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Does a Tube Dac make sense?


I’m  in the market for a dac since I bought a Musical Paradise MP701MKII Tube Preamp few months back, does it make sense to buy a tube dac? The seller Garry is suggesting to get the Musical Paradise MP D2 MKIII which is a tube dac with a AK4490 but can be upgraded to AK4499 but I’m leaning towards the RME ADI2 which is almost the same price as the MP tube dac. I’m finding it hard to justify a $1k dac but I have read a lot of forums that suggests the RME or the SMSL M400 and Denafrips Ares II but I’m a sucker for vu meters and spectrum analyzers but if the MP tube dac is a good match for my MP tube preamp I’m willing to give it a go.
stibin
sgreg1
612 posts
 
A tube dac vs a non tube dac is just another option for you to consider in your search for the sound you want or like. It is no different than comparing a chip design dac to an r2r dac. Some will like one delivery over the other. What matters is what you like. I think what your concern is is that a tube dac going into a tube pre will cancel each other out. That is not the case. Look at it as a chain that starts from the wall outlet and ends at your ears. Anything you change, add, or remove in that chain will effect the sound you hear. Enjoy the journey and the music.
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
I have a friend who has a full Rogue tube system. He used to have a tube DAC that cost around 1k. He did not like it. It was too dull. I had him try the first gen M2Tech young DAC. This was not tube based. M2Tech is a chip based DAC with lots of detail. Through optical connections I was even getting a little sibilants. He put it in his system and said it was unbelievable. Bottom line you need a chip based DAC or a $5k R2R DAC. If you go with the Aries II you will be disappointed. If you can find this 1st gen M2Tech Young DAC used for $600 buy it. It was like $1400 new. No remote control just a simple DAC. New, buy the RME. It is customizable. That is good for you and when you upgrade you will be able to sell it for a decent return over the next two years. 
dawkimi
28 posts
 
It did for me, but you'll need to try in your own system.  Went from Schiit Yggy and Chord Qutest to Lamipzator Golden Atlantic TRP (much more expensive) and believe it is significantly better.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
 Bottom line you need a chip based DAC or a $5k R2R DAC. If you go with the Aries II you will be disappointed.


i don’t know exactly which person this comment is directed at, but all good intentions of this poster aside, i cannot fathom how such proclamations can be made without knowing the system and room the dac is going into, or what the tastes of the user are... good system building is all about compatibility and synergy with associated gear and listener preferences
mofojo
2,289 posts
 
The Jolida (Black Ice) tube dac is a real cracker for well under 1000 bucks. In fact just yesterday I was trying to find the txt messages between myself and the buyer of the one I sold to see if he if he would consider selling it back to me. Want to compare it with my current RME that I am also very happy with. 
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