Maverick Audio DAC tour

evan1 · « **Reply #60 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 09:30 am »

Update

I just had to tinker. I opened up the unit. It is not easy to remove the cover , probably because it is new and needs to be worked in.Tube is a pain in the neck to replace.Not convenient laying sideways. Went to my local supplier who will remain nameless

and grabbed a WE 396A and National 396a . Right now I am listening to Shelby Lynne Just A Little Lovin' and the tube has smoothed out the midrange and has given me a more liquid sound.
I think the gain is a little high on this unit and after reading the threads about the DAC it said that the new units were being sent out with a lower gain after a few cmments to the manufacturer. I do not know if this is one of those units but the gain could be lower in my system.I have a pair of attenuators somewhere maybe I will see if that helps or I just have to keep the volume on my Pre at a lower point than I am used too. This problem does not introduce distortion into my system. Still a great DAC and I am impressed. I will try the National tube later on in the day and hopefully do a comparo with a Paradisea.

Modified: I think with the tube roll it helped with the gain issue

goldlizsts · « **Reply #61 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 09:42 am »

Quote from: evan1 on 16 Mar 2010, 09:30 am

Update

I just had to tinker. I opened up the unit. It is not easy to remove the cover , probably because it is new and needs to be worked in.Tube is a pain in the neck to replace.Not convenient laying sideways. Went to my local supplier who will remain nameless :lol:and grabbed a WE 396A and National 396a . Right now I am listening to Shelby Lynne Just A Little Lovin' and the tube has smoothed out the midrange and has given me a more liquid sound.
I think the gain is a little high on this unit and after reading the threads about the DAC it said that the new units were being sent out with a lower gain after a few cmments to the manufacturer. I do not know if this is one of those units but the gain could be lower in my system.I have a pair of attenuators somewhere maybe I will see if that helps or I just have to keep the volume on my Pre at a lower point than I am used too. This problem does not introduce distortion into my system. Still a great DAC and I am impressed. I will try the National tube later on in the day and hopefully do a comparo with a Paradisea.

The dealer will not sue you for tampering with opening up the unit? .....

evan1 · « **Reply #62 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 09:43 am »

Quote from: goldlizsts on 16 Mar 2010, 09:42 am

The dealer will not sue you for tampering with opening up the unit? Shoot some pictures while you can see the guts?.....

Modified post and added pics

evan1 · « **Reply #63 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 09:48 am »

Shek
Bring breakfast, Joe will be home by 7 and I have to wait for DEP to install a new water meter

DAC SHOOTOUT

etcarroll · « **Reply #64 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 10:43 am »

Once the new water meter is in, will you finally start bathing? Big WAF there, sport!

When do you think you'll switch testing from coax to usb, that's what I want to hear about. (Right now using iTunes to break in new xover to my X-LS monitors, thinking a USB DAC would sound good here, but which one?)

evan1 · « **Reply #65 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 10:44 am »

Quote from: etcarroll on 16 Mar 2010, 10:43 am

Once the new water meter is in, will you finally start bathing? Big WAF there, sport!

When do you think you'll switch testing from coax to usb, that's what I want to hear about. (Right now using iTunes to break in new xover to my X-LS monitors, thinking a USB DAC would sound good here, but which one?)

This afternoon

evan1 · « **Reply #66 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 12:24 pm »

Quote from: etcarroll on 16 Mar 2010, 10:43 am

Once the new water meter is in, will you finally start bathing? Big WAF there, sport!

When do you think you'll switch testing from coax to usb, that's what I want to hear about. (Right now using iTunes to break in new xover to my X-LS monitors, thinking a USB DAC would sound good here, but which one?)

Quote from: evan1 on 16 Mar 2010, 10:44 am

This afternoon

Gene, I hooked up the USB and I can say there is no audible difference to me. It sounds the same as the Coax input so this should be a plus for you.

evan1 · « **Reply #67 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 02:24 pm »

I switched out the WE396a tube and I put in the National 396a and I think this is better. Midrange still smooth but vocals have more weight to them. More depth. I like it better than the WE396a. I think I can get my hands on a Bendex 396a later today. I recall liking that the best in the Paradisea. This is a winner. Didn't I already say that. Well...it is.

Mariusz · « **Reply #68 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 03:46 pm »

Did you try head-amp or preamp (analog) section?
(no rush ...... you have plenty time)

I will give a 2nd unit a listen today and prep it for NJ guys.

Best
Mariusz

evan1 · « **Reply #69 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 03:48 pm »

Quote from: Mariusz on 16 Mar 2010, 03:46 pm

Did you try head-amp or preamp (analog) section?
(no rush ...... you have plenty time)

I will give a 2nd unit a listen today and prep it for NJ guys.

Best
Mariusz

tube pre-out
I'm not into headphones

Mariusz · « **Reply #70 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 04:09 pm »

Quote from: evan1 on 16 Mar 2010, 03:48 pm

tube pre-out
I'm not into headphones

but did you use analog in?
or digital in only.

No problem with "testing cans" as I'll give it a serious listen ones
you guys are finished molesting the crop out of it.

Hopefully it will arrive ..... in one piece

(actually that unit may stay with one of NYAR-ers)

cheers

Mariusz

evan1 · « **Reply #71 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 04:18 pm »

Quote from: Mariusz on 16 Mar 2010, 04:09 pm

but did you use analog in?
or digital in only.

No problem with "testing cans" as I'll give it a serious listen ones
you guys are finished molesting the crop out of it.
Hopefully it will arrive ..... in one piece
(actually that unit may stay with one of NYAR-ers)

cheers

Mariusz

No should I have? I used the Digital Coax input

mjosef · « **Reply #72 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 04:22 pm »

Will there be some kinda group buy on this if there are sufficient interest?

evan1 · « **Reply #73 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 04:24 pm »

Quote from: mjosef on 16 Mar 2010, 04:22 pm

Will there be some kinda group buy on this if there are sufficient interest?

Hey who is the NYARaver keeping this ? He has to get it from me first

Mariusz · « **Reply #74 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 04:47 pm »

We can ask Ryan of Maverick Audio about the group buy and options.
I do not see why not.

Quote from: evan1 on 16 Mar 2010, 04:24 pm

Hey who is the NYARaver keeping this ? He has to get it from me first

and he might also get the tour discount........

evan1 · « **Reply #75 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 04:52 pm »

Quote from: Mariusz on 16 Mar 2010, 04:47 pm

We can ask Ryan of Maverick Audio about the group buy and options.
I do not see why not.

and he might also get the tour discount........

Oh more suprises up his sleeves. What's the tour discount ? who and where do I send funds ?

Mariusz · « **Reply #76 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 05:03 pm »

Quote from: evan1 on 16 Mar 2010, 04:52 pm

Oh more suprises up his sleeves. What's the tour discount ? who and where do I send funds ?

discount isn't huge given the list price and direct sells but nice (say .... worth a few rep. tubes to try out with this DAC or upgraded PC)

free delivery and free break-in by experienced audio-geeks.

(I can ask if group buy is an option and possible savings)

evan1 · « **Reply #77 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 05:06 pm »

Can I keep this one and send someone funds ?

Mariusz · « **Reply #78 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 05:12 pm »

Quote from: evan1 on 16 Mar 2010, 05:06 pm

Can I keep this one and send someone funds ?

NO!!!!!

Tour must go on.

Besides, you might be dealing with one angry Raver ......... and myself.

mjosef · « **Reply #79 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 05:23 pm »

Quote

(I can ask if group buy is an option and possible savings)

Please do...it looks like a quality component, top notch cosmetics and if the sonics is up there the package would be quite the bargain.
Thanks.