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Author Topic: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread  (Read 12176 times)

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GoldfishX

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #20 on: April 20, 2015, 07:51:49 AM »

It would depend on the price. $250-$300 would probably be good if the mods are well done and actually help the sound. But then again I'm kinda against paying more than $500 for one of these vintage DACs, so maybe my perception of its value is off.

That is how I feel, taking reliability into account for used electronics. I won't be able to afford a Yggy anytime soon (and I'm expecting a delay once they ship the initial batch anyway, due to the demand), so might as well have some fun. I'm happy to see Monarchy is still active, so hopefully if my M22A encounters any issues, they could service it...
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MuZo2

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #21 on: April 21, 2015, 07:09:52 PM »

Anyone heard German Porta DAC 1866?
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DaveBSC

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #22 on: April 21, 2015, 07:53:43 PM »

The old EAD 7000 is a good option for somebody looking to play with vintage R2R DACs for not much money. The MK1 used an AD1862, MK2 switched to the PCM63, and MK3 added the PMD-100 and HDCD support. Inputs are ST, optical, and coax. It's a single-ended design that uses one chip per channel. The balanced outs you see on some of them was an option, done via phase splitter.

Today they go for $400-500, and are pretty reliable. There's also a company that will do full servicing and upgrades, which is important for these old things as most of them are now old enough to require a full re-cap.
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Hands

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #23 on: April 21, 2015, 08:16:21 PM »

I'm curious, are there companies that would service old Theta DACs?
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evanft

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #24 on: April 23, 2015, 01:12:19 AM »

I received my Parasound D/AC-1000. Here are my very early impressions and comparisons to the Modi 2. I'm using the Wyrd+Gustard U12 to connect the Parasound.

- The Modi 2 has more bass. This was pretty apparent across a range of test tracks, and even showed up when I did some fast switching between the two DACs, something that tends to obscure differences. Now, whether this is due to the Modi having goosed, north of neutral bass remains to be seen. For all I know the Parasound is simply neutral and the Modi is not. I'll have to evaluate further.

- I think I'm picking up more small details with the Parasound than the Modi.

- I think there may be less digital edge/harshness with the Parasound.

- The Parasound is fucking huge and looks like a rack server.

I'm kinda surprised with how good a piece of digital equipment from 1995 sounds.
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HitmanFluffy

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #25 on: April 23, 2015, 02:15:27 PM »

After a Google search out of curiosity about old Theta DACs, I discovered a local dealership has recently gotten a hold of a Theta DSPro Gen V in good (fully functional) condition. There isn't a price listed but I can't imagine it costing much more than USD$1400. I reckon with the Yggy rolling out I'll be able to haggle the price down closer to USD$1200. Do you guys think this would be a good buy? I have my concerns about the machine dying of old age and if I did buy it I would have to purchase a digital interface. Thanks.
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GoldfishX

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #26 on: April 23, 2015, 02:29:10 PM »

Me personally, I wouldn't. $1400 or even $1200 is too much to risk on vintage gear. Another $900, get the Yggy and have peace (piece? lol) of mind.

The Monachy DAC I bought is advertised as being near mint and looks stunning on the outside, but I'm prepared if it encounters an issue internally. The cost of entry was right near my limit for vintage (about $400 with shipping)

I'm going through the same thing with vintage CD players right now. So many look cool and they're nowhere near their old retail prices, but the chances are high of something being wrong with them. I imagine DAC's have fewer moving parts, so they would be more reliable than a CDP.

Someone could probably turn repairing vintage DAC's/CD players into a very profitable business.
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HitmanFluffy

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #27 on: April 23, 2015, 03:14:10 PM »

Thanks for that. I guess I'll see what the store's asking price is. What would you peg as a sensible price for one?
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GoldfishX

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #28 on: April 23, 2015, 03:24:15 PM »

marvey's went for about a grand and I was thinking about it hard. But again, I think a few people would have bought it for the original $1400 asking price if there was certainty over the unit's innards. Reselling a working unit and reselling a non-working unit are two very different scenarios.

But also remember, that particular DAC commands a premium both based on its reputation and its' history (aka the Mike Moffat magic touch). I doubt a Monarchy or Adcom plays in the same league, but the risk is far less.
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Main: Sony HAP-S1 -> (working on HP amp) -> HD800/HD600

Work: DX50 (lineout, Rockbox firmware) -> Schiit Lyr (1980's Voshkod Rockets -> Mad Dog

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evanft

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Re: Vintage R2R/multibit DAC Thread
« Reply #29 on: April 23, 2015, 05:02:35 PM »

Yeah, I wouldn't drop more than maybe $700 unless I knew it had been serviced recently by someone who knew what they were doing and gave it a clean bill of health.

There's still that dealer in Montreal who has the Parasound D/AC 1500 for $480 shipped to the USA. That wouldn't be a bad way to try out a vintage PCM63 DAC.
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