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Conrad Johnson DA2b... "Is it the Tubes?

Yes my curiosity surrounds the Conrad Johnson Da2b. But first I must back up and explain my situation. I am looking for advise and feedback. The system I have now is the best components that I could afford to buy second hand. (being that I am only a 22 year old college senior). First let me explain my current system. Mcintosh 7100 amp, Mcintosh C-36 preamp, Pioneer Elite PD-65( as a transport), Conrad Johnson Da2b DAC(XLO digital cable connecting the two), B&W 602 II's, The interconnects and Speaker Bi-wiring were the Best Monster cable I could afford. Before the addition of the CJ and Elite, I was using a crappy sony 200 disc changer that had to go! When I made the upgrade I was not that impressed. My question is ...is it the tubes? The DA2b was 2 years old when I got it and still has the stock tubes. If so what tubes should I get? The new set up has added warmth to my music but it seems that much clarity is missing and there is actually less of a sound stage.I listen to everything from Jazz to classic rock. Being not that experienced in the audiophile world I may be wrong and it may not be the tubes at all and something else, but I know for 2000$ retail the DA2b should sound better than a sony changer and it barely does. HELP!! ps- affordable!! solutions will be greatly acccepted as well as critiques of my system as a whole! Thanks! Adam
awexla

Showing 1 response by tommy

tommy
32 posts
 
Adam

I had the DR1 transport and DA2B DAC with a 14preamp and 12mono blocks and thought it sounded magical. It certainly sounded better than the adcom stuff it replaced. Many of the DAC are now getting up in age and may need the tubes replaced. Call CJ and give them your serial number and you can tell when the unit was built. If its been more than 5 years I would be supect of the tubes. You can get a replacement set from them or try Kevin and UPSCALE audio in CA. You see his ads everywhere. He also my be able to shed some light into your problem. Good luck.

Tommy
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