Budget Tubed DAC

MillerLiteScott
MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
edited January 2010 in Electronics
Has anyone heard of or even heard anything about this Maverick Tube Audio D-1? And what do you think?

I stumbled across it. I am interested in it for a few reasons:

Tube output
DAC for computer audio at my desk
Ability to function as a pre-amp

My use would be for sitting at my computer and also to function as the control for a spontaneous secondary 2 channel system for fun. I also use my computer as a source for a fundraiser function every year. I would also end up building a tube amp in the future to use with this again for fun.

www.mavaudio.com

Thanks,

Scott
I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
Post edited by MillerLiteScott on
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Comments

  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited January 2010
    I was going to point you to the Head-Fi thread, but looks like you found it :).

    I'd be interested to hear your thoughts if you get one.

    The Beresford is another option (although SS, no tube) - same functionality (DAC, preamp, head amp), but about $75 more. Gets good reviews.

    http://www.beresford-dac.com/
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited January 2010
    Adam,

    I just ordered one. It fits my bill pretty well. I will give my thoughts and review after I get it and spend a little time with it.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited January 2010
    Cool.

    If it sounds good, it will be one heck of a value with all that functionality.

    The stepped volume control would be annoying, IMO. I've also read that the fixed output (volume control bypassed) runs hot and can clip, so it may be best to use its volume control directly with an amp.

    Did you get the NOS GE 5670W tube upgrade for $20 more? Most say that the stock Chinese tube is not very good. http://www.mavaudio.com/store/index.php/home/tube-magic-dac-d1-5670.html

    I emailed them with a question, but have not heard back yet. Since it has an analog input and volume control bypass, I asked if this would work like a "HT bypass" found on some preamps - simply passing the input (L/R preouts from a HT receiver/processor in this case) straight to the output with no preamp circuitry engaged. This would be great for folks who want to have a separate 2-ch system "within" their HT system.
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited January 2010
    Adam,

    I did order the upgraded tube. I also read about it running hot in the direct mode and the guy experienced clipping. I think it has a lot of gain?? and was probably a mismatch with his gear.

    I really don't have any plans to integrate it into my main rig which is a combo 2 channel and HT using an integrated amp with a HT pass through. I plan to use it as a pre-amp for my desk system using my laptop as the source and one of those Sony HD tuners. I will probably use the Accurian amp until George from Tubelab releases his new amp kit.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited January 2010
    Well this little Maverick Audio Pre-amp/DAC/headphone amp showed up today and I have to say it sound real nice. It has a great soundstage even with the junk I am running it on now. It is a really flexible unit. As a desktop pre it is awesome. I have not hooked it up to any other components yet but as I said above I am impressed.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited January 2010
    Cool.

    Report back after you get a 100 or so hours on it.
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited January 2010
    What speakers are you using there?
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited January 2010
    Dayton B652 Parts Express $25.00. I could not resist and will end up giving them to my daughter for a little system in her room.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited January 2010
    www.mavaudio.com

    majority of my listening is done thru my ipod via "the bridge" on my hk 354.
    If i incorporate this dac will it make a big difference or is it mainly for computer?
    I know mp3s are on the lower end of sq so i wouldnt hesitate to add this if it will be a good fit on my system.

    thanks
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
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  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited January 2010
    also,would i run this thru my avr?would that cause a problem as far as the hk's built in dac?
    i wanna invest in one of these,just dont know too much about them
    thanks
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited January 2010
    R-317 This unit is really a stand alone pre amp/DAC/headphone amp designed for a desktop system. You can use it as a DAC directly into your AVR via the analog outputs but if you have a separate amp it makes a surprisingly good sounding pre amp and I am really enjoying listening to it as I type.

    I have read other guys hooking it up to really revealing systems and being surprised how good it sounds. I have it hooked up to my net book/usb/Accurian $15 amp/ Dayton $25 speakers and it is blowing me away, I can't walk away.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • polkymond
    polkymond Posts: 11
    edited January 2010
    Nice setup there. Thanks for the review I will keep this one on my list of DAC.
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