older dacs

It all depends on the design. A well executed design will probbaly outperform a new unit that sells new for what the older DAC now sells for. Tube versus SS is an age old question. Tubes don't do what SS does. In general, I have found that tubes (depending on the tubes) offer a different sonic presentation such as sweeter mid range, more rounded bass, but SS can offer better details, dynamics, faster and tighter bass, etc. So it comes down to system matching and what YOU prefer.

I use an older Audio Logic tube DAC that I like especially for the used price that I paid for it. Have I heard better DACs, yes, have I heard SS DACs that I also could live with, yes. But for the money, I preferred the AL as the others were more expensive at the time. I have not heard a newer DAC at the price point that I paid for my used AL DAC that does what I like in my system.

I did try about 12 DACs to select this one in my system.

That being said, the digital cable you select will also be more important then the transport IMO. But I also use a CEC which is a pretty good transport to begin with. I did try about 6 transports and too many digital cables to mention both XLR and RCA. All in all, it comes down to personal preference.

Happy Listening.

Last, I would like to hear a Sony modified CDP with tube output and volume control in my system to comapre to the separates. One less power cord, and one less digital cable. I just don't want to pay the full retail for a unit, but that is just me. You may want to consider that as an option.

Happy Listening.

I've got an old Counterpoint DAC I traded a pair of speakers for...it came with the original receipt ($3,800) when new. The speakers I traded usually go for around $500-$600 used.

To be honest, the DAC sounds exactly like a $3,000-$4,000 DAC should sound...very, very, good. I'm using only a cheap Pioneer 563A as a transport at this point so I would expect even more could be had in sound quality with a better transport.

Dave

Using a JVC XL-Z1010 as transport into a California Labs Alpha DAC (two 12AX7s). I would NEVER trade my Alpha. It's a great and sweet sound. System is "old" but sounds super to me.

My experience has showed that cheaper but newer digital is better than older expensive digital, in general. I don't put much money into the source - I replace it with newer models more often instead.

Until a few months ago I was using a PS Audio Ultralink II in balanced mode... it was very, very good even still blowing off a Sony DVP-S9000 ES (Redbood SACD) player in redbook easily as that was the dedicated transport. Sold it on eBay for about $500 and bought a highly discounted new Marantz SA-11-S1 ($2300 vs. $3500 retail). I have a couple oif hundred hours on the Marantz now and it keeps getting better and better... it was better than the Ultralink right out of the box ice cold as a reference point.