CAL Alpha DAC: Stock vs. 24/96 upgrade

Ckoffend, I don't understand what you're saying. Please explain in more detail. Thank You!
Kevin

Michael, I emailed Approved Audio Service in Litchfield, CT. They emailed back and said they can do it for $500.00 + shipping.
Kevin

Ckoffend, How about that! I never heard about supporting the transformer when shipping. Thank you for that info.
Kevin

Buda, Thanks for the info. Are you saying the Mullard CV4004's sound great in your stock AND upgraded Alpha? When I purchased my Alpha it wasn't being used by the previous owner for quite some time so it didn't sound that good the first couple of days I used it. On the third day something happened: It smoothed out & just sounded wonderful. So for now the Eico/Mullard tubes are staying in it. That doesn't mean I won't tube roll.
Kevin

Elevick, What personality do the 5751's have? I own a stock Denon 2930 DVD player. Have you heard one modded? Let me know. Thanks,
Kevin

Buda, When I read your posts you sure do make a case for the Alpha. As stated before, I'm still getting used to it. It really does have some characteristics I like a lot. I also own a CAL Icon Mk.II Powerboss which I really like too. Of course, I'm finding it's a different animal than the Delta/Alpha combo. I will probably tube roll before I decide on the 24/96 upgrade. I don't want to spend too much on tubes but it would be a good idea to at least try some out. Thanks for your help.
Kevin

Ckoffend, I understand completely what you're saying. I know what to do if I have to ship. I didn't understand your post from 2/20. It makes total sense now. I thought you were talking about something other than the proper packing for shipment. Thank you very much for the detailed explanation.
I'm not sure what direction I plan to take (keep or sell). There are so many posts from different listeners with different perspectives. One thing I learned; The Alpha is still a well appreciated piece of equipment to many in 2008. As mentioned to Buda, I will do some tube rolling before jumping into the $500.00 upgrade OR purchase of a used 24/96 Alpha. In the past I didn't have to think as much with SS units.
Thank you everyone for your posts.
Kevin Billig

Mark, Thank you for your input. You gave me a lot to think about. I'm new at this tube thing. In a nutshell, this is what I want to do: My Alpha came with the Eico/Mullard tubes. They sound warm, rich & smooth. They lack in the detail I'm looking for. I'm looking to buy a nice pair that has higher resolution & clearer detail. The Sylvania 5751 (from previous posts) sounds like a tube I might want. However, your mention of the New Sensor/Sovtek Mullard Long Plate peaked my interest. Are they improved detail & resolution tubes? I looked for them at the tube store but couldn't find them listed. Is it a Sovtek/Mullard (together) brand or separate Sovtek & Mullard brands? Please weigh in if you would. Thank You,
Kevin

Noelpastor, Thanks for your input.
Kevin

Mark, Thanks for getting back. Also, thanks for directing me to the right tube at The Tube Store. I will order a pair of the Mullards. The price is right for me. The cost for a pair is $41.85 incl. shipping. A lot of tubes suggested in the previous posts (Specifically Sylvania 5751 black plates) sound like the real deal but not the price. WHEW!! I found a couple pair of the Sylvania 5751's on ebay & elsewhere. They are hard to find in pairs.

As an aside, I'm curious about how current or previous owners of the CAL Alpha DAC feel about CAL solid state CD players, specifically the Icon II Powerboss. I own one. I've owned SS players pretty much exclusively since I've been buying digital. I'm fairly new to the tube DAC thing. Have you ever owned or currently own a CAL SS player, comparisons to the Delta/Alpha combo, etc. Tube & solid state lovers please weigh in.