0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Read 145448 times.
The premise was to really asses the sonic differences between the 2 units, so the SAME tube in both units would make the contrasting results more meaningful. If one puts a seriously inferior tube in the modded unit, then the comments might/would be different/
The audition at the Syndrome meeting was brief but productive. About an hour dedicated to it (2 hours warmup first after coming in from the cold, tho much of the time it was actually in the back seat of Rollo's car when we headed out; it was sub-freezing outside). So I might as well chime in. I am just going to be brief, since much of the extolling has been done, and I'm not adding more discoveries I suppose. If someone else should want to add more, the better.General consensus - very transparent, fast, and very big soundstage.Then, I've had it under audition in my listening environment for the past few days. With the stock EE DAC, thanks to the virtue of the Sabre chip, the soundstage and detailing ability of the Sabre chip was already appreciated out of the box. With this souped up Bolder Cable version, it's even more impressive. The audition unit has a Psvane in it, so the soundstage was further enhanced because of its somehow wonderful capacity in this department. Because the tonality of the Psvane is, as others have said, just right, not too dense, not too lean, the imaging, along with the soundstaging, was exemplary. The one thing I would like to add perhaps is, if nobody had mentioned (the thread has become so loooong, don't mind my senility!), the modded EE DAC has more energy. Perhaps that's due to the better parts added, and Wayne's upgrade in some departments. The modded DAC I think has a higher output (didn't Wayne say that?). With the stock EE, I'd have to crank the volume up say a couple of notches to match the sound level of the BC unit.My unit has a CV4003 in it, so the one thing I'd like to add is that my unit seemed to be a bit denser in the middle. I am a 6SN7 person, so this quality I don't mind having at all. The Bolder unit is more open comparatively of course. So, I wouldn't mind owning the Bolder unit, with the mods, of course. ...
So Wayne, when is level II mod going to be available? Maybe an external powersupply?!? I am saving up for that.
In the meantime, I am going to be offering some op-amp upgrades. Doug Schroeder has been writing about some "custom" op-amps he found that improve the sound of the stock unit quite a bit. The op-amps are only available in surface mount from the manufacturer. I will be mounting them on adapters so they can be used in the EE DAC's 8 pin DIP sockets, They will be easier to install that a "normal" op-amp. They will still void your warranty if you swap op-amps. The full set of 4 custom op-amps will be offered for roughly $100.00. They can be installed as part of the mod for the cost of the parts.
Just wanted to chime in and upgrade my opinions with respect the Pavane 12au7s which Wayne includes as part of the DAC modification, and also to note once again that synergy is everything and your net sound is an interaction of numerous smaller variables.With 845B tubes in my SET monoblock or with the very nice Redgum RGi120 I borrowed from a buddy when an 845b crapped on me, I had a clear preference for both the Siemens Silverplate and Mullard Longplate in the EE DAC. After changing my 845Bs to Pavane 845-T I went through a struggle where I was pretty damn dissatisfied with how my system was sounding. The Redgum I had been using was far more enjoyable than my much more expensive 845/Shindo amplification and I was not pleased... then I had the epiphany of revisiting the Pavane 12au7 and my rig got its grove back.Things are sounding as seductive as ever with a more linear and extended presentation along with MUCH needed drive. The Mullards made things just too laid back and dead with the 845Ts in place (though it was blissful with the Redgum). I've sold the Siemens, and I'm keeping the Pavane and Mullard. The Pavane will be my full time duty dac tube while my sets are in play... the Mullard will be inserted into my rig in the summer time when I run a redgum integrated... If I can't get my buddy to sell me his, I'll buy one elsewhere--they're seriously undervalued on the used market.The Pavane is a good tube in the right system and I take back some of the blasé comments I'd made.
Ecod123,I don't have my mind made up just yet, but I MAY be wiling to sell my 1950s Mullard. I've been on a 'simplification' kick and have been getting rid of all my extras/stash and just hanging on to what I'm using presently. Freed up some significant money that way...
ecod123: The EE DAC owner's manual is underwhelming, you're missing very little.
The metal sleeve should come off (push and twist). It protects the tube during shipping and allows shipment with the tube in place. Leaving it there would make the tube run warmer and could shorten its life.
