[mca]

After running my current setup for the last couple of years, I decided it was time for a change. I was using a MW Transporter feeding an Ayon Spirit II integrated into a pair of Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers. While the sound certainly did not offend, I ultimately found it a bit flat and boring.

This was confirmed when I bought a Modcode 402AU and put in in place of the Ayon. Took a while to get used to, but came to the conclusion that it is a much more expressive and detailed amplifier. This did come at the expense of a little tube warmth which I have always been fond of.

Just last week I sold off my MW Transporter to continue my upgrade journey. This is the spot where I'm not sure what do do next. I have about 4k to spend and am torn between buying a preamp and a DAC or an all in one DAC with volume control.  Some of my thoughts are: W4S STP preamp and a Burson, Rega, EE, Bryston or other such DAC. Seems my choice for an all in one are a bit more limited (must have remote volume): Bel Canto 3.5, Zodiac Gold, Burson HA160D (I know it does not have a remote, but at the price it may be worth it).

Now I do like things on the warmer side of neutral. So I am trying to find that find line between a more exciting and detailed sound without going into the dry, clinical side of things. If you have any thoughts or options you would like to share, it would be much appreciated 

Few more things, I will be using a Bolder digital Modded Touch with modded Elpac power supply for now. Once all this is figured out, I can do some further experimenting with a Mac Mini or another type of music server.

[GregC]

The new Peachtree Grand Pre has the specs for what you are looking for.

[mca]

That is a unit that I am really interested in. I have an email in to Peachtree to see if it will be available in all black to match the rest of my equipment.

[mca]

I am a bit worried about the ESS DAC being on the clinical side, but I guess only a listen will confirm or deny that.

[srb]

It certainly seems to have all the features.  My guess is that the Bascom King dual tube buffer will be a notch up from the buffer in the Decco/Nova units.
 
There are a number of dealers listed in your area, so you have a decent chance at an audition.  Since none of their other units were available in black I'm doubtful that this one will be, but you never know.  That would be my choice as well.
 
Good luck and report back if you are actually able to see and hear it in person.
 
Steve

[mca]

Heard back from David and it's only available in silver, the hunt continues...

[srb]

Questions:
 
(a) Would this be integrated into your HT system with the Onkyo receiver so that an HT bypass input should be included?
 
(b) Would you need more than one digital input on the 2 channel DAC that would need to be switched by remote control?
 
Steve

[mca]

No and no

[mca]

I just bought the demo Belles 22A preamp Shane had for sale. Once I get that all setup, I will decide on a DAC. I will only do so via in home trial. I think I can get a Burson, Rega, Neko and a Bryston in here to try out. Any others I should consider?

[K Shep]

I think I can get a Burson, Rega, Neko and a Bryston in here to try out. Any others I should consider?

I will be very interested in your DAC comp.  I owned the Ayre QB9 and had the Bryston in my listening room for a comparison and soon sold the Ayre.  One thing for sure...enjoy the process!

[srb]

Now that you are going with separate preamp and DAC, I was going to recommend an audition of the Van Alstine Fet Valve Hybrid DAC, but they are only available in silver (unless it was built in the older enclosure, in which case the 30-day satisfaction period would probably not apply).
 
It looks like the Vision Hybrid DAC is in a black enclosure, but now that is no longer AVA's best.
 
Just trying to think of something that might have "the warmer side of neutral" sound.
 
Steve

[charmerci]

Until their new cases come in, the AVA DAC's are in black (i.e. all their FetValve series.)

[mca]

The AVA Fet Valve hybrid DAC looks very interesting. I do have one concern and that is having "too many tubes"

6H30Pi and 6GU7 tubes in the Moscode
12AU7 tubes in the Belles
6CG7 tubes in the DAC

I just don't want to end up having the same type of sound I did with the Ayon/MWT combo.

[charmerci]

The AVA Fet Valve hybrid DAC looks very interesting. I do have one concern and that is having "too many tubes"

The Fet Valve DAC only uses the tubes for the voltage gain.