@macg19 I saw you recently added a Black Ice tube DAC into your system and mentioned rolling in Mullard tubes to really increase it's sound/performance.
I've been struggling with finding the right tubes for my Black Ice: the balance of 'quiet' vs tonality. Can I ask where you got your tubes at? Any issues with noise/microphonics?
Tube DACs
For some time I've assumed that tube DACS are meant for direct output to power amps -- in other words, no reason to use a tube DAC if you are running through a tube preamp (unless all components are by same mfr and designed for synergy).
But lately I have seen posts implying some run Brand A tube DAC through brand B tube preamp -- say, Primal Luna 100 to Rogue RP-9. Can't find any prior threads addressing this topic directly.
So, question: am I wrong to suppose that pairing random tube DAC A with random tube preamp B is a bad, or at least a silly idea, absent a known synergy?
S
Showing 2 responses by amtprod
@macg19 I have a pair of Gold Lion and a pair of RCA Long Grey Plate aside from the stock ones that came with the DAC. The Gold Lion weren't anything even remotely noticeable in difference. The RCA I like the sound of, but there is a bit of break up and they are VERY microphonic so I can hear odd harmonics and noise level. Nothing I have tried yet has 'warmed' things the way I'd like, without making things smooshy. I have a pair of Legacy Studio HDs (recent version) and a Rega integrated amp, so there plenty of detail and accuracy, but things are a tad 'edgy' and can be fatiguing after a while of listening. |