$2k DAC

VR3

So I'm contemplating in the far future to send off my tri Vista dac to be upgraded.

The cost of this would to and from shipping is around 1300, with the cost of the dac used, it would equate to a 2k investment

If I were to buy a dac at this price point... Whats a good starting point?

I really like that the tri Vista is tubed since I am running a passive preamp.

Any modern day tubed dacs?

I do not want anything else on the dac, no pre stage or anything fancy like screens or streamers. I just want a hardcore built like a tank, makes small children cry build quality.

treitz3

Isn't that what you have with the Tri-Vista?

Tom

VR3

The tri Vista is a20 year old piece of equipment, things have changed since its time.

My ultimate question is, if I upgrade the tri Vista, will it be worth it versus buying a new 2k dac.

I am very fond of the sound of the tri Vista and I don't know of any place selling high end dacs with a nice return policy.

A part of me would rather upgrade the tri Vista

treitz3

I am by no means a DAC expert, but from what I have heard through the years, the Marantz SACD Player I have has the best DAC I have heard to date. With that said, I have not heard their TOTL stand alone DAC (if they even make one)....and even then, I don't think they offer anything in a tubed.

During the upgrade, can they swap out the chip to the same as the one in the Marantz? If they can, then you would have everything you desire, as I have heard that the chip is a huge part of what makes the Marantz sound so good.

Tom

VR3

This is what Underwood offers -

6 x Burr-Brown OPA627 op amps (world's best for audio) assemblies for the I-V conversion, analog filter and output buffer positions
6 x upgraded power supplies caps and Telefunken high speed diodes
4 x upgraded coupling caps with TFT Teflon bypass caps
8 x Telefunken high speed soft-recover Fred-style diodes
Polystyrene caps for the analog filter stage
24 x Riken Carbon-Comp 1% resistors (with gold leads) for the signal path
Vampire direct Gold-over-Copper RCA jacks
DH Labs pure 99.999% solid-core silver signal wire with formed Teflon dielectric throughout the internal upgrades.
SoundCoat chassis dampening material to quiet the chassis.
Illuminati Ohm-aha 75 ohm digital hook-up wire to replace the inexpensive stock wire
An Acme Audio silver-plated cryogenically treated IEC connector
WBT silver solder used throughout
6 hours labor to perform the mod

Im waiting to compare to Parts Connexion

treitz3

Hmmm, my suggestion may not be possible. I found this information out;

"Super Audio DAC: The SA-7S1 uses two High Accuracy NPC SM5866A5 192 kHz/24-bit Digital-to-Analog Converters for DSD and PCM signal processing.

HDAM (High Definition Amplifier Module): Marantz uses HDAMs instead of standard op-amps, rendering a more dynamic sound and less susceptibility to radiated noise, heat, and vibration. In addition to Marantz's proprietary HDAM-SA2 (Super Audio) signal transfer modules, audio path circuits boast custom-selected and, in some cases, custom-made internal components chosen for their combined contribution to overall signal quality. "

Tom

VR3

Yeah I don't see that being changed. I like the sound and build quality of the Tri Vista. Will see, Im still seeing what is out there. Ever heard of Doge audio?

Maybe I can find a Marantz SA-10 used

treitz3

No, that's a new one on me.

If you no longer have physical media, then the Marantz isn't for you. Perhaps we can make a road trip down Hotlanta and check out Hi-Fi Buys while we are down there. They have a plethora of Dac's and they don't use physical media either, so what you hear is what you'll get.

Tom

VR3

The Marantz SA-10 accepts digital inputs... only problem is the MSRP is 8k!

Dealership demos are difficult since all of the equipment is different + the room

Emlyn

Most of the newer DACs are going to have DSD support, which could be a major drawback for the Trivista DAC for some now. Generally speaking, I find newer DACs to be more highly resolving than older ones which can sound more like analog. Some may think the Trivista sounds a bit dull compared to what they may be used to with current products, but I like the sound. If very detailed and highly resolving sound is what someone craves, the Trivista isn't the right gear for Redbook quality sound.

Personally, within its limitations, I don't think anything current can touch the Trivista for the cost if it's modified and Underwood and Chris Johnson have a very long track record of modifying things well. MF already used good parts in it in its stock form.

VR3

That's a good point.

While I do like a brighter sound, I'm not looking for something that picks everything apart to where I'm stuck listening to Norah Jones.

With my current system, I find few recordings I don't mind listening to. Everything has an enjoyable sound to me.

Appreciate the feedback, thank you

verb

Not sure if @DSkip carries Northstar anymore, but the Supremo may be be worth considering. I believe @GlennDog has one, I went from the Intenso to the Excelsio and am very happy.

VR3

I read your review, kind of what made me curious as to some newer offerings. Their gear looks very nice

machone

Take a look at Mojo Audio. They do not support DSD so that might be an issue. They always have factory refurbished for a good deal. 45 day free trial no questions asked. My V2 is not going anywhere.

heiney9

The OPA627 op-amp is solid, but it's an older op=amp. Discrete op-amps will best it by a large margin. I assume real estate is the reason they aren't spec'ing discrete op-amps.

The 627 was the best 10 years ago, today?? It is a very analog sounding op-amp, but it does lack some detail and depth.

I switched from the OPA 627 to discrete Dexa op-amps in both my dac's and the improvement in detail, smoothness, depth and clarity was quite noticeable.

Just my .02c

H9

P.s. "world's best for audio" is debatable. One could do worse, but they aren't cutting edge and I'd worry about using such an analog and laid back op-amp in a tubed piece of gear.

VR3

Parts connexion came back with essentially the same. Mod but using, DEAA discrete op amps, instead of the burr brown.

NewClassD Opamp 8Pin DIP Single Special Edition

https://www.partsconnexion.com/NCLASSD-79503.html

I am leaning towards this direction as it sounds like it will modernize it but retain its qualities I like.

heiney9

If you have the real estate to fit them, they are superb. I have the previous special edition versions. Excellent choice!

H9

heiney9

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/171838/dexa-discrete-op-amps-in-the-house-err-i-mean-the-ee-mini-max-dac-plus

H9

BlueBirdMusic

Trey,
Do you use your MF tri-vista dac to play ripped CD"S from computer and from a transport? Or just one of the above. Coax or optical?

VR3

I solely use tidal, no physical media.

Connection via coax

bikerboy

Build the newest Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo-IIIsePro-28 and you have all options available and it sounds great.

VR3

I decided to just have the Vista modded, with the discrete op amps, should have it back in a few weeks

I have been extremely happy with the tri Vista sonic signature

treitz3

Same here. I'll have to come check yours out or we will have to do an A/B comparison on one of our rigs to hear exactly what difference the mods make.

Tom

BlueBirdMusic

VR3 wrote: »

I solely use tidal, no physical media.

Connection via coax

The reason I'm asking is I'm giving my PS Audio Nuwave DSD DAC to my girl, and I am considering MF X-DAC v3 with tube buffer as a replacement for awhile.

VR3

I believe Tom used a different musical fidelity DAC before the tri Vista, perhaps he can advise

@treitz3

treitz3

I had the MF V-DAC (think I still do). It's ho-hum. Haven't heard the one you are referring too BBM, so I can't comment. I do like the idea of tubes in the mix though.

Tom

VR3

I haven't got it back yet... But I of course couldn't just let them do just the original stuff on the list, had to find... MORE

VR3

Versus stock

BlueBirdMusic

Trey,
Who did you go with? Underwood or Parts Connection? Maybe they are one in the same as they are both mentioned on Underwood. And where did you send it? Canada to Parts Connection? Marietta for Underwood?

I have a Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated Amp that needs a few things done sometime or the complete upgrade. The buttons on the front of amp do not always select the source. But, the remote always makes the selection. And it has some noise in the big round volume control knob of the amp only in the right channel when lowering or raising the volume. Thanks!
Harry Jones

VR3

I used parts connexion. Underwood is different.

Parts connexion was offering Underwood mod at 250 cheaper, plus shipping with a label from parts connexion was 25 dollars, so no brainer compared to 150 to Underwood.

I haven't received the unit back but I have had no complaints about anything up to this point