CAL Alpha Tube DAC going cheap on eBay...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3037009089&category=3272

The Alpha is (I think) the model up from their highly regarded Sigma Tube DAC (which at a recent bakeoff split the audience 50/50 between it and a Chord DAC64 ). Could be a bargain if the reserve is not set too high.

Located in the UK (Scotland) and bidding currently at just £87 (reserve not met). It isn't anyone here is it?

Michael.

 

I think Lee's version is a sigma II. WM

 

I noticed that too, if my tt is not my next upgrade it will be certainly be a DAC when the funds are there. Also is that Mission any good on Ebay thats currently going for £30? I heared that they were a bit harsh and not much better than the DACS on modern budgets CDPs.

 

but I've just been outbid. I think its up to about £150 at the mo but it is early days

 

Thats's too much there's a sigma II for $300 24 bit model too on A/G not the one chris has bought, have a look WM

 

Ah.... I see

 

that'll be the mission dac 5 - decades old ! (ok i exaggerate a little). was partner to the dad 5 transport. must be pre 1990 i think. still badged as "mission".

it's the bit on the left :



personally i wouldn't bother .....

 

Re: Re: CAL Alpha Tube DAC going cheap on eBay...

That would be me who outbid you My max is at £150 - no idea what his reserve is though. Not really interested, but was worth a punt at £150

Michael.

 

As far as I can see, all the sigma II on A/G are gone hence the ebay bidding frenzy Anyway the Alpha is the model up so £151 ( ahem) doesn't seem too bad

 

There are a few, if you know where to look, but I thought you wanted to put some 'Life' in your system the MSB Plat, is a must there, a of DCS owners, should have a listen too
The cal dac, is fairly laid back, but texturious and warm, so maybe not quiet what your looking for at the mo, or as ususal I could be completely wrong

 

Tone, no you're probably right, I'm just wondering whether the Platinum is within my price range and the Alpha seemed like an option even if temporary to realise funds from my parasound.

 

What's more, this Alpha is in the UK so no customs/VAT bollox and no dicking about with mains voltage conversions either

Michael.

 

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: ever seen a grown man cry? :cry: :cry: :cry:


The Alpha is the model up from the Sigma alright, in fact the guy selling the Sihma II uses, and is keeping his Alpha.

In a word - buy !

In 4 words... buy it buy it!!

If I hadnt just bought mine, Id have gone up to about £450 for it.

I notice his reserve is not yet met, so obviously he's expecting more than that.


Chris

 

I see I'm still the high bidder at £150 :MILD: Wonder what the reserve is...

Like you Chris - if I hadn't just blown £1370 on a DAC64 I'd be in for £4-500 :cry:

EDIT: I see he's also selling a CAL Delta Transport - currently at £62 (reserve not met). Wonder if they're any good?

Michael.

 

Please forgive my utter stupidity for the following question :banghead:

BUT if we assume that SACD will at some stage come into fruition, would such a DAC (DAC 20/Chord 64 etc) be able to cope with the output from such a device or are they restricted to using good old 16bit CD?

It's something I've been meaning to ask for a while (I like to future proof if possible), this thread seemed appropriate

 

Most DACs will only work with good old 16bits 44.1khz CD. The problem with SACD is that there is as yet no standard for digital output so most SACD players don't have a digital output. For a start there are copy protection issues There are a number of proprietary solutions out there though (eg dCS).

The DAC64, allegedly, could get a software update to allow it to decode an SACD DSD stream but I'll believe that when I see it!

However, in these times a DAC makes even more sense IMO because an SACD player still has a digital output for humble old 16/44.1 CD so you can get the best of both worlds. SACD player for SACD and let the DAC handle the CD side of things in a way most SACD players can't even get close to.

Michael.

 

well, the ALPHA has been withdrawn from sale.


I think that somebody who really wanted it has come along and offered him a wad of cash personally.

Wonder if its anyone on here? Own up!!!!

hehehe
Chris

 

Not me guv.. honest .With hindsight probably not the right DAC for me anyway.

 

getting my new DAC tommorow..

Just thought Id mention for anyone else considering importing a CAL dac from the states...

There is in fact a jumper on the transformer to go between different voltages, so you just change the jumper to the right place.

Including courier from the shop I used to have it done, it cost me £42... so I guess about £30 plus shipping.

Cheers
Chris

 

Chris,

Congrats.

Enjoy :banana:

On the DAC/ CDP trail meself!

Jeff