Satch-Max Tube DAC

[Lebowski]

can anyone tell me what inputs the Satch DAC has? I can't find any details

[coemaudio]

can anyone tell me what inputs the Satch DAC has? I can't find any details

From memory, the standard DAC only has one RCA input but there are provisions for an extra BNC input.

[Hensa]

can anyone tell me what inputs the Satch DAC has? I can't find any details

It has two switchable coaxial (rca) inputs selected by a toggle switch on the back panel - at least that is what I recall. Imagine that you could request BNC as Coem says.

[shanedudddy2]

When you get it I would be really keen on how you think it sounds, I`m considering one, but not sure how it sounds, since there is little feedback on the DAC. Ta

[Lebowski]

When you get it I would be really keen on how you think it sounds, I`m considering one, but not sure how it sounds, since there is little feedback on the DAC. Ta

I've gone a bit cold on this DAC as well as the MHDT and now seriously considering a Lavry DA11 or the new Simaudio Moon 300d DAC as I think these may work better in my system.

[tuyen]

Why do you think they would work better on your system Lebowski?

[Lebowski]

Why do you think they would work better on your system Lebowski?

I'm concerned that using a valve DAC may be just a bit to smooth, laid back in my system and I'm still not convinced that NOS is going to work well with my 300B and speakers.
I thought choosing speakers and an Amp was difficult but choosing a DAC is proving to be impossible.

[tuyen]

NOS valve dac will give the music more texture and natural tone. wont be overly smooth imo.

the moon and larvy dac will sound quite similar to your dac magic.

best to wait it out til you can have a listen to them for yourself to know

[Lebowski]

thanks for the advice tuyen. I will be able to listen to a Lavry DA10 in my system and I will see if I can get my hands on a NOS DAC to compare.

[ozcal]

Hi L , the manufacturer of my pre has recommended the Gigawork wee dac over his own Lavry.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/High-Grade-24...item1c0d3deb07

[Lebowski]

Hi L , the manufacturer of my pre has recommended the Gigawork wee dac over his own Lavry.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/High-Grade-24...item1c0d3deb07

I was looking at the Gigawork DAC's and it seems a lot of people are very happy with them.

I guess I'm struggling to accept that a $200 DAC could sound as good as a $1500 DAC but perhaps this is just a sign of the times with manufacturers selling direct via eBay.

cheers ozcal, I might buy one as I don't have much to lose at that price

[mcb]

I did not see this thread until yesterday (I have no idea why I missed it earlier). This Satch-Max DAC looks very interesting. I am also looking forward to seeing Gordon's comments once he has his new tube output.

From my reading, some of the more interesting options are:
i) The Satch-Max;
ii) The MHDt Labs Havana
iii) The gigaworks with a tube output
iv) The gigaworks with output transformer stage.

The last two options are a problem for me, as I am struggling to figure how to use a soldering iron.

I will continue to follow these threads with interest.

[Dr Good Vibe]

Gigawork DAC's look interesting, one come's with a troidal Tran the other does'nt. but for the cost gee.

[Perth-Ed]

what do you think of this compared to the Satch Max DAC? - http://dhost.info/mhdtlab/havana.htm

Didn't tricka own a Havana DAC ? If he's still around he might add his impressions.

[flemo]

I wish somebody in Perth had a Satch-Max dac so maybe I could have a listen?

From the very little that I do know about dacs, the Satch-Max so far is front runner for me.

cheers, flemo.

[johnnydarko]

Didn't tricka own a Havana DAC ? If he's still around he might add his impressions.

Yeah, he did. I think dr-wyas bought it - he seems pleased with it.

Thing is, I think a lot of these DACs are much of a muchness at <$500. I can't discern much difference between Beresford, Lite and Valab. Gonna do another 3-way shoot-out when I get my new interconnect.

[shanedudddy2]

I know what you mean there, I have a Beresford caiman and although I think it is rather good I haven't heard many higher end DAC's for comparison sake to know if I am missing anything, heaps or not much at all :S

[kajak12]

Yeah, he did. I think dr-wyas bought it - he seems pleased with it.

Thing is, I think a lot of these DACs are much of a muchness at <$500. I can't discern much difference between Beresford, Lite and Valab. Gonna do another 3-way shoot-out when I get my new interconnect.

the dacs are diffrent but some systems dont show the diffrence.its not always the dac a transport is also in the chain,some transports are more revealing then others been their done that

[kajak12]

I wish somebody in Perth had a Satch-Max dac so maybe I could have a listen?

From the very little that I do know about dacs, the Satch-Max so far is front runner for me.

cheers, flemo.

flemo i wish i diid.one day i will order one to compare to mine.i will use mine as benchmark.and see if i can get satch-max in the same class

[tuyen]

Yeah, he did. I think dr-wyas bought it - he seems pleased with it.

Thing is, I think a lot of these DACs are much of a muchness at <$500. I can't discern much difference between Beresford, Lite and Valab. Gonna do another 3-way shoot-out when I get my new interconnect.

I think you are right about them sounding much of a muchness. the satch-max and mdht havana dacs look pretty decent (internal parts used and design) and could possibly be in a higher league though

[Perth-Ed]

Going back to the OP, the description of the Satch-Max DAC notes "tube rings not supplied".

Excuse me if this is a silly question ... i know essentially nix about tubes ... but are tube rings considered optional or essential ? I don't imagine tube rings would add much to the cost, and it would save owners opening the case (thereby voiding warranty ?) after the goods have been delivered ? or they assume owners will soon want to roll tubes and therefore buy and install matching rings at same time ?

[ozcal]

Hi Perth-ed, tube rings , some folk like the effect , some don't , some would consider them mandatory others an optional extra. Choosing low microphony valves in the first place is probably the best way to proceed.

[kajak12]

Hi Perth-ed, tube rings , some folk like the effect , some don't , some would consider them mandatory others an optional extra. Choosing low microphony valves in the first place is probably the best way to proceed.

your right ozcal choose low microphony valves,problem is they can start playing up 2 months after you buy them or less.
most tubes you wont hear the microphony unless you tap the tube while the amp is on.after heating up it disapears anyway,most of the time.
no tube tester tests for microphonics only a amp or pre amp will show and at high gain.in a low gain circuit you wont even know its microphonic.
been their done that with tubes.

[ozcal]

your right ozcal choose low microphony valves,problem is they can start playing up 2 months after you buy them or less.
most tubes you wont hear the microphony unless you tap the tube while the amp is on.after heating up it disapears anyway,most of the time.
no tube tester tests for microphonics only a amp or pre amp will show and at high gain.in a low gain circuit you wont even know its microphonic.
been their done that with tubes.

So what's the answer KJ , do you think tube rings are worthwhile.
Gordon

[kajak12]

So what's the answer KJ , do you think tube rings are worthwhile.
Gordon

i used to use herbies audio rings now i dont but my friend still does.
personal prefrence.
i think it makes the sound analytical kills the tube