Tube v. SS DAC
 

I'm thinking about buying a DAC for the first time both to use with CDs as well as music stored on a computer and possibly streaming music as well. I recently set up a tube based system centered on a Dennis Had built Inspire Amp. I like the tube system very much and am wondering what the plusses and minuses are of tube based DAC.

I may use this with the tube-based system. But I also have a solid state system to which I'd like to incorporate a DAC.

I'm not really interested in solid state systems that throw in a buffer tube. I'm trying to compare actual tube-based v. solid state DACs. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

The best thing you could do is to audition a tube and solid state dac in your system(s) if possible and let your ears decide:thumbsup:

Agreed. But not an easy option for me. I will likely be dealing with used equipment that will be shipped to me. So, trying with my system means I'd have to resell something if I'm not happy with it. That's the price you pay, I now. But I'd like to gather up the community wisdom if I can so I have the best chance of making a good decision the first time.

I wouldn't get so hung up on SS vs tube. Go with a good DAC, period.

^This.

Thanks for the input guys. I see that there is actually a DAC out there that is both a full-blown tube DAC and a solid-state DAC in one, Monarchy Audio NM24. It has gotten some excellent reviews in the magazines (but is there anything that doesn't)? It runs about the same price used at the Bryston BDA-1. There are tons of reviews out there, suggesting that virtually every DAC ever made is actually a good one. I hoping for some real world advice from this community.

I have used both Tube and SS DAC’s over the years. Based on my limited tech knowledge, the tube DAC could be tweaked by changing/rolling tubes & cables. The SS DAC was only cables.

I don't think you can make any generalizations regarding tube vs SS DAC in terms of sonic attributes. It's all in the design and implementation of the circuit employed. I am sure there are tube DACs that are poorly designed that will sound harsh and shrill and thin and lacking in liquidity and holography and some SS DACs that sound natural, liquid, dimensional and so on. It's best to decide based on researching and demoing specific DACs and what will best match your system and your tastes.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the responses.

I think if you are used to a tube sound, it is difficult to go to solid state (generally speaking). I tried my first solid state component in my system (a DAC), and did not like it. The dealer said it was one of the smoothest tube-like dacs he's heard, but decided I needed to go back to a tube output dac. just my 2 cents. For me, it is all about the midrange provided by tubes that is so hard to get from solid state. THis is just my cup of tea, whereas others may disagree. personal preference comes in play more than anything.