My Music System

[Jehuty]

ha ha one day Mario. I ended up putting back the stock chokes as I just couldn't get rid of the hum even after using all 3 dubiliers. I may try different vintage chokes if I can find out what the stock choke values are. It just sounds so good now though, so I'm in no rush.

I'm bypassing the 2 220uf jensens with a 0.01uf copper jensen. Adds just that extra bit of clarity. Didn't work so well in my amp though so took them out. I'll bring a few down for you next time to try on your system.

Perhaps using 10H chokes would eliminate the hum and I dunno about your amp but my standard JLTi EL34 has a hum too... Couldn't believe how small component change can make such a big different, the DAC has completely changed my hifi world. Gotta play around changing components inside, now I truly understand what Mario has been saying, system dependent and tune the system to suit our taste, God ain't it fun!!!

Edit: Steve says the original chokes are 5H.

Edited May 24, 2010 by Jehuty

[tuyen]

Hi Jehuty,

My JLTi el34 is dead silent with the ML-1. What speakers are you running? I did notice when I had my Coral Beta 10 horns (relatively sensitive) hooked up I had a bit of hum, but nothing that noticable from listening position.

The DAC has changed my hifi world too mate, I have Mario and Steve to thank for it. They know their stuff!!

Post some photos of the internals of your DAC on this thread if possible! I'm interested to see if there are any internal differences

[Jehuty]

Hi Jehuty,

My JLTi el34 is dead silent with the ML-1. What speakers are you running? I did notice when I had my Coral Beta 10 horns (relatively sensitive) hooked up I had a bit of hum, but nothing that noticable from listening position.

The DAC has changed my hifi world too mate, I have Mario and Steve to thank for it. They know their stuff!!

Post some photos of the internals of your DAC on this thread if possible! I'm interested to see if there are any internal differences

Nothing special tuyen, only a pair of Quad 21L2, I can hear it slightly from my listening position (2.5 meters) but it's not disturbing when the music plays, it just sounds absolutely beautiful, can't wait to get either ML-1 or horns, I fell in love with horns when I heard Steve's system, how I wish I were in Perth so that I can listen to your feastrex, been looking for military chokes and some NOS tubes too to improve the DAC...man it's just plenty of fun to be had with this DAC!

Below is my stock DAC, should be the same like yours in standard form, James' got fully loaded one, so we can use his as a reference.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]18165[/ATTACH]

Can't thank Mario and Steve enough, they make my musical system dreams come true as most of us don't have unlimited cash.

Happy listening,

William

Edit: Sorry for the pic, I had to make it smaller, if you want I can send you the higher resolution one so that you can see clearly the internal components.

Edited May 24, 2010 by Jehuty

[tuyen]

I've owned a pair of Quad 22L in the past. Actually one of my favourite floorstanders I've had. Even preferred it over the VAF I-93. Much more natural, smooth and even tone (unfatigueing) sound without missing detail. The ML-1s are great speakers for sure. Will work very well with the DAC + JLTI el34!

I can imagine falling in love with Steve's system. I still have yet to hear it though.. one day soon.

Yep, the mods I have done to the DAC is change the JJ caps to Jensens, Phillips E88CC SQ tubes, 2.2uF Duelund copper VSF capacitors (replaced the auricaps in the output signal stage), added a 100K takman/elma switch attenuator (acts as my volume control, as the JLTI is now a power amp), 8mF vintage DubilieR capactior (replaced the ASC oil fill) and finially a TDA 1541 S2 double crown chip. The DAC is the heart of my system. I've been through more then a dozen dacs before this one. I've found my magic

Yeah, James should post a photo of his DAC for reference!

[crazikid]

hello william and tuyen,

Stevens DAC is very special! its one of my most prized possessions.

It brings so much depth and realism to the music whenever i fire it up. it plays music so well. For me its emotional even a spiritual experience when i listen to music. some days i sit gobsmacked at how good it is.

I will never sell the DAC - Ever! its that good.

i should start a new thread of my system in the showcase.

I think everyone should do themselves a favour and seek out and listen to Steven's DAC. your audio journeys will never be the same. Get off the never ending upgrade path - its like burning money or even chasing your tail seeking audio nirvana. I'm there and loving it!

[Once was an audiophile]

great news fellow dac owners, your journey has began its up to you to get the best from it(i2s) is the way to go

[tuyen]

Replaced the 1K takman REX resistor (that is in direct signal path from the input RCAs into the board on the Yaqin EL34 power amp) with 1K AMTRANS AMRG carbon resistor from Japan (black ones). Are meant to be similar to the famous RIKEN resistors (but even better according to partsconnexion, Canada) Damn so much more treble which is a bit harsh too. I'll let it burn in to see if it improves and smoothens out. If not, I'll put the takman REX carbon back in!

William, i am a doofus, the raytheon chokes I bought were only rated 8.5 mH. I thought they were 8.5H which was ultimately what I was after! No wonder I had so much noise ! time to jump back on ebay to look for other ones.. overseas sellers know vintage aero chokes are good, wanting crack prices for them! I'm still tempted though...

Hey Mario, yes next step is do I2S connection after you teach me how to tap into the dac and cd94

[Jehuty]

Tuyen, I initially thought it was 8.5H too! Lol....

Regarding the Dubilier cap, isn't it too small? My ASC is 40mF compared to yours only 8.5mF.

Btw what rectifier tube do you use? I want to get Genelex Gold Lion U52 but man....damn hard to get at a good price, but I guess tubes hunting is part of the fun anyways

[Jehuty]

i should start a new thread of my system in the showcase.

I think everyone should do themselves a favour and seek out and listen to Steven's DAC. your audio journeys will never be the same. Get off the never ending upgrade path - its like burning money or even chasing your tail seeking audio nirvana. I'm there and loving it!

Waiting for your thread James

Audio nirvana? I am curious to hear what you think after you listen to the Goodmans Axiom 80!

Happy listening,

William

[tuyen]

Hey William,

Yeh mine stock had a 40mF ASC too. Took it out and put 3x 8mF DubilieR (Made in England) caps. It gave the sound a bit more texture, liquidity and body(aka weight, to me) in the midrange. I took 2 to use on my transport clock (works very well there too) and found even with 1x 8.5mF it still had the same characteristics without any hum. So that's how it has stayed!

I made sure I wasn't imagining things so I swapped the ASC back in, and yep, the ASC made it sound a bit cleaner but added a certain 'whiteness' to the sound which I didn't prefer. Do recommend getting some DubilieRs and try them out.. see what you think. Orginally recommended by Steve/Mario

I'm currently using a Phillips GZ32 miniwatt which I got from Steve as power rect in the dac. It works good enough for me. I've got one of Mario's Silbertone 5U4G here too. The Phillips just sounds right to my ears. Wouldn't mind trying Genelex Gold Lion though.

Edited May 25, 2010 by tuyen

[Peter_F]

You guys with your dac and transports, I'm starting to get a bit jealous.

Am I the only person on SNA without a dac?

I'm building towards a half decent transport though!!

[tuyen]

Phillips GZ32 miniwatt power rectifier tube currently in DAC

My collection of other power rect tubes at disposal. I got the adapter to 4 pin and can then use type 80 power rect tubes

[tuyen]

You guys with your dac and transports, I'm starting to get a bit jealous.

Am I the only person on SNA without a dac?

I'm building towards a half decent transport though!!

Only cos you know how good it sounds dispite it looking like a dog's breakfast Pete

Don't stress, you will eventually end up with a similar digital setup. Give in your Linn Sondek already you vinyl boy!!

[Peter_F]

Only cos you know how good it sounds dispite it looking like a dog's breakfast Pete

Don't stress, you will eventually end up with a similar digital setup. Give in your Linn Sondek already you vinyl boy!!

Don't worry about the looks Tuyen, that easily be sorted once the R&D is completed.

As for the LP12 you could be right mate, but denial will keep me richer for a little while longer!!

In all fairness though my LP12 wasn't (and still isn't) running well with that cartridge when you heard it. Once I get it sorted I'll have to bring it over and run it on your system?

[Braddles 63]

I still remember being very impress with your TT flemo. Cant see your missing out on much. although im yet to hear tuyen's and mario's set up.

[Jehuty]

My collection of other power rect tubes at disposal. I got the adapter to 4 pin and can then use type 80 power rect tubes

Very nice Tuyen... You're making us drooling here....

[crazikid]

sneak peak into my DAC. i'll start a showcase tread on sat when i have more time.

few weeks to go until i get to listen to steven's axiom 80's. Should be awesome - cannot wait!

Edited May 26, 2010 by crazikid

[Jehuty]

My my... Certainly doesn't look like a dog's breakfast at all!

Thanks for posting the pic James

[ozcal]

Don't worry about the looks Tuyen, that easily be sorted once the R&D is completed.

As for the LP12 you could be right mate, but denial will keep me richer for a little while longer!!

In all fairness though my LP12 wasn't (and still isn't) running well with that cartridge when you heard it. Once I get it sorted I'll have to bring it over and run it on your system?

Brad , Pete's Lp12 was sounding pretty ordinary when you chaps heard it and I tend to agree with Pete that the Supex cart hasn't aged well.Pete has asked me to refit the Ortophon and if that doesn't return the sound to the way it was when I first set it up then I will strip the turntable down and start from scratch.

Now if only my new dac hadn't arrived so quickly Pete's turntable would be done by now

[Once was an audiophile]

I still remember being very impress with your TT flemo. Cant see your missing out on much. although im yet to hear tuyen's and mario's set up.

well bradells my mate here in perth has got a really hotted up lp12 sitting collecting dust for 2 years(because of a dac)

been their done that

[Once was an audiophile]

sneak peak into my DAC. i'll start a showcase tread on sat when i have more time.

few weeks to go until i get to listen to steven's axiom 80's. Should be awesome - cannot wait!

if i ever see that on sna 4sale thread i know your dead and their is a deceased estate sale on sna

[crazikid]

haha.. classic! i think i may take it to the grave... to enjoy music eternally!

[Once was an audiophile]

haha.. classic! i think i may take it to the grave... to enjoy music eternally!

spiritual experience +

[ozcal]

well bradells my mate here in perth has got a really hotted up lp12 sitting collecting dust for 2 years(because of a dac)

been their done that

Still think there is a place for a quality turntable in a good system Mario even if the sound is only different rather than better.

Recent experience has shown that there are some very badly setup Lp12 's out there so care needs to be taken when making comparisons.

[Once was an audiophile]

Still think there is a place for a quality turntable in a good system Mario even if the sound is only different rather than better.

Recent experience has shown that there are some very badly setup Lp12 's out there so care needs to be taken when making comparisons.

very true ozcal indeed when you get your setup correctly i would love to listen