[dvb]

I've been very pleased with my Mensa DAC, but I am finding it a bit  lifeless and lacking "presence", especially compared with my vinyl rig (Spacedeck, modified RB250, DV20XH, Wrightsound WPP100-C tubed phono section).   This then joins the digital in a "Little Wonder"  FT-LW-1 passive pre, and then to an AVA 500ex fet valve amp.  All connected with very low capacitance silver ICs (Bogdan Spirit Reference).

I think the secret to the vinyl is in the tubed pre, So I am wondering about getting some tubes into the Mensa.  Maybe with  tubed preamp?   A tube buffer for the Mensa?  A better transport (now using a Toshiba 3860 DVD player; was using an Arcam CD player)?

As a further option, of course, I could move from the Mensa to a tubed output DAC or CD player, but I do like the Mensa.  Or, maybe digital just can't match vinyl.

Your suggestions appreciated.

[Wayne1]

It is very hard for a DI/O to match up with a good vinyl system.

You may wish to try a Bybee on the digital input. Quite a few folks have reported good results with the RCA adaptors with Bybee inside, when used with a modded DI/O.

[Jay S]

I agree.  I used a Bolder digital with and without an inline bybee at the digital input of my DI/O and clearly preferred the sound with the inline bybee in place.  I then ordered a Napalm (digital cable with built-in bybee and wrapped in ERS shielding) and retired the "regular" digital cable.  If I recall, sound got smoother and more organic.  

The Mensa has pinpoint imaging.  What you could do is try a bit less toe-in on your speakers (if they are toed-in) to slightly attenuate the treble and make the sound a bit more spacious.  I don't think you'll notice much of a difference in imaging.

[witchdoctor]

I use a Musical Fidelity X10-D tube buffer connected to the tape loop of my preamp. Adds warmth to the whole system, including my Mensa.

[dvb]

I have seen them come on Audiogon for pretty reasonable prices.  

However, in the mean time, I have bought an AVA T7 preamp off Audiogon; should receive it next week.  I know the AVA aim is not to sound "tubey", but to sound clean and transparent, but it will be interesting to compare it with the passive.    

By the same token, the WPP100C phono pre I am trying to emulate does not sound "tubey" either -- just a nice clean sound with lots of presence; that's what I'm after.

[doug s.]

i yust conwinced a buddy of mine to try one of the x10-d's on his digital sirius radio, which sounds like shite to me, even for casual listening.  he picked it up on a-gon last week for $90 shipped.  we'll see how it goes.  

i am interested in comparing the x10-d to my modded ase z-man, which does the same thing.  i use one between amp & pre in my s/s rig, so the modded di/o there gets its benefits.  another modded z-man, in my all toob system, is only used for the tunas, so the modded di/o in the toob rig doesn't see its effects, but it's not needed here, imo...

doug s.

I use a Musical Fidelity X10-D tube buffer connected to the tape loop of my preamp. Adds warmth to the whole system, including my Mensa.

[dvb]

I just set up an active preamp -- AVA T7SL, going into AVA500ex -- Great combination, and the DIO now has incredible detail and presence. Of ciourse, all tube/SS hybrid pre and amplification.

(Previously using the very good passive, "Little Wonder" -- great transparency, but the active oomph seems to be useful)

[dvb]

Just played LA4 ZACA LP using wrightsound WPP100C phono (rather than AVA phono), but through T7 line stage.  This is one of my favourite demo discs.  And wonderful display of presence and clarity.

Then played the CD version through T7 linestage -- damned if it doesn't sound as good as the vinyl!   All the presence I was looking for

(Mullards in the T7 linestage).

I should say that this Mensa/T7 synergy seems to be consistent with Tyson's findings (noted on the AVA site) -- he preferred the Mensa to the AVA DAC (T7) with his AVA T7 pre and AVA fetvalve amp.

(Say, have I somehow killed this site?  No postings since mine last Thursday!)

[lonewolfny42]

Good taste in music dvb! LA4 is a excellent group, Laurindo Almeida, Ray Brown, Jeff Hamilton, and Bud Shank.

[zybar]

I knew you would like my T7!     I am very happy that it has found a good home.

Those Mullards make a very big difference.

If you ever get a little curious, put the stock tubes back in and listen to how ordianry and boring the T7 gets.

George

[dvb]

I probably will try the stock tubes at some point, George -- I have managed to get the Tungsrams from Kevin for the phono stage, so I am in for bit of tube-rolling fun in a week or so.   It will be interesting to hear the different permutations.