[pearsall001]

I currently have a pair of Amperex Bugle Boys in the DAC & I really like the sound. But the itch needs scratching & I'm thinking of trying something new. Any suggestions.

[JakeJ]

Uhh...might help if you told us what the type is.

[WireNut]

Uhh...might help if you told us what the type is.

Bugle Boys may be hard to beat...

Sorry I sold my Cal Delta transport 






 

[poseidonsvoice]

On the vintage Cal Alpha, we are talking about a 12AX7...

Best,
Anand.

[Ericus Rex]

If that DAC is as old as I think it is you'd get a bigger sonic boost by replacing it altogether with a newer, modestly-priced DAC.

[viggen]

I used to have an Alpha and didn't get too much change in sound from tube rolling.

[poseidonsvoice]

If that DAC is as old as I think it is you'd get a bigger sonic boost by replacing it altogether with a newer, modestly-priced DAC.

+1.

Best,
Anand.

[Mr. Orange]

I used to own a CAL Alpha  but I made the mistake of selling it.    They rarely show up for sale anymore. The last set of tubes I had in it were a set of Groove Tubes, see link for more info. I bought mine through Brent Jessee Recording. A really nice guy to deal with and he really knows his tubes.

http://www.groovetubes.com/tubes/

[sturgus]

My old one still sounds quite sweet with the Tele smoothplates. The newer dacs may be the way to go, but I have to say the Alpha still plays music damn fine.

[galyons]

My old one still sounds quite sweet with the Tele smoothplates. The newer dacs may be the way to go, but I have to say the Alpha still plays music damn fine.

I agree.  I have had several  newer DAC's in the system.  The Cal keeps going back in.  The problem, IMO, with newish DAC's is it is always about the numbers, the latest "cool" chip, etc.  Very little effort appears to be spent on getting decent analog to the outputs....great measurements, lousy music....

Of course YMMV,

Cheers,
Geary

[pearsall001]

I agree.  I have had several  newer DAC's in the system.  The Cal keeps going back in.  The problem, IMO, with newish DAC's is it is always about the numbers, the latest "cool" chip, etc.  Very little effort appears to be spent on getting decent analog to the outputs....great measurements, lousy music....

Of course YMMV,

Cheers,
Geary

I feel the same way... I think a lot of these new DAC's could learn a thing or two from the "old" CAL DAC. Great design & performance never go out of date. It's not all about the latest & greatest chip of the month. It's a challenge to get that lush, warm musical sound even with today's technology. Then again if you want to remortgage the house I'm sure there out there.   

[WireNut]

I feel the same way... I think a lot of these new DAC's could learn a thing or two from the "old" CAL DAC. Great design & performance never go out of date. It's not all about the latest & greatest chip of the month. It's a challenge to get that lush, warm musical sound even with today's technology. Then again if you want to remortgage the house I'm sure there out there.

Heard that. Wish I knew someone that could fix my old Theta DS-Pro basic 2 dac that got sapped by static.