Scott Nixon Chibi Saru (pre-assembled Dackit) vs. TubeDac+?

mshan · « **on:** 5 Dec 2004, 05:28 pm »

Can anyone describe the sonic differences between the Chibi Saru (pre-assembled Dackit) vs. TubeDac+, with and without the upgraded power supply?

Also, how jitter-resistant are these dacs? (I have an RME Digi96/8 PAD sound card with optical and coaxial digital outputs and a Meridian 508.24 CD player with coaxial digital output)?

Finally, how much difference does the digital interconnect make with these dacs?

Hantra · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Dec 2004, 05:55 pm »

Quote from: mshan

Can anyone describe the sonic differences between the Chibi Saru (pre-assembled Dackit) vs. TubeDac+, with and without the upgraded power supply?

Also, how jitter-resistant are these dacs? (I have an RME Digi96/8 PAD sound card with optical and coaxial digital outputs and a Meridian 508.24 CD player with coaxial digital output)?

Finally, how much difference does the digital interconnect make with these dacs?

I'd say that the TubeDAC is a better sounding DAC. It just has a little bit more magic. Although I was floored when I heard the regular old school DACKit, the TubeDAC just kicked it up a notch. I haven't heard the newer designs, but I am sure they are better. Scott has the best ears of anyone I have ever met.

Not sure about the jitter, but one must consider that the DAC is non-oversampling. With non-oversampled DAC's, the window of acceptible jitter, before it becomes audible, is about one hundred times greater than with an oversampled DAC. It's just simple math.

The DAC benefits amazingly from the upgraded power supply. Anything you do with this DAC, from power conditioning, to digital interconnects, will be huge. I plugged mine into a Power Plant, and when we changed the waveform, we could literally move the soundstage up or down.

The simplicity of it makes it very easy to change with small tweaks.

mshan · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Dec 2004, 06:59 pm »

Does the extra circuitry of the TubeDac+ make it any less "direct" sounding than the Dackit?

Hantra · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 Dec 2004, 07:03 pm »

Quote from: mshan

Does the extra circuitry of the TubeDac+ make it any less "direct" sounding than the Dackit?

I'd say that the tube gives it more depth, and a bit more dimensionality.

I don't think either of the DAC's sound "direct" unless you're listening to "direct" sounding discs.

It doesn't really get in the way at all.

albee · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Dec 2004, 12:19 am »

Hantra: I've given the Chibi some thought and was wondering if Scott would assemble one with Toslink rather than coaxial input? Or, at extra cost, put both in? The reason is my two DVD's use toslink and my cdp has both and I would like the flexibility of being able to move it around.

I ask you as I know Scott not real quick on the email trigger and it's Xmas time!

mshan · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Dec 2004, 12:22 am »

Hi Hantra:

Do you think the TubeDac (not the + version) is the best sounding of all of Scott's DACs?

Hantra · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 Dec 2004, 01:38 am »

Quote from: mshan

Hi Hantra:

Do you think the TubeDac (not the + version) is the best sounding of all of Scott's DACs?

I couldn't say. I am sure the + is a better sounding DAC, as it has better parts.

As far as the TOSLINK, I can't really answer that. Not sure if Scott would be willing to do it or not. Give him a ring. PM me if you need the number.

mshan · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Dec 2004, 04:08 am »

Hi albee:
I contacted Scott and he said he can add a parallel coaxial / optical input to the Chibi for $35. (there is no switch, however, so you can only use one cable at a time).

hi Hantra:

I thought the changes in the "+'" were to give it a more 'oversampling high frequency" character? (I own a Meridian 508.24, which I don't think is an oversampling design (?) Would the Chibi / non + TubeDac's treble be similar to what I currently own?)

Hantra · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Dec 2004, 04:27 am »

Quote from: mshan

I thought the changes in the "+'" were to give it a more 'oversampling high frequency" character? (I own a Meridian 508.24, which I don't think is an oversampling design (?) Would the Chibi / non + TubeDac's treble be similar to what I currently own?)

Hmm. You might be right. From what I understand though, Scott has made that filter a switchable option on the new DAC. So basically, you can add the filter for a more "filtered" sound, or you can go non-filtered for non-sizzly realism. I know the + has better parts now, and I think I am right on the switch thing. But you may want to double check with the man himself.