[djbnh]

Don't mean to sidetrack this thread. Mods / original poster, feel free to move post / ask me to delete it. My situation is akin but different in that I have a Jolida JD-100 that is limited to Redbook, (a decent tubed player esp. w/really good tubes) , I have no separate DAC.

So I want to get into streaming as source including high res, sounds like I also need a decent DAC somewhere in the mix, already have a preamp (Warpspeed) & tubed amp (used to have Klaus' Odyssey great mono amps but went to high efficiency speakers, maybe I should have kept them...). Budget = $2K - $2.5K tops. Have vinyl MC kit...good there, for now.

Man, that "Next level above C+C" poster was spot on.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Here are a few-

Hugo Chord- nice analog sound, slight warmth, very musical, you can find them used at a good price.  If you don't need  the headphone amp that it comes with, then consider the Chord 2Qute for $1K less.

People also rave about the Schiit Yggdrasil and the Aqua La Voce.

If you don't mind used, the Exogal Comet is another great DAC, very transparent and holographic.  Almost 3D with huge sound stage.

[JerryM]

Don't overlook the Channel Islands Audio VDA-2. This is a damn fine little unit. I had one for quite some time, and enjoyed every minute of it. Extremely competent for the price. It doesn't do DSD, but plays up to 24/192.

Plus, Dusty Vawter (the owner of CIA) is an AC Sponsor and has a Circle here.

Have fun,

Jerry

[gnostalgick]

Firejedi,
   Just noticed a Jolida Fusion Dac Pre for $660 on USAudiomart (MSRP $950). Not too many reviews on it, but it does everything you're looking for.

[Firejedi]

Thank you to everyone for the input.  I pulled the trigger on a Jolida Glass FX Tube DAC today.  I spoke to someone there today and they were extremely helpful in explaining a lot of things to me.  I expect to get it next week.  It has a volume control, so I can use it without a preamp if needed which could end up being helpful.  Looking forward to seeing what a DAC can do for my system.

Now to find the patience to wait for the DAC, and for the Odyssey amp.  As they say, "the waiting is the hardest part."

[brother love]

Tom Petty knows of what he speaks ...

Congrats on the nice purchases Firejedi.  Hope they bring you much sonic joy.

[djbnh]

Congratulations, hope it works to your liking.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Congrats on the DAC.  It should give you a nice analog sound.

[Rocket]

Hi,

Congratulations on the new dac.  If you really want to hear an improvement try to use better quality audiophile discs if you can which makes a huge difference.

Good luck.

Cheers Rod

[mresseguie]

Congratulations. You are now a member of this special club:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NwP3wes4M8

 

[JerryM]

Anticipation is right.   

Don't underestimate the importance of 'break in'. Let the gear get a few hundred hours on it before you make any kind of judgment. 

[jarcher]

I know you've already plunked your money down, but for me I would get a Bluesound Node2 for $500. Streamer / Dac AND has analog input. High res from your own network collection or USB, all the major streaming services such as Tidal. Your family and friends can even Bluetooth to it. Everything controlled from the palm of your hand with a smartphone or tablet.  These sound much better than they should for the money. 32 bit burr brown dac. We sell a ton of these with 100% satisfaction so far.

Honestly I'd consider cancelling the jolida order and getting one of these. It kills many birds with one stone and does it them all very well. It's a no brainer for anyone wanting a digital source for under $500.

Frankly the Jolida dac is somewhat outdated with its 24/96 USB and PCM1798 dac chip. Jolida makes some nice entry level integrated tube amps, but digital is not one of their strengths. Just offering an alternative opinion - and sounds like your not too late to make a change in direction.

[Firejedi]

Anticipation is right.   

Don't underestimate the importance of 'break in'. Let the gear get a few hundred hours on it before you make any kind of judgment. 

Is the break in true for everything including the DAC?  I'm guessing it is due to the tubes.

Congratulations. You are now a member of this special club:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NwP3wes4M8

 

Thanks for the video link.   

Hi,

Congratulations on the new dac.  If you really want to hear an improvement try to use better quality audiophile discs if you can which makes a huge difference.

Good luck.

Cheers Rod

I am looking into some new discs.  I have 2 Sheffield Lab disc (James Newton Howard and Tower of Power) that sound great.  I'm looking into some more of those.  I use to have Cheskys Ultimate Demonstration Disc.  That was good too.  More money to spend.

jarcher

While i like the idea of the Bluesound Node2, the Jolida is actually going to be able to help me by acting as a preamp also.  I had planned on using my 3 y.o Integra amp as a pre, but it was damaged in a lightning strike (HDMI out was fried) and, just tonight, I walked up to it and heard a buzz coming from inside that I did not like the sound of.  Thankfully, the Jolida has a volume knob and can handle my preamp duties until more money comes available.  Since I am fairly new to the hi-end digital audio, I don't think I will be bothered by not having 192. At least for a couple years.    Thanks for your input. 

I appreciate everyone here on Audio Circle.  Of course, it can give me a headache after a while.   

[jarcher]

Be grateful your integra was taken out by lightening - using that for music would have been one of the single worst things you could have done. The audiophile gods intervened in your favor! 

Dacs and tubes need break in. 100hrs for each miminum. DACs do sound best when left on all the time. Not the best with tubes naturally, unless your ok with replacing the tubes every couple of months. Many new 12ax7s are cheap fortunately.

Ps BSNode2 has digital volume so can also serve as a preamp.

[Firejedi]

Be grateful your integra was taken out by lightening - using that for music would have been one of the single worst things you could have done. The audiophile gods intervened in your favor! 

Dacs and tubes need break in. 100hrs for each miminum. DACs do sound best when left on all the time. Not the best with tubes naturally, unless your ok with replacing the tubes every couple of months. Many new 12ax7s are cheap fortunately.

Ps BSNode2 has digital volume so can also serve as a preamp.

You're killing me.    I do like the looks of the Bluesound, but I really hate to second guess myself (again). It took quite some time to settle on the Jolida.  Worse case, I'll sell it someday and switch if I feel the need.  I do want to get Pandora and possibly Tidal to my system at some point, but I'm leaning towards buying a cheap laptop as a dedicated server.  I will say that I'm already liking the improvement in my speakers since I borrowed my neighbors amp (even with the Integra).  I guess I have more to look forward to with the Odyssey and a dedicated DAC regardless if which one it is.

[ACHiPo]

You're killing me.    I do like the looks of the Bluesound, but I really hate to second guess myself (again). It took quite some time to settle on the Jolida.  Worse case, I'll sell it someday and switch if I feel the need. 

Well, it's called audionervosa for a reason

Fortunately it's not fatal, and can be controlled (but not cured) with regular listening and application of money.  In many cases, old age and repetitive crushed expectations over power it, at least for long periods of time. 

Enjoy the Jolida and post your findings.  Pick out a few tracks as your "reference", listen to them several times on your current system, get to know them well, then listen to them periodically as your new DAC breaks in over the first few days. 

Regards,
AC