[jameshuls]

Has anybody experimented with upgrades to stock components (other than the obvious tube rolling) on the Chime DAC? I have already ordered some Jantzen Superior and Silver Z-Caps, Teflon V-caps and Mundorf Silver & Gold in Oil Caps to play with in the 1uF signal path positions. I am also interested in trying out texas components nude metal foil resistors in the signal path. Any thoughts on where these might have the most impact? Anyone tried out a stepped attenuator for the volume? I admittedley have a boutique parts fetish  but I also love amazing bang for the buck/giant killer products.

[rotcoddam]

Yeah,
  What I found with mine is to use the least microphonic tubes you can. I'm using a Mullard 12ax7, a Mazda 6cg7, and a Mullard 5ar4. These are great tubes. I modified my Chime to accept the 6cg7 (hybrid) and found this position is really sensitive to tube microphonics. After trying several nos types I tried the Mazda and it turned out to be a really nice tube beating out my favorite "way old" rca blackplates.
Get a couple of those russian ft-3's in there to bypass the output caps.
  Handmade Audio has the resistors I like best, the IRC's. As good or better than Rikens at a fraction of the cost.
  Anyway, I'm just blown out by how good this Chime is.

[jameshuls]

Thanks for the tips! I have put this project on hold for a bit though, while I finish buidling my Cornet.