there's probably about a dozen discs a year played at my house. I have the DV9600 sitting unused in a guest room. I could sell it now but will likely just wait until I get my next Oppo and just rotate an Oppo up there (right now I have the DV9600 and a Sony Blu-Ray player - had a PS3 but decided if a guest comes the Blu-Ray player is easier and I have a Roku 3 box up there with Netflix too). So at this point I don't have a need for a transport. If I upgrade something I generally rotate something to a secondary system and if something isn't worth the hassle of selling I just give it to someone (like I won't want to be bothered when I replace the 13 or so year old Sony ES receiver in my office- just not worth the time).
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The Elyse digital board designer swears by Enlightened Audio T1000 transport as the best.
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Thanks Phil. I thought I would ask since you've had so many over years.
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Probably the best transport ever was the Forsell. I would then rate CEC below the Forsell and then the Esoteric Teac Transports. As far as today my favorite is the PS Audio.
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Just bought a used Enlightened Audio Design CD-1000 as a transport for my Elyse DAC. I am very, very happy. This combo blows away my old Mcintosh MCD 550, Burmester 089 and GNSC Wadia S7i. The pioneer stable platter is really that good. I also got a laser lens assembly in the purchase for the future. I also will have Noble mods upgrade the diodes after I have enjoyed it for several months.
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** Update: Out of my cd collection some cd's would not play in the CD-1000, but would play in my Sony ES7200 blu-ray player. That, plus the fact parts are no longer available (only for the EAD Ultradisk 2000), I am now looking at Esoteric for a transport. If I can get the EAD/Elyse sound with the build quality of an Esoteric, I will call it a day.
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There's one on Audiogon - not cheap though - http://app.audiogon.com/listings/transports-esoteric-p-05-transport-with-full-warranty-2015-04-17-digital-01060-florence-ma
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I never thought a transport could make that much of a difference. I have never owned an expensive transport and now use a music server.
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There's one on Audiogon - not cheap though - http://app.audiogon.com/listings/transports-esoteric-p-05-transport-with-full-warranty-2015-04-17-digital-01060-florence-ma
Thanks, but I am looking at a DV-60 as a transport. I am very happy with the sound of the EAD pioneer stable platter, and hopefully the Esoteric can match or better it and with better build quality.
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Thanks, but I am looking at a DV-60 as a transport. I am very happy with the sound of the EAD pioneer stable platter, and hopefully the Esoteric can match or better it and with better build quality.
In my system, to me, it makes a very significant difference.
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A transport can definitely make a difference. Many moons (in my old house) ago I owned a Micro Mega Duo Pro DAC. I had several transports in the main system and had moved the Micro Mega to the main system from the basement system. I had a friend come over right after I hooked up my Proceed PDMT to it. I was playing a CD layer of a hybrid SACD and he thought I got a new SACD player.
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Recent Elyse DAC customer feedback!
Dan, while I only have only put about 25 hours on my new Elyse DAC since its arrival this week, I have to say that its purchase is a decision I would gladly make again. I have the Elyse running with NOS tubes, a Mullard 5AR4 rectifier and a pair of Siemens 6922 A frame gold pins. The Elyse has taken my system and listening experience to a whole new level. The music has more body, definition, dynamics and involvement. I am anxious to hear what further improvement there will be as the Elyse continues to break-in and the tubes burn-in.
As with my purchase of the LS 100 and KWA 100SE , I did not have an opportunity to audition the Elyse, but once again your talents and that of the Modwright team made that a non-issue. You give the rest of us the gift of a wonderful and enjoyable musical experience. F. Chirco, May 3, 2015.
I will continue to share the feedback as it comes in!
Thanks,
Dan
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^ Dan, Mr. Chirco, before he bought his Elyse DAC, asked me for my opinion. :thumb:
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Thanks! I really appreciate that! Everyone that gets it loves it!
It has been a LONG labor of love!
Take care,
Dan
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I got a very good deal on a new in box old Esoteric DV-60, which sounds awesome with my Elyse DAC. And as the Elyse has been breaking in, it sounds so, so good also with my MacBook Pro on USB using 96hz. Not to give Dan any ideas, but he could easily sell the Elyse for $15K. It is that good. :bowdown:
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Congrats t2m. Glad you found a transport you are happy with. Now, if you ever get an opportunity to try the PWT Transport against it, ya gotta let me know. I may be able to try an Esoteric here locally though, too...
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any other reviews out there?
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I'm aware of this one -
http://www.hifiwigwam.com/modwright-elyse-dac/
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Thanks Phil.
I seem to like tube rectified, small signal tube based DACs. And still remember Elyse from over a year ago. Def enjoy the updates.
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Also, the ModWright customer service is world class.
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I purchased an Elyse within the last couple of months, and swapped out a Blue Circle DAC which I enjoyed. I replaced the stock tubes with a NOS Mullard rectifier and Mazda 6922s. This DAC took my system to a whole new level, wider soundstage, more separation, definition, and authority. Extremely well built as are, in my opinion, Dan's other offerings (have LS100 pre, and KWA100SE amp). I didn't have the opportunity to audition or hear at a show the Elyse, nor for that matter the pre or amp, but I have had absolutely no reservations with these purchases. Dan and his team are top notch talents!
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Thank you for your support and feedback! I greatly appreciate it and feel that our customers say it best. Our customer are who we are here to please.
Take care,
Dan
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A transport can definitely make a difference. Many moons (in my old house) ago I owned a Micro Mega Duo Pro DAC. I had several transports in the main system and had moved the Micro Mega to the main system from the basement system. I had a friend come over right after I hooked up my Proceed PDMT to it. I was playing a CD layer of a hybrid SACD and he thought I got a new SACD player.
Dan actually experienced this (albeit with some limoncello under his belt!):
We had Dan's fully Modded Oppo BPD105 running in our NFS Audio room at the THE Newport. I also brought along the venerable Nakamichi 1000mb CD transport ca: 1992 hooked into the digital input of the Oppo. To my surprise, this 20+ year old performed and sounded better than the Oppo. I really never thought a transport would make such a difference!
Kudos to that big aluminum brick!
I'de love to hear it with the Elyse.
Mike Alazard
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=125040)
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Mike - I understand exactly what you mean. I actually have 5 Oppo players spread among 4 systems (2 of them have outboard DACs), including a Modwright solid stated modded BDP-83. While I no longer have the PMDT for many years, the best CD transport I have, I don't use at the moment. Mostly since I have file playback, my Marantz DV9600, which is currently the best CD transport I own, sits in what is a guest room. Including a couple of LD players, I have 11 transports between the system and one in a closet and I gave away two before a move about a year in a half. I simplified the main system (which is an integrated A/V system with a Modwright KWA150 SE and an 36.5DM), otherwise I'd move the DV9600 if I used discs at all. My Oppo 103D in the main system is used for only for movies (I have another 103d in what I'd call a third system and do have a hard drive attached to that with files) and twice a year when I have the Space Coast Audio Society over for a get together there may be a few discs played. A good transport for someone who uses disc playback is a must. When I had more room for components in the old place in the main system, the DV9600 was there even if was for occasional use.
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For many years I used a Pioneer LD-704 laserdisc player as my CD transport. I still have the machine. I should compare it to my Oppo 105 and see which sounds better as a transport.
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For many years I used a Pioneer LD-704 laserdisc player as my CD transport. I still have the machine. I should compare it to my Oppo 105 and see which sounds better as a transport.
Never had good luck with LDs (made bass kind of tubby/heavy from memory and none of the tweaks I had on hand would completely get rid of it). Have both a Pioneer 704 and also have an Elite 79 (basically the same machine - had bought them that way and some spare parts too on purpose). Have not used either player in about 5 years (still have about 135 LDs). The Oppo players are a good general solution since they do hi-rez too. I guess when I get my next Oppo and move one to the guest room, I can decide whether I can squeeze the Marantz DV9600 in the main system rack or one secondary system rack or sell it. I'll go upstairs to the guest room and listen to that system once or twice a year.
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I just received by Elyse today and have been enjoying a day of digital music for once! This is a wonderful sounding DAC.
Has anyone tried a pair of CV2492s in the 6922 positions. I have always used them as replacements but for some reason when I use 2 of them the right channel has no sound. The have tried multiple combinations with other tubes and have tested the CV2492s. 1 will work but not 2. Very odd.
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The heaters in the Elyse DAC are wired in series and are current regulated. This means that a 12.6V supply feeds the two tube with 6.3V nominal heaters, in series. Because the heaters are CURRENT regulated, a fixed amount of current is 'provided' to the tubes. If a tube is used that draws a different current than the 6922/6DJ8/7308 tube, then the tubes may not have enough total heater current.
If a tube is used that draws more current than the basis of design (6922…etc.), then the first tube will light up, but the second tube may not see enough current to operate.
I expect that this is the case with this tube, although I have not looked at the data sheets to verify its operating heater current. It could also, for some reason, be a tube that draws much more than the nominal current.
Sorry for the technical explanation, but I wanted to explain WHY this could happen and why only tubes from the family on which the design was based, should be used.
Thanks,
Dan Wright
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Thanks Dan. We like technical.
That must be the case since 1 of these tubes plus a 6922 work fine. What's odd is that the technical specs seem identical, but clearly they are not.
There are more than enough 6922/7308 tubes out there to try.
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^ I am using a pair of Siemens CCA's to great effect.
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As for the rectifier, I am currently using a big Philips. Can a EML or Sophia 274b work?
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Yes, EML, 274B, 5R4GYS may all be used.
Thanks,
Dan
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We need more posts on tube rolling. I am thinking about Sophia or EML 274B. Any input? I already have the Philips rectifier.
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Just get a metal base GZ34 and your tube rolling days will be over. That's the best I have tried. You can also try a GEC 5u4G.
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The Mullard GZ34 metal base is stupid price, and as I see so is the 5u4G.
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It is all relative. Spending $400 on a tube for a $5000+ DAC seems appropriate.
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Call Andy at Vintage Tube Services, he can help you get something appropriate without spending $400. He has a lot of rectifier tubes that will fit the bill and many are less than $100 including Mullards.
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Call Andy at Vintage Tube Services, he can help you get something appropriate without spending $400. He has a lot of rectifier tubes that will fit the bill and many are less than $100 including Mullards.
Thanks, much appreciated.
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Update on my Elyse DAC: it just keeps getting better! The better the surrounding gear, the better the Elyse gets. In other words, it can keep with improvement in one's audio hardware. I just installed new/upgraded power supply in my Magnus 300 (from the 500) and installed Venture Reference woofers in my Venture CR-8's. These upgrades allowed my Elyse to really show it's flying colors.
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Hi all. I just purchased an Elyse from the first owner and am experiencing the right channel problems referenced in the above posts. However, am using the stock 6299 tubes that came with the unit. My first thought was a defective tube. Unfortunately, I do not have another pair of 6299to try, but I will get in touch with Andy and order some tomorrow. Until I have new replacements to try, has anyone experienced the right channel problem with stock 6299's? Thanks
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The only explanation is that one of the tubes has a failed filament. The filaments (heaters) are wired in series and current regulated. If one tube has a bad filament, this could happen. Please let me know if you have any troubles with a new set of tubes.
Dan
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Swap the tube position and see if it follows the tube. That will tell you whether tubes or DAC.
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Switched tube positions and all is fine now. I contacted the previous owner and he said he had the same problem with the right channel sound when he first installed the 6299's, and after changing positions the Elyse performed flawlessly, as it is now for me. Go figure! Anyway, have some NOS tubes on the way from Andy for some tube rolling, and I will see if there is any difference in the placement of those. Many thanks for the support and suggestions.
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Switched tube positions and all is fine now. I contacted the previous owner and he said he had the same problem with the right channel sound when he first installed the 6299's, and after changing positions the Elyse performed flawlessly, as it is now for me. Go figure! Anyway, have some NOS tubes on the way from Andy for some tube rolling, and I will see if there is any difference in the placement of those. Many thanks for the support and suggestions.
Glad to here, that the issue has been resolved....Enjoy the DAC.
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I am using the big Philips rectifier and some Siemens CCA's 6922/E88CC to great effect.
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Hi All,
Can anyone suggest 'darker' tubes for the Modwright Oppo 105D?
...not warmer, darker. I also wouldn't mind suggestions on tubes that produce a bit more rounded sound, more space between instruments, something that has less of that false 1khz digital 'air' sound, almost clinical but absolutely NOT HARSH...or cutting or piercing or brassy.
I know pretty odd....something with less 1khz and less of that woody 250hz feel. Punctuated I guess like when you throw on a good piece of non-sibilant vinyl.
Lemmeknow.
Thnx,
B
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Shuguang Black Treasure CV-181's come to mind to fit your taste in tonality.
Dan
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...just purchased.
Thanks!
-b