Tube DACs

I have a Black Ice tube DAC (new purchase, very happy) playing through a Raven integrated tube amp. Sounds really good, starting to rival my analogue front end.

It has a gain control, which doubles as a volume control for headphones. It is not designed to be connected directly to a power amp as far as I know.

I went with a Tube DAC with the intention of tube rolling, which I did immediately. Huge change after adding some NOS Mullard’s. Done for now.

No reason not to use a Tube DAC with a SS amp. Or the converse...my phono stage is SS. IMO the Cart/TT does the sound shaping and I wanted a clean, quiet transfer from the PS.

@amtprod Now I'm curious what tubes you tried and didn't like.

@amtprod I got the Mullards (and others) from Brent Jesse. Go to audiotubes.com

Brent is a guru, let him know Ian sent you (wont save you or me any money but it would be nice)

Best way to get a hold of Brent is email. He is busy and short handed.

The Mullards were expensive, $450/pair (1950s halo getter long plates).

Brent also recommended "Brimar military CV4035 “flying lead” 12AX7 modified by Bob Hoviland for use in a 12AX7 socket". I think these are $350/pair.

I have relatively cheap Brimar’s in my tube amp and they are wonderful - I’m a/b testing these against a much more expensive Mullard’s right now and so far the cheaper Brimar’s are better but I have many hours to go before making a call - the Brimar’s have a lot more hours on them than the Mullard's.

Dave from Raven Audio also suggested Amperex & Valvo (ECC83). Brent has these and lists all prices and in-stock items online.

These tubes were recommended specifically for the DAC - ZERO noise / microphonics.

Brent will allow a trade-in if you dont like what you get - no re-stocking fee if you apply the full purchase price to another tube.

I’d give the Brimar’s or Valvo’s a try first.

@amtprod I've tried the Gold Lion re-issue power tubes and pre-amp tubes and they don't do anything for me either. The RCA grey plates are not cheap, so perhaps there is an issue with the tubes. "Edgy" is exactly what I was trying to get rid of, and I have. 

Very happy with the Black Ice now...it is NOT the DAC (at least not in my system).