Some new fun, with tubes

[boead]

Some new fun.

http://208.185.94.62/pics/tube-01.jpg
Rare early 60's special high-grade 12AX7 that was specially made by Telefunken for GAP Computor (whoever they were). This tube is extremely rare, rarer than hen's teeth, and is quite possibly the finest 12AX7 ever produced (so I'm told).

http://208.185.94.62/pics/DAC-02.jpg

http://208.185.94.62/pics/DAC-01.jpg

http://208.185.94.62/pics/DAC-03.jpg

http://208.185.94.62/pics/DAC-04.jpg

http://208.185.94.62/pics/DAC-05.jpg

This thing is built like a brick poop-house. The only problem is that the body is extraordinary difficult to remove or get back on. Very strange, it basically doesn’t fit. The owner mentioned it to me but not to this extent.

I’m going to have to modify the metal body cover or something. I can’t get it back on too easy and I want to try the other tube (jj tesler) so I’m not going to kill myself just to remove it again.

It’s got the Sigma-II Upgrade:
- Crystal CD8414 Low Jitter receiver.
- Burr-Brown Enhanced Multi-Level Delta-Sigma DAC
- Direct Coupled Tube Output stage
- Digital De-Emphasis
- 7 Separate Regulated power Supplies.
Specs include:
- 28.4kHz to 96kHz
- S/N ratio is 105 db
- Freq. Response is 5Hz to 22kHz +/-0.5db
- 8.5” X 4” X 12.5” – 10 lbs.


Thanks for everyones help.

[Wie Gehts?]

Thanks for sharing the pics. How does it sound? I bought a CAL CL-15 on Audiogon last year and love it.

[boead]

Originally posted by Dreamcatcher
Thanks for sharing the pics. How does it sound? I bought a CAL CL-15 on Audiogon last year and love it.


I have only logged a few hours on it but its quite nice.

I'm already appreciating the detail of the 24 bit DAC with older (and newer) recordings. The tube is producing a nice smooth sound but it certainly does not lack depth or width to the soundstage. Its very transparent, instruments sound more natural and there is simply MORE music then ever before.

The bass is deep and tight, not soft and muddy as so many describe with cheap(er) tube equipment.

The most unexpected quality is the increased dynamic range. I am finding myself raising the volume higher on my Sen. HD600's without any piercing or fatigue and enjoying the quiet spots in contrast to the loud peeks. Very enjoyable.

My last sources were relatively cheapish Denon CD and DVD players (DVD with 24/96 DAC now being used as a 24bit transport). I am well aware that what I had was crap but I have still enjoyed my mid-fi system for many years. I’m now moving into an entry-level hi-fi arena and enjoying it very much so.