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Questions about original Cal Alpha DAC

Hello all, I just yesterday recieved a Cal Alpha DAC from an A-Gon member to upgrade from my CAL Sigma II DAC, and I have been using the CAL Delta transport since I bought new, the Delta-Sigma II Combo for about 6-7 years now.

I'm very happy with it so far, and it's condition is beautiful, but I do have just a couple of minor issues I'd like to resolve.

The sound of this Alpha seems very analytical, very bright, very "trebley", and over-detailed at the high frequency end. It makes you sort of cringe with it's brightness.

While I haven't tried other tubes yet, I understand there's two Phillips-JAN 12AX7A's inside, and I'm hoping I'll perhaps be able to round, and smooth the sound a bit with pair of Sovtek 12AX7A's? Mark
markd51

Showing 2 responses by markd51

markd51 OP
763 posts
 
Hi, I also notice a seemingly hotter output of the Alpha versus the Sigma II, and I understand through a bit of Alpha research, that there was the ability to swap out a resistor inside, thus adjusting the output.
(Some have stated that the Alpha did come with a resistor, or resistors supplied from the factory?)

Unfortunately, this DAC came without Owner's Manual, so that will be one item I would like to acquire, whether it be an original manual, or a copy, probably doesn't matter much. Mark
markd51 OP
763 posts
 
Hello all again,
I'd like to make a correction, in that the prvious owner contacted me, and the tubes in this Alpha DAC, are currently the JAN-Phillips 5751.

I believe I have a pair, or two of virtually new Sovtek 12AX7AWPS lying around here.

They were bought to replace in the Sigma II, and an Eden World Tour 800 Bass Amp, and I actually preferred the chines tuve that came in the Sigma II versus the Sovtek WPS, as it seemed the Sovtek rolled off some of the high end, and the Stock Chinese Tube gave a bit more air at the top. Maybe the Sovtek 12AX7AWPS might have the same effect in the Alpha versus the Jan-Phillips 5751? Mark
Mark
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