!st impression of TADAC....

pearsall001
pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
edited August 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
The FEDEX truck was here bright & early this morning, to my surprise. Well, I got the Tube Audio Design DAC in my system pronto. My initial impression was "DAMN" this thing really brings it in spades. Paul says it has a slight breakin period (approx 30hrs). We'll see what happens over the next few days. I can't comment too much more...I'm busy listening to some fantastic tunes!!! I'll report back later on in the week with a more detailed review. :D
Not to repeat myself, but "DAMN" :D:D:D
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited August 2007
    My DAC uses a tube. I leave it on 24/7 because it really doesn't seem to do it for me unless its been on for a few days.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    madmax wrote: »
    My DAC uses a tube. I leave it on 24/7 because it really doesn't seem to do it for me unless its been on for a few days.
    madmax

    I emailed Paul about the very subject. He replied back that his DAC design is meant to be left on 24/7 without any tube issues. He said if I think it sounds this good right out of the box...wait till you hear it really open up in a few days. Interesting!!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited August 2007
    Sounds great, keep us posted...
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited August 2007
    It should open up and become much more real sounding, assuming the tube is new.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited August 2007
    I got your message Phil great stuff. I'll call you later.

    I've noticed that when I leave the VTL TL 2.5 pre on for at least 6 hours it sounds so much better than when the green light stops flashing.
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited August 2007
    Congrats Phil. I look forward to the follow up.

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • Yashu
    Yashu Posts: 772
    edited August 2007
    My tube buffer did not begin to really have a positive effect until I had broken it in for about a week of being on. After that, I have only turned it off a couple times because it takes a while for it to begin sounding warm and lucid again.

    I would assume that a DAC with a tubed output buffer would be pretty much the same story. Once it gets broken in, you will know. That is what I was told and it is true, you will be sitting there and it will dawn on you that "this is it".

    Is this a non oversampling DAC? NON-OS DACs and tubes go great together, but just makes sure your source is relatively jitter free... I have found that jitter can have a profound effect, and that a quality source/transport makes a HUGE difference.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited August 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    The FEDEX truck was here bright & early this morning, to my surprise. Well, I got the Tube Audio Design DAC in my system pronto. My initial impression was "DAMN" this thing really brings it in spades. Paul says it has a slight breakin period (approx 30hrs). We'll see what happens over the next few days. I can't comment too much more...I'm busy listening to some fantastic tunes!!! I'll report back later on in the week with a more detailed review. :D
    Not to repeat myself, but "DAMN" :D:D:D

    is this your first DAC?

    I turn my tube DAC on at least 30 minutes before I do any listening. now you gotta roll some tubes in there... what are the tubes in your DAC? chinese, Russian?
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    danger boy wrote: »
    is this your first DAC?

    I turn my tube DAC on at least 30 minutes before I do any listening. now you gotta roll some tubes in there... what are the tubes in your DAC? chinese, Russian?

    I had the Van Alstine Ultra DAC before I decided to give this one a try.
    The TADAC comes stock with Electro-Harmonix 12AU7 tubes or I can use 5814 tubes. I'm not quite up on all the tube rolling (yet). Should be fun trying different things. Here's a link to the unit: http://www.tubeaudiodesign.com/
    So far the TADAC has surpassed my expectations by a long shot. In a few more days Paul said it will really start to open up. Sounds superb right out of the box, I can't imagine what a few more days might bring!!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited August 2007
    Phil I'm on the phone with Billy as I write this and he just received the same DAC.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Phil I'm on the phone with Billy as I write this and he just received the same DAC.

    No way!!! Give me a buzz if it's not too late. What are his initial thoughts?

    How the hell is he doing by the way??? He's been missing for a while.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited August 2007
    Check you PMs.
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited August 2007
    Congrats! Sounds like a kick **** toy. Wait until you upgrade the EH tubes. You'll be in for a surprise. Look for some NOS like Mullard, Siemens, Telefunken, etc. Can't wait to hear your impression when it's fully broken in. Keep us posted.
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  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited August 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    The TADAC comes stock with Electro-Harmonix 12AU7 tubes or I can use 5814 tubes. I'm not quite up on all the tube rolling (yet). Should be fun trying different things. Here's a link to the unit: http://www.tubeaudiodesign.com/

    The description on the site seems correct. If it sounds a bit forward or rich, try some different tubes. The electro-harmonix have a rich tone. I'd be interested in hearing your opinion after you've tried some different tubes.

    Nice B&W knockoffs they have on their site!
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited August 2007
    Having had the TAD-150 amp(s) in my set up - for tube rolling check out Andy @ vintagetubeservices. Let him know what "sound" you're after and he'll get you there ;)

    Told you Paul was / is awesome to deal with :)

    First class products & top notch customer service. (same goes for Andy).

    Njoy the TADAC!

    I might be looking into one for a secondary rig myself.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited August 2007
    Congrats Phil! So you like the TAD DAC better than the Van Alstine?
    Carl

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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    schwarcw wrote: »
    Congrats Phil! So you like the TAD DAC better than the Van Alstine?

    Boy! that's a loaded question. Here's the scoop so far. I really enjoyed the AVA Ultra DAC a lot, it really made the music come to life so to speak. Now on the other hand the TADAC (not quite broken in yet) also has jump started my listening pleasure. It adds another presence unlike the Ultra DAC. Which one is better???? is purely speculation at this point. But all things being equal I'm enjoying the TADAC a tad more. And at less than 1/2 the cost of the Ultra DAC I'd say it's a steal. More to follow, stay tuned.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2007
    Pear --

    Imagine how your new DAC would sound with these speakers....

    http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1192940934
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited August 2007
    You guys could tease someone into the poor house. LOL:D
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    Early B. wrote: »
    Pear --

    Imagine how your new DAC would sound with these speakers....

    http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1192940934

    Break my balls why don't you!!! LOL!! :D
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited August 2007
    Temptations....temptations....
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited August 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Break my balls why don't you!!! LOL!! :D

    Phil, didn't you hear them at Steve's?
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2007
    C'mon Pear, stop bullshittin' and buy those AAD speakers. I like to live vicariously.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited August 2007
    You can use 5814, 5963, 6189, 7730, 6620, or CV4003 in place of your 12AU7's. A 12BH7 is also a drop in for most circuits.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    Early B. wrote: »
    C'mon Pear, stop bullshittin' and buy those AAD speakers. I like to live vicariously.

    Early,

    I heard some other marvelous speakers that just might give the AAD 2003's a run for their money. I've got to get back to Stephens place and have a few more listens. The Jas Orsus & the Hyperion HPS-938. By the way I am extremely pleased with the TADAC so far. Paul knows his stuff alright.
    http://www.jas-audio.com/Joomla_en//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=9
    http://www.hyperionsound.com/HPS-938.htm

    Phil
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    RuSsMaN wrote: »
    You can use 5814, 5963, 6189, 7730, 6620, or CV4003 in place of your 12AU7's. A 12BH7 is also a drop in for most circuits.

    Russ,

    What do these tubes bring to the table over the 12AU7's. Right now the stock tubes sound great. I'm really impressed with this DAC.

    Phil
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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