Hello all,
Frank Van Alstine was kind enough to loan me his T-DAC and the Omegastar DAC, current model, for evaluation. Please keep in mind that I am new to this, so forgive me if I occassionally use some hi end terminology incorrectly. I will try and be as simple and straightforward as possible.
Although the Omegastar is quite good and has glowing reviews, the T-DAC is a horse of another color. With my system, which consists of Frank's T-7SLR Preamp, Fet Valve 550 EXR Amp, and a pair of his Biro speakers, I found the T-DAC gave me musical reproduction that was way beyond what I expected. Now granted, it didn't, to me anyway, make a huge difference in badly recorded material, but when the material was well recorded, I was brought to tears, literally, on some selections. I listen to mainly jazz such as Karrin Allyson, Sonny Rollins, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, and others, with a bit of selected country and bluegrass listening too. Oh I have plenty of rock, but most is not that well recorded in my opinion. The ultimate test to me was Loreena McKinnet, and with the T-DAC, her voice and music floated in front of me, light, but with such detail and pleasing accuracy of the instruments. This statement would apply equally as well to me other well recorded material, such as the breathy, mesmerising Norah Jones, and the exquisite precussion of Max Roach on Saxaphone Collosus. I swear I could her Sonny Rollins' tonge against the reed. I know I could hear fingers plucking acoustic bass notes and picks attacking mondolin strings. It just amazes me that this quality is available for a fairly reasonable amount of money. I would not hesitate whatsoever to recommend Frank's Fet Valve components, sight unseen or "ear unheard", for that matter. He is a gentleman, and goes out of his way to educate and show that you don't have to spend a King's Ransom to enjoy great sound. Is there better? I imagine so, but at what price? Beyond a certain point, again in my opinion, it becomes a matter of diminished returns anyway, or bragging rights. I'm simply sold on this one of a kind straight shooter who places quality and service over making the quick buck. Of course all of this is only my opinion, and I am not out to draw a line in the sand or promote argument, only to say that I, as one person, am very satisfied with Van Alstine. As for everyone else, your ears will tell you the truth as they hear it. Good listening to all, and Frank, if you happen to read this, "Thanks again."
Rick
