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Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi All.

Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.

I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.

Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?

All opinions welcome.

And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.

Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
mattnshilp
paul79
163 posts
 
Jwm,

You really need to try the CBS 7318. The 10M 12AU7 is a great tube, and would be my 2nd or 3rd choice for a 12AU7, but as I stated, there is no other 12AU7 that will touch the 7318, and I have tried them all, quite literally. This translates to every piece of gear I have tried them in that requires a 12AU7 as well, including phono sections.

Stocks of them depleted before the internet, and this is when they were very popular. That said, there is very little info about them anywhere to speak of, nor can you find any of them for sale.
jwm
908 posts
 
So what's the point of talking about this tube if you can't get it or have to spend 1500 a pair for them. I think I stick with my 10M.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
Gentleman, the funny thing here is that BOTH the Mullard 10m tubes and CBS 7318 are very incerdibly difficult to find period!, I have spent the better half of all day talking to vendors of tubes, these tubes mentioned here are RARE, cheers.
wisnon
700 posts
 
12AU7….is that the ECC82?

If so, I agree the Mullards are great and failing that, get Tungsram, Tesla, or Phillips (not miniwatt). This is what my experienced friend told me…he tried them all for decades.
paul79
163 posts
 
You CAN get them. As stated before, I know where some are. Message me if interested. They are not $1500/pr either.

Your 10M 12AU7 is getting tough to find and is a stellar sounding tube also, so you appreciate the finer tubes. I would have never mentioned it if they were totally unobtainable and cost prohibitive. What's the deal man? :)
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