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Showing 1 of 11 reviews about:
rslatara
287
Apr 27, 2018
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Build: The build quality is solid with an all aluminum chassis and it has nice weight. To access the tube you have to unscrew the top 4 allen key bolts, this can be a pain if tube rolling but probably the biggest negative I can think of.
Software: Can be a pain but once you get all the drivers and firmware setup it works like charm. This comes with Dual CS4398 DAC chips not the Wolfson WM8470 advertised can xDuoo or Massdrop please update this info as I led to believe this is the TA-01B and there is newer firmware out which turns this into a 32-bit DAC. I pestered xDuoo for weeks and the link to the driver and firmware is below if you have an outdated one.
Sound: Sound is good and the tubes do really affect how it sounds so it's not just there for instance with a NOS Mullard you get clear mids and with a Sylvania you get a warm with emphasized low end. Genalex Gold Lion and Electro Harmonix are alright but I prefer the older tubes. Overall even with the stock tube sound is decent and the amplifier is pretty powerful. I have been using my MrSpeakers Alpha Primes and it is just bliss to my ears. Bass is rich, Mids are warm and highs are crisp. With a T-X0 T50RP MK2 which I had converted to a , Argon, it pairs very well well and use them in work everyday. With an easy to drive headphone like a TH-X00 I have to dial back the DB a bit on APO as it is a little too powerful.
Cons: - The tube is a pain to change, you must unscrew the top - No adjustable gain for easier to drive headphones - Software was awful until I got the updated firmware sorted (see link below) - Limited connectivity, this thing is a pure headphone amp
Overall: If you want to buy a nice DAC and upgrade from the lower end sub $100 DAC's look no further this thing really rocks and I am super happy with it. I also got the TA-10 and that is another level up but also over twice the price. Keeping both and not sure I'll need anything else. Important: This thing responds very well to tube rolling, don't let the stock tube throw you off and venture into the world of NOS tubes. It is possible to get a bad or faulty tube so be aware of sellers on eBay and check feedback and if test results are good. You can always buy from Upscale Audio but you will pay a little more for peace of mind.
TUBES:
Electro Harmonix Gold: Not a bad tube, a little bright here and there but does the job Mazda(cifte): Best imaging, almost holographic with a warm low end. Sylvania: Best low end, dark sounding but good with EDM. Mullard: Best mid range, if you want crisp and lush this is it. RCA: Good all rounder, a satisfying tube indeed. Westinghouse: lot's of clarity but not harsh a pleasant tube.
TL;DR: @$119.99 Buy it now and get a nice NOS tube!
IMPORTANT: Driver and firmware for 32-bit TA-01B https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dAPrE9w1vGjcApPwF0p6S_p5l863WJmc
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