CIA 24/96 dac

beat · « **on:** 18 Jun 2004, 02:51 pm »

Hey guys,
has anyone checked out the Channel Island Audio VDA-1 24/96 dac? I know some people here use CIA stuff and like it so I thought the reasonable price for this dac could make it quite a deal. I was originally looking at Scott Nixons but am afraid of adding another tubed piece to this system.
Thanks for any input.
beat

RussKon · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Jun 2004, 03:54 pm »

from the title i thought that this thread was dealing with some spy issues....

dogberry · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Jun 2004, 04:19 pm »

I have it, and it's very good. Get the external power supply to kick it up a notch. Have it modded to take it to another level. Dusty makes some nice kit.

dave_c · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Jun 2004, 04:36 pm »

I had it and thought it was excellent. The DAC had Modwright mods although the PSU did not. It still sounded really good. I used a Stereovox HDXV and that was a nice step up from the Onix Thunder cable I got with the unit.

Great DAC for a great price.

beat · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Jun 2004, 05:44 pm »

Great!
thanks guys. I read some of the reviews published by CIA and it seemed to only criticism is potential brightness.. I have no problem there so I think I will go for it for this system. I'll probably pick up the SNdac somewhere down the line just to check it out and maybe use it in the office or bedroom system which is all SS. This system I'm building now will be triamped with tubes for mids and maybe up top and SS down below, foreplay pre, ribbon tweeters, carbon/kevlar mids or kevlar paper, kevlar paper woofers, nec multispin transport or my converted laserdisc. I think it will rock. Now all I gotta do is build the speaker boxes and get that dac. woo hoo!!
thanks again,
beat

good one russ, you must have got it confused with CIA 24/7

byteme · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 Jun 2004, 12:14 am »

Beat,

I've had both the CIA and a Nixon Tubedac. For me it's not really close. I ran through about 5-6 dacs in a period of a few months and haven't even look at a DAC ad since hearing the Nixon. The CIA was bettered by an EAD DSP 7000 III and the DI/O Mensa, but the Nixon was, for me, way better than any. In terms of emotion, detail, realism, accuracy. The Nixon has it and more of it than the others. I don't think I'd be too bent out of shape about throwing into an all tube rig either. Give Scott a call and talk to him, the tube doesn't play much of a part - which is why tube rolling doesn't yeild huge benefits - some yes, but huge, no. It's certainly not like rolling with a preamp or amp. In any case, try and get hold of a Nixon and give it a listen. I think you'll be glad you did.

beat · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Jun 2004, 08:02 pm »

HMMM,
I have heard nothing but great things about the Nixon. So, I think I might just have to hear it for myself. I got a great deal on the cia so I wont be bummed if I have to turn around and unload it. Of course what will make it or break it is the actual synergy in this system. I will just have to keep saving, buy them both, A-B them and keep the best. Thanks for all your input, Byte