[Kwebb]

Has anyone compared the sound and feel of the Fet Valve Hybrid DAC with the DAC integral to a Cary Audio CD 306 SACD?  The DAC on the Cary Audio CD 306 SACD can be used as a standalone DAC interfaced to a media server and that is how I currently use it (I’m using windows media server with music ripped to losses digital format and fed via Toslink).  It’s a pretty good/great sounding DAC but that’s a very relative statement.  If so I would greatly appreciate any opinions on the comparison as it would help me make a decision.

Kyle
 

[rcag_ils]

I rarely hear that other product beat AVA product in a comparision test. I am not saying that it'll never happen, but just rarely heard. Usaully it's the other way around, once people listened to AVA product and compared to their own, they threw theirs in the dumpster, then kicked themselves for paying too much for what they had before.

By the way, I don't have any FET Valve series eq. just some older AVA eq.

[Kwebb]

Thank you!

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Kwebb,
I have not heard the Cary DAC so I can't comment on it's sound, but I will highly recommend the AVA Fet Valve which I got recently.  The sound is very clear.  You get nice separation and I hear things that I could not hear before.  Bass is fantastic!

P.S.  I love your setup! The pix of your home look fantastic.  I WISH I had that much room!

[Kwebb]

Nightfall,

Thanks for your input.  Here’s the deal I am probably going to sell the Cary Audio CD 306 SACD and gamble that the FET Valve Hybrid DAC is going to sweeter sounding.  This Cary Audio CD 306 SACD with external DAC is really good sounding (I mean really good).  I went through a couple of these Cary CD 306's and this particular one was something very special.   I think it is a one-off custom worked up unit from Cary.   I am the original owner.  There was a peculiar history on these models where chip sets were hard to come by and revisions were made to accommodate different sources of chipsets.  I had 2 other loaners while waiting for this one to "arrive" the two loaners were yawners compared to this one.  Anyway I don't mean to bore you with my dilemma I just hope not to be disappointed.

Kyle

[avahifi]

Note that the Fet Valve DAC is a tube hybrid design.  In general this design choice will provide more engaging and musical audio output than possible with any all solid state DAC design.

The Fet Valve DAC also is unique with separate high current high voltage active regulated power supplies for each tube and each power mos-fet class A follower circuit, and uses no overall feedback.  It is a pretty special and very musical design.

Remember too that we offer a 30 day satisfaction guarantee on all new AVA equipment.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[Kwebb]

Frank,

Thank you for your inputs.  Your the best.  Email sent.

Kyle

[Kwebb]

Just a quick update on this subject.

I have placed an order for a FET Valve Hybrid DAC, a FET Valve Hybrid Preamp, and a FET Valve Hybrid 600R amp.  30 day count down started yesterday.

 

[pardales]

You are in for a real treat. 

[mark funk]

Shit man, thats like 600 watts to drive those HT2-TLs  . Your going too like it  .



                                                                                       

[charmerci]

I have placed an order for a FET Valve Hybrid DAC, a FET Valve Hybrid Preamp, and a FET Valve Hybrid 600R amp.  30 day count down started yesterday.

I'll be really interested in your impressions because you already have some pretty impressive equipment - though if I'm right, it's generally about 3-4 year old technology.

[Kwebb]

Charmerci,

Thanks for the post.  I will share my comparison thoughts for sure.  I had all solid state stuff before: Anthem Statement and Cary.  I just sold these components to roll over into the FET Value Hybrid components.  I am 4 weeks out from shipment.  I am also taking this opportunity during my waiting period to add acoustic dampening to my media room (bass traps and panels). I think I am gleaning that the FET Valve Hybrid components are great individually and even more splendid when used all together in a system.  Can't wait to hear the difference.

Kyle