Considering TubeDAC-09
- Thread starter Buddyboy
- Start date
Absolutely. Get one.
• I found that the 09 in preamp mode is significantly better than the preamp in my Harman Kardon 3490, both tube and solid state outputs.
• I found a manual on the Pioneer VSX-D309, and it seems to me that you cannot bypass the Pioneer’s built-in preamp. However, I found that the DAC in the 09 is significantly better than both the DAC in my CDP (Sony) and the HK 3490, so the 09 still made a nice improvement in the sound. (Sony digital output to 09, 09 analogue output to HK)
• And then there is still the USB connection, which I found impressive even with MP3 files from the laptop.
• Most subwoofers are powered these days, so no need to buy a separate amp for the sub – you can connect it directly to one of the 09 outputs and use the other output for your amp/receiver. I would expect best results with the ss output for the sub, but experiment and have fun!
• I find that the output of the 09 is greater than my other source components, including the HK 3490 built in pre-amp. Helpful if you have a low signal source, e.g. an iPod.
• I believe the headphone jack is driven by a separate op amp. I find the headphone jack to be inferior sounding to the tube and SS outputs at the back of the 09. You will need a RCA > headphone jack attachment to use those outputs. I believe the current version of the 09 is shipped in preamp mode, so the volume control on the unit will control the headphone’s volume when using the RCA outputs.
• Although I believe that a 09 will significantly improve the sound of your Pioneer, I think the 09 sounds much nicer as the source to tube amplification.
• After I bought one 09, I bought 2 more. How’s that for an endorsement? These units sound refined, they are extremely versatile, and they are a great value.
• The 09 can be a gateway component to hardcore tube components. It is addictive, and may not be compatible with marriage and child rearing. However, it may also lead to situations where a spouse may be pleasantly surprised about your sudden interests in couches, carpets, wall hangings, drapes, organic flow (house plants) and other things that my also function as acoustic room treatment.
• I found a manual on the Pioneer VSX-D309, and it seems to me that you cannot bypass the Pioneer’s built-in preamp. However, I found that the DAC in the 09 is significantly better than both the DAC in my CDP (Sony) and the HK 3490, so the 09 still made a nice improvement in the sound. (Sony digital output to 09, 09 analogue output to HK)
• And then there is still the USB connection, which I found impressive even with MP3 files from the laptop.
• Most subwoofers are powered these days, so no need to buy a separate amp for the sub – you can connect it directly to one of the 09 outputs and use the other output for your amp/receiver. I would expect best results with the ss output for the sub, but experiment and have fun!
• I find that the output of the 09 is greater than my other source components, including the HK 3490 built in pre-amp. Helpful if you have a low signal source, e.g. an iPod.
• I believe the headphone jack is driven by a separate op amp. I find the headphone jack to be inferior sounding to the tube and SS outputs at the back of the 09. You will need a RCA > headphone jack attachment to use those outputs. I believe the current version of the 09 is shipped in preamp mode, so the volume control on the unit will control the headphone’s volume when using the RCA outputs.
• Although I believe that a 09 will significantly improve the sound of your Pioneer, I think the 09 sounds much nicer as the source to tube amplification.
• After I bought one 09, I bought 2 more. How’s that for an endorsement? These units sound refined, they are extremely versatile, and they are a great value.
• The 09 can be a gateway component to hardcore tube components. It is addictive, and may not be compatible with marriage and child rearing. However, it may also lead to situations where a spouse may be pleasantly surprised about your sudden interests in couches, carpets, wall hangings, drapes, organic flow (house plants) and other things that my also function as acoustic room treatment.
•
• The 09 can be a gateway component to hardcore tube components. It is addictive, and may not be compatible with marriage and child rearing. However, it may also lead to situations where a spouse may be pleasantly surprised about your sudden interests in couches, carpets, wall hangings, drapes, organic flow (house plants) and other things that my also function as acoustic room treatment.
+1 to the first 2 sentences. My recently purchased tube amp has resulted in a very high WAF. She finds it to be quite a "conversation piece".
tomlinmgt
Lunatic Member
I was talking about the factory supplied one. You heard the guys talk about developing a tube addiction....I'm trying to hold that off for as long as possible. As soon as I start rollin' tubes it's all over!!
I can top that - I have a very high WAF, and so there are no conflicts, including stereo stuff. But it doesn't hurt that my sweetie thinks tubes are cute.:thmbsp:Thanks everyone for all the help. My DAC 09 arrived a couple days ago. I am waiting to give impressions till after it has a good burn in. I have been running it pretty much non-stop since I've got it, so there should be about 20-30 hours on it already. I will upload some pictures either later today or tomorrow sometime
On another note, Shipping was awesome! The DAC 09 arrived 3 days after I placed the order, from Hong Kong, and I live in the middle in the U.S. (Iowa). That is pretty impressive.
On another note, Shipping was awesome! The DAC 09 arrived 3 days after I placed the order, from Hong Kong, and I live in the middle in the U.S. (Iowa). That is pretty impressive.