Here's an update on some of my tinkering.
As I mentioned before, the setup I've settled in to this point is 2604 opamps in U1/U2, Dexa Discret opamps in U6/U7 (just a smidge better than the 827s) in SS mode with tube removed.
I'm on record as stating I did not like the Dac+ in tube mode with the stock EH tube. I felt the sound was veiled and muddied. However, I have read where several people liked tube mode with a better tube. So in the spirit of giving tube mode one more shot, I ordered a mullard NOS 12au7. Well, after some more extended listening I need to ammend my original statement. While the SS mode still has more detail, the mullard tube is much less veiled than the EH tube and scored points by smoothing out rough patches in bright recordings.
At this point, which mode is better really becomes a function of the recording in my system. If a recording is bright or hard, I prefer the mullard tube mode. In exceptionally well recorded music, I find I enjoy the additional detail of SS mode. I guess the take away is don't ignore tube mode until you first try it with a better tube.
My next experiment will be to replace 2604's in U1/U2 with Dexa Discrete opamps. Will see how an all Dexa opamp unit sounds.
The good news is that regardless of your personal views, the Dac + allows for tremendous flexibility and experimentation. I'm sure almost everyone can find a setting which will be optimal in your system.
As I mentioned before, the setup I've settled in to this point is 2604 opamps in U1/U2, Dexa Discret opamps in U6/U7 (just a smidge better than the 827s) in SS mode with tube removed.
I'm on record as stating I did not like the Dac+ in tube mode with the stock EH tube. I felt the sound was veiled and muddied. However, I have read where several people liked tube mode with a better tube. So in the spirit of giving tube mode one more shot, I ordered a mullard NOS 12au7. Well, after some more extended listening I need to ammend my original statement. While the SS mode still has more detail, the mullard tube is much less veiled than the EH tube and scored points by smoothing out rough patches in bright recordings.
At this point, which mode is better really becomes a function of the recording in my system. If a recording is bright or hard, I prefer the mullard tube mode. In exceptionally well recorded music, I find I enjoy the additional detail of SS mode. I guess the take away is don't ignore tube mode until you first try it with a better tube.
My next experiment will be to replace 2604's in U1/U2 with Dexa Discrete opamps. Will see how an all Dexa opamp unit sounds.
The good news is that regardless of your personal views, the Dac + allows for tremendous flexibility and experimentation. I'm sure almost everyone can find a setting which will be optimal in your system.