[JackD]

I haven't found a manufacturer yet in all my years in this hobby that included rectifier tubes that would hold a candle to the higher quality NOS ones from the 50's and 60's and Gary is no exception.  He does however offer that as an option at the time of purchase and then you don't have to buy them on your own off of Ebay. Like many people alvinnir decided to source his own rather than buying the upgraded rectifier from Musical Paradise.  I had a box full of them so I took the standard issue one too.

[alvinnir]

I think the assumption that a producer of audio gear would supply the best possible tubes is not realistic. They need tubes that are both reliable and can be acquired in large quantities. Most audiophiles who own tube gear eventually find the sound can be improved and modified to their taste with aftermarket tubes. I've done this with virtually every piece of tube gear I've owned. In fact the only gear I ever bought that didn't come stock with current production tubes were my Quicksilver Monoblock power amps. That's because they are a small production company and they bought up a large quantity of 1970s vintage Tesla tubes for their gear.

If you will excuse the analogy, buying tube gear is a bit like buying a bicycle. The seat it comes with usually is usually very basic and not that comfortable. So you buy a new seat to suit your butt so you can have more comfort performance. Same with tubes 

[MttBsh]

I think the assumption that a producer of audio gear would supply the best possible tubes is not realistic.

I hear you. I wasn't suggesting that the manufacturer ought to include the best (i.e. expensive) tubes possible. I was referring to your having found some relatively cheap rectifier tubes on Ebay that didn't hold back the DAC's performance like the stock tubes do. It seems like the manufacturer, as part of his R&D would check into these kinds of options, maybe not to everyone's taste but certainly better than the tubes he chose as stock. Admittedly, as you said, it also comes down to quantities of tubes available, and the mass produced are never the best.

[alvinnir]

Having for the most part sorted out some tube choices I just took the plunge and ordered new Capacitors. Garry feels the new V-Cap Odam is the best option these days so I ordered the 3.3 values. Should arrive in the not too distant future assuming a quick clear through Canada Customs. I have seen posts on the Mundorfs and others but not these V-Caps so far. Hope they are a worthwhile improvement for the $$$ spent.

[rodge827]

Anyone looking for a very good rectifier tube for your D2 Dac?

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=174970.msg1845650#new

[Factorz]

Well I ended up picking up the MP-D2 MK3 that was recently listed in the marketplace and I've had it about a week. First time giving a tube DAC a try and most likely the nicest DAC I have used in my system. I do miss the display screen of my M500, but that's about the only thing I found it had over this unit.

It looks pretty self explanatory but are there any instructions on how you swap out the capacitors if you want to try something different? Also I saw some mentions of the ability to raise the tubes up so you do have to pop the top every time you want to change them. Sorry if I missed a link to what to use.

[marvda1]

the riser is for bottle shaped rectifier tubes that won't fit through the hole.

[Factorz]

Got it. Thanks for clarifying.

[Factorz]

Questions for owners. I've noticed that occasionally when I turn my unit on the DSD-ON will blink green and then nothing. When I hit the button to change inputs nothing happens. I end up having to turn the unit on and off a few times before it seems to connect with my streamer (Aries Mini) and the USB light turns green.

When I emailed Garry he said to always make sure to turn the unit on before the streamer, but this is not possible since the Aries is always on. He also suggested maybe updating the firmware to the latest version, but I'm not sure how to check what one I have. Any help would be great. Thanks.

[Factorz]

Just checking and pulled the trigger on some VCAP ODAM capacitors that Garry recommended. Also have a Sophie Electric rectifier tube coming as well.

[marvda1]

hello, do you have a schematic for the original mp-md2 or know where i can get a copy?
if so can you send me a copy to mboldda1@sbcglobal.net ?

[mooncrikit]

Any ideas on the compatibility of the 7308 version of the 6DJ8/6922 family with a MK 3 edition? I have amassed quite a stash of these as well as 6922s but just want to be certain since I am under the assumption that a 7308 might be a 7 volt version..Please correct me accordingly if needed and better yet if anyone has tried these 7308s and their perceived results sound wise. Thanx! Mooncrikit

[marvda1]

don't know  how it compares but 7dj8"s work.

[JackD]

7308 is from the same family as 6DJ9 and 6922.

[mooncrikit]

So then the initial two consensus is indeed, the 7308s will perform as needed without any issues with voltage, etc. ...Thanx for the input fellas...

[Chewbacca]

So then the initial two consensus is indeed, the 7308s will perform as needed without any issues with voltage, etc. ...Thanx for the input fellas...

6DJ8, 6922, and 7308 tubes are all of the same family, and should be interchangeable (haven't heard of 6DJ9's before - Maybe a typo?)

I've personally swapped them around in my current preamp and previous phono preamp.

From what I remember the only really difference is that the 7308 was generally used for military purposes so they were held to higher tolerances and purer materials - There of course may be other differences as well, but the voltages should be near, if not identical.

I believe the 7DJ8 has a slightly different plate voltage, but some people have reported (also on this thread) that they work fine as a replacement.

[JackD]

Yes a typo

[NoDisco]

Any of you ever use a bel canto dac? I have an old 1.3 I might just want to switch out. It does great, but I’m a big fan of MP gear.