Well, I heard the Maveric DAC today and that sounded good. However, when we switched to the EE Dac, the soundstage opened up. The EE Dac sounding more palpable and natural. Coming in from the cold, I preferred the sound of the EE Dac much better. Even though the Maverick DAC is cheap, there is no way I am switching. That's just me.
May be the Maverick hasn't found the right tube yet? Does the M. have that many tube options like the 12AU7?
I've been rolling them tubes the past week, thanks to Paul M. The EE's soundstage left to right, front to back, is just amazing, regardless which 12AU7 variant I put in there. So, I concluded that it's the basic personality of the Sabre-based DAC. I first put in a couple from my closet, JAN Sylvania, RCA 5814, and then Amperex 7316. Of course, I started with the stock Shuguang. The Shuguang is so-so, not much to write home about. The RCA 5814 is bland. With the JAN Sylvania I began to have improvements overall. The EE became more musical and enjoyable. The Amperex improved a lot. And, I only use the tube output side. I have had enough experience with opamps I thought. Tube remains my preferred channel.
Then, I got a few from Paul (again, thanks Paul). With each 12AU7 I put in, in this order: Tungsol, Mullard (GE), GE 5814 3 Mica BP, the mids got better (fuller, rounder, however you call it). I emphasize the mids since them notes are all the most important. The bass department is firm and focused also. The tops also are pretty good with those tubes.
Then, I got the CV4003.
Wow, Levi, you're right again. It's the crowning king, so far. I usually use a personal favorite recording to judge the mids, Maria Joao Pires's Chopin Piano Concerto #2 (DG). Her piano sounded sooooo good with my previous Shek DAC (NOS). Believe it or not, even the CV4003 is still a notch less than the NOS Shek, based on 1543 I think. The NOS just has yet a little more shine in the piano sound (harmonic richenss?). Well..... can't have everything. The CV4003 is very good, my holy grail so far. Of course, Bill (O'Connell) has recommended the ultimate tube. But..... $$$ is a consideration (Bill's recommendation would easily run $125).
For the money, the EE is KING! Give credit to Alex, Bill, and the Sabre chip! Also, with the CV4003, the bass is very focused, and the tops are smoother also (than those quoted above). The Maverick may hold its ground. That's fine and dandy.
Disclaimer: This is just one person's experience/perception and opinion. Don't mean to offend anyone.
