Tube Audio Design DAC...updated review!
pearsall001
Posts: 5,068
Let me start off by saying that the owner Paul is one fine gentleman to do business with. I had the DAC for a short while & my first impressions were extremely positive. The DAC flat out sounded awesome!
Then I noticed a rather weird sound, almost like every CD was recorded badly. My Virtual Dynamics & Mapleshade cables were the worst sounding. I couldn't make any sense as to what was happening.
I send an email to Paul to describe the horrible sound. Within an hour Paul responds back, pretty good in my book as far as CS goes. He says it sounds like a grounding issue with the unit & to send it back for a fix.
Not only did Paul fix the unit, he also thru in a mod upgrade. What can I say, Paul puts a high priority on keeping his customers happy. The DAC was back to me in a mere few days, very impressed.
This time around I must conclude that the grounding issue might have masked the DAC's musicality from the beginning. Something I didn't even notice until now.
The new DAC is just phenominal in it's musical presentation. the soundstage has grown both forward & side to side, the bass control is dead on, vocals both male & female are to die for. The instruments have taken on a new dimension as for as being right there with the performers. I just can't stress enough how pleased I am with the DAC & Paul's commitment to producing a superior product & to backing his products.
If you ever wanted to try a DAC in your system, this is a great one to try!!!! I doubt if you'll be disappointed.
Then I noticed a rather weird sound, almost like every CD was recorded badly. My Virtual Dynamics & Mapleshade cables were the worst sounding. I couldn't make any sense as to what was happening.
I send an email to Paul to describe the horrible sound. Within an hour Paul responds back, pretty good in my book as far as CS goes. He says it sounds like a grounding issue with the unit & to send it back for a fix.
Not only did Paul fix the unit, he also thru in a mod upgrade. What can I say, Paul puts a high priority on keeping his customers happy. The DAC was back to me in a mere few days, very impressed.
This time around I must conclude that the grounding issue might have masked the DAC's musicality from the beginning. Something I didn't even notice until now.
The new DAC is just phenominal in it's musical presentation. the soundstage has grown both forward & side to side, the bass control is dead on, vocals both male & female are to die for. The instruments have taken on a new dimension as for as being right there with the performers. I just can't stress enough how pleased I am with the DAC & Paul's commitment to producing a superior product & to backing his products.
If you ever wanted to try a DAC in your system, this is a great one to try!!!! I doubt if you'll be disappointed.
"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
Comments
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What Model ?
Pic`s.....
I am very interesed in DAC`s as of late, thanksa to all you guys....
I may have to get one and see what all the hubbub is aboutCary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
Parasound HCA-3500
Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
Jolida JD-100 CDP
Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
SVS PC-Ultra Sub
AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
PS Audio Plus Power Cords
Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)
:cool: -
What Model ?
Pic`s.....
I am very interesed in DAC`s as of late, thanksa to all you guys....
I may have to get one and see what all the hubbub is about
Here you go. http://www.tubeaudiodesign.com/ Paul only makes one DAC & it's a beauty to say the least!!"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. -
Yep, Paul is a class act. No doubt about it. Great products & excellent cs too.Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10 -
cool...thanks !Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
Parasound HCA-3500
Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
Jolida JD-100 CDP
Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
SVS PC-Ultra Sub
AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
PS Audio Plus Power Cords
Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)
:cool:
