I gotta tell ya...this TADAC is the real deal!!

pearsall001
pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
edited September 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
This is another follow up on the TADAC DAC. http://www.tubeaudiodesign.com/ I have to really be honest here & for the record I must say that it definetely beats my previous Van Alstine Ultra DAC. Don't get me wrong, the Ultra DAC is a superb piece in itself. But this DAC really shines in all areas. The music is just so much more "real" as in putting you right in front of the performers. The imaging, tight & controled bass, the soundstage (front to back & off the sides) & the sheer presence of vocals is just stunning. The DAC isn't fully broken in yet according to Paul. He said it will be even more revealing down the road. This is a piece that will be a lot of fun down the road as I try my hand in tube rolling. For the small price of admission I have to say that this guy really stole the show!! :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.
Post edited by pearsall001 on
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  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited August 2007
    I like his option list too. Let us know your thoughts after some more time, Phil.
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited August 2007
    I'm definitely looking into one Phil. Billy is saying good things about it too.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2007
    ****.

    I promised myself no more upgrades, especially a DAC, and you keep rubbing this one in my face. You're not gonna force me into it. I refuse to do it.




    (Seriously, I'd love to try it on my system just for the hell of it, though. Do you think it'll sound better than a highly modified tube CDP?)
    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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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited August 2007
    Congrats Phil! I've been waiting to hear more about your impressions. Mating a good transport with that TADAC would be the ticket. The way you describe what your hearing must having you feeling like you've found Nirvana, or at least until the itch comes along!;)

    Early, there are a lot of good tube CDP's and modified tube CDP's. Get to listen to as many as you can. Be sure to check out the SACD tubed players. I heard a couple of Modwrights, then decided I needed to own one. I also own a nice Musical Fidelity tube buffer. I matched it with my Quad CDP which has a very good DAC, maybe a little too revealing. The tube buffer softened the edges on the sharp, high end notes. It was a nice match, but I wanted the high rez capability also.
    Carl

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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    Early B. wrote: »
    ****.

    I promised myself no more upgrades, especially a DAC, and you keep rubbing this one in my face. You're not gonna force me into it. I refuse to do it.




    (Seriously, I'd love to try it on my system just for the hell of it, though. Do you think it'll sound better than a highly modified tube CDP?)

    There's only one way to find out Early!! Is the mod CDP a Consonance piece? That would be a fun A/B comparison to do. I can only go by what I'm hearing as I type...a fantastic musical piece. I have to be bias here & put my money on the DAC. I don't know your opinion on IC's making a big difference, but the Virtual Dynamic David Series digital & RCA cables aren't leaving. I'm sure they're throwing something into the mix also.
    "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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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited August 2007
    Congrats,that appears to be well designed little DAC.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    There's only one way to find out Early!! Is the mod CDP a Consonance piece? That would be a fun A/B comparison to do. I can only go by what I'm hearing as I type...a fantastic musical piece. I have to be bias here & put my money on the DAC. I don't know your opinion on IC's making a big difference, but the Virtual Dynamic David Series digital & RCA cables aren't leaving. I'm sure they're throwing something into the mix also.

    My tubed CDP is a modded Bada.

    Yeah, I'm heavy into ICs making a big difference. Power cords, too. Glad you found some ICs you really like. I currently use DH Labs Revelations ICs between my CDP and TVC. Very sweet. I'll probably try others just for the hell of it.

    Enjoy your DAC!!!
    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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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited August 2007
    TADACNET.jpg

    Phil, is that power supply on the top fixed in that position? Or, can you have it on the shelf next to the DAC?

    Carl
    Carl

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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    Lasareath wrote: »
    Phil,

    I like the way it looks too!

    Did you get any of the options?

    How do you have it connected to your CDP?

    I've been working like 80 hours a week, so I will be getting a lot of dough next month, I might have to buy one!

    Paul states that it's for redbook CD's, Is it capable of improving SACD's as well?

    Thanks, Sal

    Sal, how's it going? Sounds like you're one tired puppy after all those hours.

    I didn't go for any of the options, I can always send it back for the mods. I have it hooked up using the Virtual Dynamics digital & RCA cables.

    As far as redbook & SACD's go...it takes them all to the next level as far as my ears are concerned. This is by far the best sound I've had in my system to date. This puppies a keeper for quite 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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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2007
    schwarcw wrote: »
    TADACNET.jpg

    Phil, is that power supply on the top fixed in that position? Or, can you have it on the shelf next to the DAC?

    Carl

    Carl, the power supply is fixed, there's no option of removing it. The unit stands about 6" tall. Where I have it in my system it's a perfect fit. I can see where the height might be a problem for some.

    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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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited August 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    the Virtual Dynamic David Series digital & RCA cables aren't leaving. I'm sure they're throwing something into the mix also.

    I am coveting that!
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited August 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    As far as redbook & SACD's go...it takes them all to the next level as far as my ears are concerned.

    Hold on there Cochise! That DAC can't possibly play SACDs, correct?
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited September 2007
    It can't do the SACD portion of the disc, but can play the CD portion.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited September 2007
    Any opinion on the headphone portion?
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited September 2007
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Hold on there Cochise! That DAC can't possibly play SACDs, correct?

    You are correct my good man!!! What I meant to say was that the musical playback on the CD portion doesn't make me want for SACD capability.
    "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 September 2007
    george daniel wrote: »
    Any opinion on the headphone portion?

    As far as I can tell...it's pretty darn good. Now you have to take my opinion here with a grain of salt. I never had any experience listening to a headphone setup before. My listening was with my son's elcheapo Sony headphones (Best Buy quality). Not being a headphone kind of guy, they more than sounded good to me & for what little I'll use them they are just fine for my needs. Hell you can pay more than double of what the DAC cost me just for a pair of headphones. Yikes!!
    "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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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2007
    Any further impressions?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited September 2007
    Face wrote: »
    Any further impressions?

    This just keeps getting better & better!!! I find it harder & harder to pull myself away from my nightly listening. Before I know it it's way past my bed time. But well worth it. I am really, really enjoying this DAC! :D

    I've talked to Billy (LibertyC) & he has the same thoughts on the DAC. I thought he would have posted his remarks by now. Calling Bill, calling Bill!! :confused:
    "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 September 2007
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    This just keeps getting better & better!!! I find it harder & harder to pull myself away from my nightly listening. Before I know it it's way past my bed time. But well worth it. I am really, really enjoying this DAC! :D

    I've talked to Billy (LibertyC) & he has the same thoughts on the DAC. I thought he would have posted his remarks by now. Calling Bill, calling Bill!! :confused:

    You are making my wallet creak open!!!

    BTW Billy can't remember his password!!! LOL!
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited September 2007
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    You are making my wallet creak open!!!

    BTW Billy can't remember his password!!! LOL!

    Get those cob webs out you slacker!!! I wouldn't expect any less from Billy!!! :p
    "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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  • jbsl
    jbsl Posts: 1
    edited September 2007
    Hullo!!

    My first post on this forum cause I have had my TADAC about two weeks now and thought I would post my impressions.

    Anyone interested in the TADAC do a internet search titled "tadac dac" and it brings up a couple of other forums with very favorable posts on the TADAC.

    About 3 weeks ago I did a search on Paul's TADAC and pearsall001 post came up on the search. So his was the first post I read about the TADAC.

    I bought a Cayin TA 30 tube int amp from Paul about 3 years ago so when I read other good posts on Paul's TADAC I ordered it. Paul is one of the great things about buying the TADAC he has great customer service!

    So I only had an extra $100 so I had to choose between the tube knob :confused: or the gain volume control :D
    I went with the tube knob but will be sending it back to get the gain volume knob.

    The volume knob is a plus cause it lets you adjust the gain from the TADAC to match your system.

    My speakers are 104 DB and the gain that is set on the TADAC is too high for my speakers. I get some distortion once I turn up the volume to levels that normally use on cd player. So with the gain volume control it will help in my case.

    For speakers 87-95(guessing here) the gain is probably fine.

    trying a pic

    [IMG]http://C:\Documents and Settings\james lindsey\My Documents\My Pictures\tadac receipt 001.jpg[/IMG]

    The tube knob is really cool and fun to play with. Think of it as a knob that lets you adjust the amount of harmonics to the sound.

    I usually have it set about 11:00, 7:00-4:00 being the range on the knob, 7:00 less of the extra 3d rich harmonics. Turn the tube knob up and you get more of the 3D rich harmonics.

    Now I could be perfectly happy with the TADAC without the tube knob. When I have the tube knob all the way to 7:00 it still sounds great!

    With the tube knob certain recording just sounds as close to live as i've heard! On other recordings it does add but not as much, and on some there is not much of a difference to my ears. To other people all cds may have the tube knob extra sound.

    There is one thing that has been frustrating for me in my system as I have upgraded the components to better equipment. Every upgrade has been like a magnifying glass that keeps showing a closer and closer image.

    By that I mean if the recording is great the sound quality gets even better with the upgrade. But if the recording is bad it still sounds bad. Yes certain upgrades may make it sound a little better but not great just bearable.

    I am using the TADAC with a Denon 2900 DVD player as transport and I'm working on hooking up my computer to the TADAC.

    The TADAC does play SACD CDs , if the SACD does not have a cd version it will not play, do not confuse the stereo version for the cd version. You can also use the TADAC with some DVD Audio but you may have to go into the set up and set it for 2 channel, stereo, dobly digital. I have used it with movies and does a great job with centering dialouge but not as good as a 5.1 surround set up for movies.

    Last thing is the side switch. It will let you switch between two transports hooked up to the TADAC. For me I can easly reach the back and switch but if you can not reach the back then it may be helpful.

    No regrets on my part and recomend it to anyone wanting a DAC that sounds great and lets you add some features if you want it.
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited September 2007
    nice review.

    Welcome and stay a while.

    Thanks I enjoyed the review.
    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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