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Anyone familiar with Scott Nixon tube dac?

Has anyone purchased (or at least heard) the small tube dac from Scott Nixon? Seems like two versions are available -- $350 and $450. I most curious if anyone has compared the Nixon tube dac to more mainstream tube dacs such as CAL Alpha or Kora Hermes.

Several other sites have had quite a bit of discussion about them, but I would trust it more if I heard it from Audiogon members.

Product info is at: http://www.scott-nixon.com/dac.htm
knaptime
byteme
7 posts
 
I picked up a tubedac. It arrived last night and I'm letting it burn in a bit. I should have some time next week to give it a comparison to the Channel Islands gear I've got already!
abex
322 posts
 
Of all info that I have read it's first rate.As another metioned you must be careful to match it with your equiptment.

I have a smART DIO DAC which I had to leave the output resistor values at 7v because I use a Passive pre-amp.

There is info at AudioCircle.com and SN will answer questions.

Would like someone to create a list of all these affordable DACs.The list is getting quite long.

MSB
CI
Camelot
ART
SN
Bel Canto

All are affordable and all should be listed with what their strengths weaknesses and compatibility issues are.I like the ART and will not change .It is a versatile little unit.

Good Luck!
byteme
7 posts
 
Ok, it's been a month and actually I kinda forgot about this! However, I've sold the CIA VDA-1 and power supply if that give you any indication on how things went. Realistically, they were close - previously the CIA really pounded the Rega Planet, McCormack DAC-1 and EAD DSP 7000 MKIII. The Nixon takes it to the next level when it comes to realistic reproduction in my mind. Things sound more real, soundstage is fantastic, wide and deep. Tons of detail musicality. No "fatigue" either. For $350 shipped it's silly good. In fact, based on the cost of the EAD and McCormack it's silly good for $1200 too. I've swiched tubes to a Siemens E88CC - even sweeter! Email me if you have any questions.
hotsauce
108 posts
 
I have Scott's tube DAC, as well as his power supply. This is fed from a Wadia 20. This is replacing my Accuphase DAC, so that should give you som e idea how good it is.

The image, and presence of the music is so dramatically 'right there' that it wasn't even close. It does take a few days to burn in and become smooth though, but thats normal for such things. Put in some CD with alot of dynamic range, turn off your preamp, and just let it play on repeat for 24 hrs or so and most of the initial harshness will be burnt off.

Almost a year later I am still amazed at this little giant killer.

John C.
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