[jtsnead]

FWIW, I am using a 160 GB ipod with Apple lossless files. The iPod plugs into the Onkyo dock with digital out. This feeds the coax input of the Mav. This is easily one of the best front ends I have ever heard at any price.

Which Onkyo ipod dock are you using, I have been looking at this thread thinking about getting into computer based/ipod audio as an additional source and I would like to be able to run my Nano w/ lossless into the Dac

Also my computer only has a usb output no coax or toslink, which usb cables are you guys using?

[jtsnead]

ok I should of looked at the next post!!

Mariusz I see you are doing a group buy, would that work for me in Maryland?

[Mariusz]

There is a thread about group buy - also in Cheap and Cheerful hifi Circle.

Onkyo transport ND-S1 is similar or the same
as Wadia iTransporter. Not sure if you can get it here in US. Japan and Europe might be the only source (without risk of bootleg replica).

 
P.S
I am using this cable (audiogon auction months ago under $60)

http://www.audiometallurgy.com/gold-alloy0-digital-cabl.html

edit for link and price adj.

 

[etcarroll]

Never pulled a tube before, so, I have cover off, see the metal retaining wire, looks like, based on the hinge it needs to move either left or right, as I look down on the unit, with base of the bulb pointing towards me.

I think to my right is logical, can anyone confirm?

I have a history of forcing things, and breaking them. 

But then, considering that the retaining wire is pre-bent as if to wrap around the cap on the left, I guess pushing it to left is way to go.

Edit: Went to head-fi site, looks like it's the 2 screws on the collar I need to remove.

[jtsnead]

it looks like it would move the the left

There is a thread about group buy - also in Cheap and Cheerful hifi Circle.

Onkyo transport ND-S1 is similar or the same
as Wadia iTransporter. Not sure if you can get it here in US. Japan and Europe might be the only source (without risk of bootleg replica).

 
P.S
I am using this cable (audiogon auction months ago under $60)

http://www.audiometallurgy.com/gold-alloy0-digital-cabl.html

edit for link and price adj.

 

the Onkyo looks like a really good deal, found a post where they opened it up and said it looked alot better than the Wadia.

Great buy on the cable, lists for $255.00 now
this Dac looks like a good affordable way to get into computer based audio
looking at the available software (HD tracks) 96khz seems to be the majority of high rez files, I guess you couldnt change ir 192khz in the future?

[Mariusz]

I have removed that "hold down" wire completely. 
(to the left & off the hinge)
Two reasons:
PITA when tube rolling
Some tubes are much smaller then others (GE for example)
which makes it even more annoying.

My CD player uses the same, horizontal tube orientation - no hold down wire.
Never had problems with that player or tubes used with it.
 
 
 

[Mariusz]

it looks like it would move the the left
the Onkyo looks like a really good deal, found a post where they opened it up and said it looked alot better than the Wadia.

Great buy on the cable, lists for $255.00 now
this Dac looks like a good affordable way to get into computer based audio
looking at the available software (HD tracks) 96khz seems to be the majority of high rez files, I guess you couldnt change ir 192khz in the future?

Hey there

Well, I've listened to both Wadia a Onkyo and heard NO difference.

 

[evan1]

Never pulled a tube before, so, I have cover off, see the metal retaining wire, looks like, based on the hinge it needs to move either left or right, as I look down on the unit, with base of the bulb pointing towards me.

I think to my right is logical, can anyone confirm?

I have a history of forcing things, and breaking them. 

But then, considering that the retaining wire is pre-bent as if to wrap around the cap on the left, I guess pushing it to left is way to go.

Edit: Went to head-fi site, looks like it's the 2 screws on the collar I need to remove.

Just push the hold down wire out of the clip. no screws to removw

[BrassEar]

DAC's performance is excellent for the money.
Preamplifier section is locking just a bit of resolution, spaciousness, air and body (90% out of 100) when compared to another great bargain - Nelson Pass buffer (basic version).

Yep, your hearing is almost as good as mine. 

I agree 100% with your description of the Mav. For this price, it is stupid good. Ditto the $200 Onkyo dock.

Exciting times to be an audiophool IMO.

[Mariusz]

Yep, your hearing is almost as good as mine.  

I really doubt it.
Even if my hearing was as good as that of a bat,
I wouldn't know how to sugar coat it like some do. 
For me it's very simple: crap, bad, OK, good, very good, excellent and holy shit!
Then you get into flavor debate and that is where I step back.
Too personal for my taste.
 

[Occam]

A couple of questions and a comment, I skimmed the thread, but apologize if this has been covered.

1. What is the internal dac chip?

2. Does the tube output work if the filtering/output opamp is pulled? I'm basically asking if the tube output goes through that opamp first.

3. Are the inputs to the filtering/output opamp capacitor coupled? Is the output of the dac chip capacitor coupled? Both preceeding questions are equivalent.

4. Has anyone played with the opamps (besides Mariusz)? They appear to socketed? LF353?  fet input jellybean (generic inexpensive) chips. Calling them 'jellybeans' is not a criticism given the very low component price. Alternative fet input chips might minimize the need for signal coupling capacitors, if they're there, as well as improving sonics.

TIA,
Paul

[eclein]

Gene-How does it sound??

[Mariusz]

Sound - very good (regardless of price - for $195, it sounds somewhere between excellent & holy shit)
Features - excellent ( remote control would give it a holy shit award)
Packing - excellent (reusable)
Costumer service - promptly responded to emails, friendly service, profecional (manuals could be better)
 



 
 

[eclein]

Thanks Mariusz!! Now I just have to figure out where to get the finances...Its a choice between Mav. and SB touch for me, the Mav just seems to offer more flexibility, looking forward to checking it out after Gene.

[ken]

I apologize in advance for going a little off topic but my reference daewood cd player (pause for laughter ) only has a toslink ouput so I and ran out and purchased one for my demo with the Maverick a few weeks back at my local Radioshack for $28.00  while this isn't overly expensive I was wondering if

A) There is a difference sonically between toslink cables and more importantly

B) Can someone recommend a cheaper and just as cheerful alternative  to the Radioshack one.  I also checked Best Buy and their cable was approx the same price.

Thanks

[roscoeiii]

I haven't gotten around to finding a cheap and cheerful one for myself, but my understanding is that glass toslink is preferable. I too would be grateful for a recommendation of a cheap & cheerful glass toslink.

[eclein]

This one is Cheap and hopefully cheerful as it is on its way to me,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E8X5ZU/ref=oss_product
we shall see....LOL

[srb]

This one is Cheap and hopefully cheerful as it is on its way to me,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E8X5ZU/ref=oss_product
we shall see....LOL

I think you may have overpaid.  I'm sure I saw one offered for $.005, but shipping was an even $3.00, so yours is still cheaper.   
 
Steve

[etcarroll]

Ed - it sounds very good with stock components. It slays in the middle of the sound spectrum. At high end, violins sound a little 'thin' and reedy. At low end, bass is also a little thin. But at $199 it kicks butt. I'm going to try to swap out the tube for the Raytheon I bought later today for a final  listening session, then box it up and forward to you tomorrow or Friday.

[etcarroll]

Just push the hold down wire out of the clip. no screws to removw

Thanks, that's all I needed confirmation on, breaking in the Raytheon bulb now for an hour, then critical listening.