Maverick Audio DAC tour

Mariusz · « **Reply #80 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 05:56 pm »

Quote from: mjosef on 16 Mar 2010, 05:23 pm

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.

Working on it.

As to Maverick being a bargain or great performer - can not say (100%) ....... I had limited time with it and most of that time I spend on testing it rather then critical listening. But from my brief encounter with this DAC , all I can say is that it is very promising and it left with some positive initial impressions.

Cheers

etcarroll · « **Reply #81 on:** 16 Mar 2010, 11:59 pm »

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

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

Mariusz

Lucky

evan1 · « **Reply #82 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 12:03 am »

Quote from: etcarroll on 16 Mar 2010, 11:59 pm

Lucky

Is this your high school picture ?

etcarroll · « **Reply #83 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 12:38 am »

Nice!

And this coming from a guy who appears to be romanticly involved with a towel wearing sunglasses.

You NY Ravers appear to have all the fun, I have to move closer.

The Amish don't have any cool gear, manure-powered DACS really have a 'muddy' sounding bass.

Mariusz · « **Reply #84 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 12:41 am »

Did some listening today.
System used:
speakers - Audio Nirvana 15" in OB
amp - custom, 300B monoblocks (16wpc)
DAC/pre: Isabellina HPA (RWA) & Maverick DAC on tour
source: iPod/ Onkyo Transporter (Wadia alike)

Keep in mind, unit is fresh out of the box.
• gain: a bit high but not a major problem
• stock tube is OK but you can do a lot better
• a bit edgy on the top
• missing some bloom in the middle range
• bass is not as refine and as tuneful as I would like
• image is somewhat smeared
• it doesn't sound like $200 DAC
• compared directly to $2500 DAC with similar features

is it a keeper? Absolutely.
I am sure that with a bit more time and new tubes
Maverick can compete with far more expensive DACs.
Not exactly sure how profound and worthwhile those modifications are
which can be found on Head-fi forum but it sure makes me wonder.

So far, a wonderful DAC at basement price and great/useful features.

I'll try its headphone section and analog tomorrow,
after that it is ready for NJ tour.

Cheers
Mariusz

etcarroll · « **Reply #85 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 12:50 am »

Mariusz -

So you seem to be lending credence to Evans findings that some judicious tube-rolling would improve this unit, yes?

I'd hate to just go on that putz' opinions for making a purchase.

Gene

Mariusz · « **Reply #86 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 01:11 am »

Quote from: etcarroll on 17 Mar 2010, 12:50 am

Mariusz -

So you seem to be lending credence to Evans findings that some judicious tube-rolling would improve this unit, yes?

I'd hate to just go on that putz' opinions for making a purchase.

Gene

no..... really, it is seriously good for the money.
Tube in it is ....... well, crappy at best.
I had Paradisea DAC as well and like this DAC better.
(and I had a lot more tubes to roll back then)

I am sure Even's perception of this DAC is accurate as long as HE sits in the sweet spot.

Cheers
Mariusz

Mariusz · « **Reply #87 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 01:28 am »

Quote from: mjosef on 16 Mar 2010, 05:23 pm

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.

Just in:

"If you order 3 units, I can give you $10 off per unit. For 5 units, I can give you guys free shipping."

(I am guessing the free shipping *5units* is on top of $10 off per unit. Email Ryan to make sure. )

that is a fragment of the email from Ryan (Maverick Audio)

Mariusz

goldlizsts · « **Reply #88 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 01:32 am »

Quote from: Mariusz on 16 Mar 2010, 05:03 pm

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)

Evan, Martin,

I heard the very "discounted" group price will be $199.99. Dirt cheap enough.

mjosef · « **Reply #89 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 02:12 am »

According to

Quote

"If you order 3 units, I can give you $10 off per unit. For 5 units, I can give you guys free shipping."

that would be 189 ea. min. 3pcs. +shipping/ 189. 5pcs. min. free shipping.
An even better bargain Shek

Mariusz · « **Reply #90 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 02:19 am »

Quote from: goldlizsts on 17 Mar 2010, 01:32 am

Evan, Martin,

I heard the very "discounted" group price will be $199.99. Dirt cheap enough.

Actually, it is $190 per unit + Free Air shipping (5 units to same address)
If you still think that this is a whole lot then Cheap & Cheerful hifi might be to extravagance for you my friend.

Saving is not huge but when you consider the build quality, shipping cost from Asia and list price to begin with then it is not too bad.

Cheers
Mariusz

Edit : Mjosef is right - it comes to $189 per unit shipped.

ltr317 · « **Reply #91 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 03:11 am »

Quote from: Mariusz on 17 Mar 2010, 02:19 am

Actually, it is $190 per unit + Free Air shipping (5 units to same address)
If you still think that this is a whole lot then Cheap & Cheerful hifi might be to extravagance for you my friend.

Saving is not huge but when you consider the build quality, shipping cost from Asia and list price to begin with then it is not too bad.

Cheers
Mariusz

Edit : Mjosef is right - it comes to $189 per unit shipped.

Now, that's truly cheap and cheerful.

Mariusz · « **Reply #92 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 03:23 am »

Guess that you are next in line Paul?
Even said that it will be ready for pick up at the Rave.
Wish I could attend (Mike is cool guy and great host) but job dictates otherwise.
Hope you get some nice tubes to roll.
If you get spares, I am game.

Cheers
Mariusz

ltr317 · « **Reply #93 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 03:31 am »

Yes, I guess I am next. I will have a few different 5670 tubes to try, including the GE 5670 that is optional on the Maverick website.

Mariusz · « **Reply #94 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 03:50 am »

GE might be OK but I have a feeling that Western Electric WE396A Black Plate might be a better choice.

Still, let me know what you have ones you are ready.

Cheers
Mariusz

evan1 · « **Reply #95 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 04:55 am »

Quote from: Mariusz on 17 Mar 2010, 01:28 am

Just in:

"If you order 3 units, I can give you $10 off per unit. For 5 units, I can give you guys free shipping."

(I am guessing the free shipping *5units* is on top of $10 off per unit. Email Ryan to make sure. )

that is a fragment of the email from Ryan (Maverick Audio)

Mariusz

I thought he offered free shipping ? Nope just checked the website it's 15.oo to NY. Who's in, I have a feeling with this tour the price will go up.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #96 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 05:01 am »

Isn't under $200.00 "cheap enough" Evan....

Quote

I thought he offered free shipping already

evan1 · « **Reply #97 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 05:02 am »

Quote from: lonewolfny42 on 17 Mar 2010, 05:01 am

Isn't under $200.00 "cheap enough" Evan....

214.00 with shipping . see modefied post. I thnk its time you got into computer audio. So me , Gene and you will get it for 189.00

evan1 · « **Reply #98 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 05:04 am »

I need to sell a bunch of records at Mike's this weekend

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #99 on:** 17 Mar 2010, 05:10 am »

Quote from: evan1 on 17 Mar 2010, 05:04 am

I need to sell a bunch of records at Mike's this weekend

Bring some good one's....