Man I missed tubes in my system!!

zybar · « **on:** 17 Sep 2004, 09:12 pm »

Well, I just put them back into the system by replacing my Electrocompaniet ECD-1 dac with an Audiologic 24MXL dac. The Audiologic uses a pair of 6922 tubes. The unit comes with Sovteks (yuck!).

Even with the Sovteks, the Audiologic added a little texture and fullness that the system really needed. This dac has much more clarity throughout (especially in the highs) than the ECD-1. I didn't think my system could get more detailed, but it has in a very musical way. This dac has also deepend my soundstage and put more air and space around the instruments. Overall, I think the Audiologic is an excellent dac and worth every penny (lists for $4500 in balanced form - which I have).

Now for the fun part...tube rolling.

I just replaced the Sovteks with a pair of NOS Tungsram - WOW!!

Increased dynamics

(faster transient response and it plays deeper with more authority), more detail in the mids/highs while expanding the musical space even more front to back. All this ice cold out of the box.

I also have a pair of Amperex 6922, PQ, white label, US (shield, gold pins)
to play with.

Looks like a fun weekend!

Let's Go Yankees!!

George

Bill O'Connell · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Sep 2004, 10:26 pm »

Your in for a treat whenever you get around to those Amperex 6922 PQ. The Tungsrams are nice also but Give Me Amperex or Give me Death.

Jon L · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Sep 2004, 04:48 pm »

Jerry's DAC's have always pleased me in the past, even the classic Audiologic 34 DAC. In its day, I've felt they were far more musical than the usual famous SS suspects.

My understanding with 24 MXL is that Jerry took out some circuitry/tubes and replaced it with a transformer. I wonder how the new transformer-coupled 24 MXL "interacts" with the transformer-based preamp Bent?

zybar · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Sep 2004, 04:56 pm »

Quote from: Jon L

Jerry's DAC's have always pleased me in the past, even the classic Audiologic 34 DAC. In its day, I've felt they were far more musical than the usual famous SS suspects.

My understanding with 24 MXL is that Jerry took out some circuitry/tubes and replaced it with a transformer. I wonder how the new transformer-coupled 24 MXL "interacts" with the transformer-based preamp Bent?

Very nicely!!

My friend has the classic 3400 and hss had it at my place back in August. It is a little more 3-D, but it isn't nearly as good at the extremes and it produces a smaller soundstage. I prefer the 24 MXL.

You hit the nail on the head about it being musical. That's why I boght it!

George