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Quote from: tvad4 on 27 Oct 2006, 01:37 amHow about a brand new Monarchy M24 6922-based DAC/Preamp? $980 direct from Monarchy. Do an Audiogon search.Interesting...looks like a Lite DAC-60 except with a PCM-63K instead of the PCM1704 and with a pre-amp extension to the board. Toroids instead of R-core transformers too. The Positive Feedback review notes the connection to Lite as well. Depending on your take on the differences, paying less than $500 for a new DAC-60 from an AC company (GR Research) seems like a good option. It seemed to do a good job in the GR room at the RMAF, although I expect it was the version with Sonicraft upgrades (another $290). (BTW: the Monarchy website says the M24 price is $1490)
How about a brand new Monarchy M24 6922-based DAC/Preamp? $980 direct from Monarchy. Do an Audiogon search.
Quote from: BradJudy on 27 Oct 2006, 02:01 amQuote from: tvad4 on 27 Oct 2006, 01:37 amHow about a brand new Monarchy M24 6922-based DAC/Preamp? $980 direct from Monarchy. Do an Audiogon search.Interesting...looks like a Lite DAC-60 except with a PCM-63K instead of the PCM1704 and with a pre-amp extension to the board. Toroids instead of R-core transformers too. The Positive Feedback review notes the connection to Lite as well. Depending on your take on the differences, paying less than $500 for a new DAC-60 from an AC company (GR Research) seems like a good option. It seemed to do a good job in the GR room at the RMAF, although I expect it was the version with Sonicraft upgrades (another $290). (BTW: the Monarchy website says the M24 price is $1490)I think the differences are a lot more than that. Superficially they do look the same minus the volume control and DAC differences (which aren't that similar btw). IIRC, the Monarchy use the tube the correct way IMO, as a transimpedance amp for I/V whereas the Lite DAC60 (which I own btw) does the cop out way and uses a resistor for i/v (greatly increases distortion of the DAC) and then using the tube as a voltage amp ala SRPP. I also wouldn't be surprised it there were a number of other difference in the reclocking scheme, digital input section and voltage regulation too.However, the Lite is pretty inexpensive and why I bought it. It also is a nice base for a DIY'er like me to play around with.
Have you had a chance to inspect the inside of the Monarchy? I never heard before that Monarchy version actually alters the DAC tube section circuitry like that. It really does look like Monarchy specifies their version to be built with different transformers and some different caps, and then add their active tube preamp stage after the DAC section..
Hey! The MHDT Paradisea DAC looks very good. I've not heard it but definately looks very promising It also made it in to enjoythemusic.com "Best of 2006 Budget Beaters" But it is not a true tube output but more like a tube buffered output I think
Anyway, my dream tubed DAC right now is the Audio Note DAC 2.1 Kit Check out he inside.......That is the Level B. Starting for $1300 to $1800 fully loaded. Well, maybe someday
Quote from: SET Man on 27 Oct 2006, 05:38 pmHey! The MHDT Paradisea DAC looks very good. I've not heard it but definately looks very promising It also made it in to enjoythemusic.com "Best of 2006 Budget Beaters" But it is not a true tube output but more like a tube buffered output I think Hiya Buddy,You're correct, the MHDT is using the tube as a buffered output stage.Quote from: SET Man on 27 Oct 2006, 05:38 pm Anyway, my dream tubed DAC right now is the Audio Note DAC 2.1 Kit Check out he inside.......That is the Level B. Starting for $1300 to $1800 fully loaded. Well, maybe someday The AN 2.1 is a very nice DAC. I had the 2.1 Signature for a number of months to play with. It wasn't as detailed as the MHDT but it did make some really great music.
The MHDT "Constantine" performs well too. aa The Constantine is the Paradesia minus the tube stage. It made a substantial improvement in SQ of my system which uses the stock SB3. The gain in sound quality was not subtle but instantly discernible with improved bass output and articulation, 3D sound stage, and separation of instruments. Tremendous bang for the buck.Raja
...I've been having fun with this cheap TDA1543 DAC kit from HiFidiy.net You know I could make a tube buffered output for this litttle DAC.... just like the MHDT! Well, maybe not quite that level..
Quote from: SET Man on 28 Oct 2006, 02:52 am...I've been having fun with this cheap TDA1543 DAC kit from HiFidiy.net You know I could make a tube buffered output for this litttle DAC.... just like the MHDT! Well, maybe not quite that level..I would love to see your work on that, if you are truly interested in trying it out and posting pics for us - are you really going to try this out? (I hope you do...)
Buddy,We should work together on a tube I/V / output stage for your dac. I am going to be doing a similar one for my AD1862 DAC. I am also going to prototype a SS one based on similar principals and test the two. Of course, as with all projects of mine it'll take time. I have many notes and sketches though. I also pointed you to Broskie's blog with a schematic for yours. I am going to submit a schematic sketch I made with some of his concepts for his review to see if I got the pieces straight. If I do, I'll help you build it and it should 3 up the Audio Note (not because its my idea, but because it is Broskie's, I just put two and two together).
