Best Dac for Jadis Defy and JPL combo?


I have started upgrading my system again and I am going to try and have some patience with my next purchase. I am trying to see what other Jadis owners are using for their dacs.

Right now I am thinking of a major redesign of my main system. I have a good start with Jadis Defy 7 mkII and a JPL preamp.

I have tried a few dacs lately, but nothing has really blown me away. I have tried a Weiss Dac 2, Musical Fidelity TriVista 21, Bryston BD1 and a Valab non oversampling dac.

I have been developing certain beliefs about these dacs and seem to prefer non over sampling dacs more than any other.

What I want to do this my time is to find out what other Jadis owners are using and why.

At this time, I am not using any phono sources, only a Teac VRDS 10 and a Mac Mini. I have a preference for the music server for its ease on use and interesting features. I also own Amarra Software with the key.

So, I am hoping to hear from folks that have a dac that supports toslink, but that is not mandatory. I also own a device that can convert usb to digital coax, but I have not played with that too much yet.

Anxiously awaiting your responses....
mattzack2

Showing 4 responses by mattzack2

Thanks RC..
That is good info on the CD input. I will see what difference it makes on my system.
Just out of curiosity, are you running any computer files into your system?
I just started rolling a few 12ax7 into it. I know the JPL came in with some worn out tubes. I live near Brent Jesse who I buy my tubes from, so I will be calling him in the morning.
Do you mind if I ask which 12ax7 and 12au7 you had the best sound with in the JPL?
Just check out the EMM Labs dacs.... I bet that sounds awesome. It better for that kind of money.
I put a pair of Mazda 12ax7s's in there last night and it sounds pretty bright to me. Also, the soundstage seems narrow and the detail is disapointing, but it is starting to develop an interesting smoothness in the sound.

I think the tubes in this unit are very old possibly. I am going to replace all the tubes to eliminate them as a possible root cause of the disapointing sound quality.

I emailed the seller to see if he knew of any modifications or service that was ever done to this unit. I hope that gets me on the right track.