Help with R2R DAC Choice for Tube Amplifier(s), in Combination with the Verite Closed

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by ogharaei, Oct 19, 2020.

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  1. ogharaei

    ogharaei New

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    I need some advice on an R2R DAC for my chain. I am looking for some warmth without giving up any detail, mainly because I find the cup reverb of the Verite Closed Monkeypod grating with a dry DAC out of a solid state amplifier, but incredible with a slightly warm floor, be it through a tube amplifier or otherwise.

    Below are the options I have narrowed it down to thus far. My thoughts are mostly based on impressions of others, or full-fledged reviews for said DAC. I would love to hear from people who have or are using any of these DACs in their audio chain.

    Metrum Acoustics Pvane Level 3 -- potentially too warm with a tube amplifier, but with a wide stage. That said, customer support is apparently not up to par since Metrum Acoustics was sold.

    AQUA La Voce S3 -- more clinical than the Pvane, but still natural, slightly more forward, with only a tinge of warmth. Also a nice option because these units are modular and can be upgraded.

    Used Aqua/Acoustic Quality La Scala MKII Optologic -- not sure how this DAC would affect the chain, I am worried about the tube stage. I believe they are at the moment shipping with Telefunken tubes.

    Holo Audio Spring 2, Level 2 -- probably too warm in combination with a tube ampflifier and the Verite Closed Monkeypod.

    Soekris 2541 (once available over Soren) -- if the Soekris "house" sound is anything to go by, dry, but precise and natural, slightly forward and dynamic, which should work well with tube amplifiers.

    Used Sonic Frontiers SFD 1 MKII or 2 MKII/MKIII -- mainly because it supposedly sounds incredibly natural. These seem to pop up semi-regularly, but also sell quickly; I just missed one the other day.

    My tube amplifiers would be the DNA Starlett and Feliks Euforia /w GEC 6080 and PsVane CV-181 Mk2 Gold tubes.

    Any help is much appreciated. The more I have dug into the topic on my own, the harder it has become to make a definite decision with confidence.
     
  2. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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  3. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Holo isn't that warm. R2R sure, but more modern sound than vintage sound. Otherwise Soekris for more neutral R2R sound. No idea on Aqua.

    Sonic Frontiers and Metrum may be too warm / vintage R2R sounding.
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2020
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