Came across some interesting audio gear for sale in Bangalore. I know the guy who put it up for sale from an earlier DAC purchase from him (my current Audio Alchemy vintage DAC as well as the DIY one before that). Had gone to his place to listen a few weeks back (before the listings came up). Now that he has officially put the stuff up for sale, was planning to go for another visit. Posting here in case anyone wants to join. My plan as of now is to fix up a time with him for Sunday. In case anyone else would like to join, pls PM me so we can coordinate and go together.
Some listening impressions from my earlier visit below.
ES9018 DAC https://www.olx.in/item/world-famous-ess9018-dac-with-russian-tube-6n16b-output-stage-ID1l9rmf.html
4P1L preamp: https://www.olx.in/item/4p1l-tube-pre-amplifier-ID1l9sYN.html
The larger list of stuff: https://www.olx.in/all-results/user/uoPK/
When I had visited, we tried a bunch of different DACs. Besides the ES9018 and TDA1543 ones on sale, there was a heavily modified audio alchemy DAC with AD1860 and a modded musical fidelity v90 there as well. They all sounded quite good but each with its unique flavour. To me the big surprise was the ES9018. I generally really dislike the sound of sabre DACs. This was the first time I heard one I actually liked! I guess it takes that much to get the best out of that DAC chip!
The 4P1L preamp was outstanding. Needed a low gain DAC to work best so didnt go well with the ES9018. However, the combination with the V90 sounded exceptional.
Some listening impressions from my earlier visit below.
ES9018 DAC https://www.olx.in/item/world-famous-ess9018-dac-with-russian-tube-6n16b-output-stage-ID1l9rmf.html
4P1L preamp: https://www.olx.in/item/4p1l-tube-pre-amplifier-ID1l9sYN.html
The larger list of stuff: https://www.olx.in/all-results/user/uoPK/
When I had visited, we tried a bunch of different DACs. Besides the ES9018 and TDA1543 ones on sale, there was a heavily modified audio alchemy DAC with AD1860 and a modded musical fidelity v90 there as well. They all sounded quite good but each with its unique flavour. To me the big surprise was the ES9018. I generally really dislike the sound of sabre DACs. This was the first time I heard one I actually liked! I guess it takes that much to get the best out of that DAC chip!
The 4P1L preamp was outstanding. Needed a low gain DAC to work best so didnt go well with the ES9018. However, the combination with the V90 sounded exceptional.