I have a Cal Alpha in my main system (w/a BAT DK5) and a Sigma II in a 2nd system and use them regularily so long as I'm not looking for the ultimate audio adventure (great resolution and soundstaging). They are warm and musical - they are a bit forward in presentation but not bright or glassy (assuming you've tubed them correctly). They are more forgiving of problems in CD's and for casual listening I actually prefer them to the BAT. What I would love to find is a CDP or a DAC which has the tonal balance and upfront presentation of the Cal Alpha, but with the resolution of the BAT. Anyone know of such a beast?
Tube DACs
I am looking for a very good tube DAC that will give me the tube mid-range magic (not too much bloom) but that alive sound, with deep bass and a wide soundstage. I tired the Electrocompaniet SS DAC on my Sony SCD-777ES and it threw a very wide soundstage with very deep bass, and great details. I am looking for a DAC that will add some of the tube maigic to the mid range especially for vocals.
I know of the CAL Alpha, Sonic Frontiers and the Audio Logic tube DACs, do you have any experience with these or any others?
Thanks for your input and Happy Listening.
I know of the CAL Alpha, Sonic Frontiers and the Audio Logic tube DACs, do you have any experience with these or any others?
Thanks for your input and Happy Listening.