[funkytabla]

Hi All

I've been reading lots of impressive things about the SN tubedac. It certainly has it's fans  Though hardly discussed over here in the uk

Just wondering how users have found it in tackling harshness and/or sibilance on some cd recordings.

Since getting some much better audio gear - a more revealing system - finding that some of my cd music is more difficult to listen to. I'm currently using a pioneer dvd with a tag20 dac, so swapping dacs may be an interesting move. (I've done some various tweaks to tackle the harshness without great effect)

I've read that the tubedac+ emphasizes the mid-band. Could this actually enhance sibilance on some recordings as it generally occurs in the 6-8khz region? Or would the dac 'smooth' it off?

I'd appreciate any feedback

thanks
funkytabla

[Horizons]

Sorry I can't answer your question directly but I can tell you that I have the standard Nixon DAC that feeds a heavily modified Musical Fidelity X-10D and the combination is the best digital I have ever heard. And I have had many expensive players in my system.

I think the non sampling solution feeding a good tube stage is very tough to beat. Absolutely smokes upsampling IMHO.

[Carlman]

It'll be tough to say whether the specific harshness or sibilance you are having will be cured with anything.  However I can say that the source is a good place to start.  The SN DAC has a nice, full bass and natural midrange.  When I auditioned this DAC I remember the high frequency details were farther back in their presentation... but, they were there.  So, rolled off is the wrong word... just pushed back a bit.

However, the DAC may be a bandaid to something else... like your speakers.  It just depends on where the sibilance/harshness you're hearing is originating.  If you can have a friend drop by and help out, that may give more answers.  (Especially if they bring some gear)

-C

[funkytabla]

Thanks for replies so far.

Carlman: yes, I agree about trying to not make the dac a bandaid. I'm still experimenting with cables, mains filtering. I've also tried swapping some components with others, and hasn't made much difference. So, its likely that much of the sibilance is down to recordings and/or my current system does little to calm it. My room acoustics are ok I think, carpeted floor, not too much metal or glass. And my speakers, aren't known for sibilance (dynaudio contours).

Horizon: interesting you mention the MF -x10d, just getting hold of one to experiment with. What kind of mods did u do (not that I can do anything complicated!)

cheers

[Horizons]

Thanks for replies so far.

Horizon: interesting you mention the MF -x10d, just getting hold of one to experiment with. What kind of mods did u do (not that I can do anything complicated!)

I had this unit for years while everyone in the high end was trashing it as slow, muddy, etc. So I take it apart and start looking around. Decent build quality, decent parts but looks pretty easy to mod.  So I did the following:

1. Hosfelt AC adapter. This is easy and cheap and makes a difference in power and bass. A no brainer.

2. I replaced EVERY single capacitor with either black gates (where reasonable) or Panasonic FC series (cheap and easy). Then I added a pair of FC caps to the last pair of supply caps driving the tubes. The stock design doesn't get sufficient power to the tubes IMO thereby giving the unit a slow sound. Adding more PS caps fixed this.

3. Then I bypassed all the signal caps with Vitamin Q paper in oil caps.

4. Just for fun, I replaced the front red LED with a cool blue one.

5. Replaced the stock crappy tubes with Mullards.

I then asked Scott Nixon if his basic DAC would work well with this unit and he replied that it should be a perfect match.

Well, IMHO this combo is mindblowingly good. I hear no trace of digital at all. Sounds VERY close to analog. I am a non-sampling believer now. Non-sampling + tube output stage is the real deal.

[Jay S]

Horizons,

This sounds interesting.  What do you feel would be the advantage of using an X-10 with Scott Nixon's basic DAC vs getting a Scott TubeDac?  

Thanks,

- Jay

[Horizons]

Oh, if I didn't already have my X10D I would have purchased the SN TubeDac. I would think his integrated solution would be a far better match.

If you already have an X10D or can find one on the cheap, this is another alternative.

I don't think you can beat Nixon's value for $$.

[Jay S]

Thanks for the reply.  I've got a TubeDac but I'll keep the modded X10 in mind in case my system changes down the road....