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CD has laid back and uninvolving sound

Hi folks, yesterday I listened again to vinyl. I conducted also a comparison between vinyl and CD. The most peculiar thing with CD is that the sound seems to be more laid back, distant and uninvolving. With vinyl the sound has more bloom, is less laid back and has more PRaT. To me this laid back and distant sonic character of CD is the most significant finding and bothers me quite a lot. How can I improve this? Btw, my digital front end: MBL 1621 transport + Accustic Arts Tube DAC. Would Wadia DAC (the old Wadia 9 or another classic Wadia) be better in rendering a more upfront and engaging sound (more PRaT)?

Chris
dazzdax
oregon
608 posts
 
Dazz,
I'm pleased to know you do have a decent vinyl playback.
I fully understand wanting more out of one's CD collection (Metrella).
For my money, I'd just accept CD for what it is- limited, IMO.
A bird in the hand (LP) is worth 10 in the bush.

teajay
1,333 posts
 
No offense to you Chris, but after spending alot of money for a world class reference DAC, to leave in crappy tubes made in China is pretty stupid/silly to me. What's the "hassle" about six screws and putting in two tubes?

I also believe you are way understating the importance of how the AA DAC performs depending on what tubes are being used. So, if you think tweaking means changing stock crap tubes with musical NOS bottles, then do yourself a favor and stick to SS pieces. I also recommend you don't try different power cords, footers, isolation devices because these are tweaks that also would be to much of a hassle!

You also did not comment on what clamp you use or what digital cable, which could be an important set of factors. On the other hand, useing the stock tubes probably makes these other factors mute anyways.
rodman99999
3,557 posts
 
Teajay- I didn't want to press the issue, given his negative reaction to the suggestions made. But, AMEN!! The correct NOS tubes(and other mentioned tweaks) can/will/would have a profound impact regarding the sound qualities he's seeking. Well- At least: They did in the last three DACs I owned, and the CCa's do in my BAT VK-D5 now. Everyone has their own set of values and personal limitations though. Happy listening!!
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
The tube used makes a huge difference even in my modest DAC.
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
TJ, I'll try the NOS tube as you described. Are original Mullard long plates also good (musical) tubes for AA Tube DAC? As far as my knowledge goes the tubes in the AA Tube DAC are NOT in the signal path but are localized in the digital-to-analog conversion section. So, why do they have such a profound effect on sound?
Btw, my clamp is the standard clamp that goes with the 1621A and I have put three Shun Mook Giant Diamond Resonators under the AA Tube DAC.

Chris
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