Musical Paradise MP-D2 AK4490 XMOS BALANCED DAC DSD DOP 384Khz
- Thread starter joeinid
- Start date
allears
New member
Mikko,
I'll be following your progress with interest. It's great that someone with knowledge has chosen the MP-2 for extensive modding. I've always thought that the MP-2 with its roomy chassis and for the most part, non SMD would be an excellent candidate for modding.
...Roy
I'll be following your progress with interest. It's great that someone with knowledge has chosen the MP-2 for extensive modding. I've always thought that the MP-2 with its roomy chassis and for the most part, non SMD would be an excellent candidate for modding.
...Roy
I went and paid a visit to Andy Bouwman, Proprietor of Vintage Tube Services. He helped me pick out the signal and rectifier tubes. He suggested NOS RCA 12BH7A (4) and a NOS RCA 5R4GY. I also ordered a pair of Duelund CAST 2.2uf 630V caps, should have them in a couple three weeks. So far not bad...I made a lot of changes today in order to give this thing some room!
Attachments
Not all RCA r54gy are created equally. Only till 1945 WW2 did they have the "good" construction. You have to look up date codes with Google to see if you have the correct one.
If cost is not a major drawback, you could ask Mike about the Kron 5u4g recti for about $650. its reportedly a killer.
This one is from the 50's according to Andy. Rectifier tubes are fun! Just for the Hell of it, I bought a 596 with the matching adapter for the "Mad Scientist" vibe.
I did buy a very expensive Western Electric 422A, but when Andy tested it he said it was junk and shouldn't be used. He said because they are rare, people won't throw them away and are buying and reselling burned out, used up 422's all the time. So, he saved me $400 on that score alone.....eBay almost had me!
I really enjoyed the time i spent with Andy, he's a nice guy and very down to earth. I even had a chance to listen to his vintage field coil speakers and super rare experimental Ultra high bandwidth class a amps.
I did buy a very expensive Western Electric 422A, but when Andy tested it he said it was junk and shouldn't be used. He said because they are rare, people won't throw them away and are buying and reselling burned out, used up 422's all the time. So, he saved me $400 on that score alone.....eBay almost had me!
I really enjoyed the time i spent with Andy, he's a nice guy and very down to earth. I even had a chance to listen to his vintage field coil speakers and super rare experimental Ultra high bandwidth class a amps.
Ther is a MONSTER recti thread over at the www.head-fi.org forum.
This discussion seemed to die out pretty quickly. Does anyone still own one of these? I'm potentially interested in one but decisive information about it is widely scattered and mostly inconclusive. And has anyone needed service?
I'll also second Andy Bowman of Andy's Tube Service as a great and incredibly knowledgeable tube resource.
JC
I'll also second Andy Bowman of Andy's Tube Service as a great and incredibly knowledgeable tube resource.
JC
- Thread Author
- #29
This is absolutely a wonderful dac. A true giant killer.
Wow, looks like there's a MK 2 version that takes interchangeable dac modules. Talk about tweaking the heck out of it. I may have to buy another
Wow, looks like there's a MK 2 version that takes interchangeable dac modules. Talk about tweaking the heck out of it. I may have to buy another
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Jack
Active member
JC
I've had mine for going on a year and use it every day. It doesn't cost enough or have a big enough name to get the publication style "rave" reviews you may be looking for. It is a solid enjoyable DAC that is a tube rollers dream. Sound over technology or advertising.
I've had mine for going on a year and use it every day. It doesn't cost enough or have a big enough name to get the publication style "rave" reviews you may be looking for. It is a solid enjoyable DAC that is a tube rollers dream. Sound over technology or advertising.
Jack
Active member
I don't think you will be disappointed. I have several DACs here that cost multiples of the MP-D2 and are more highly reviewed but the MP is still in place. I had a lot of different rectifiers and input tubes on hand from years of tube preamps and amps so I tested multiples of each and settled on a combo and have left it in place. I'm not a DSD guy so it's "limitations" on that front don't bother me a bit. It just makes music and that is all that matters to me.
CPP
Active member
Jack, can you explain what you mean here about DSD limitations. , thanks
Phil A
Member
Not sure either what is meant about DSD limitations. I haven't heard DSD yet - just heard the DAC for the first time last week at a friend's place (very nice DAC for the money). I downloaded the drivers and Foobar on his laptop (was over for a listening session and figured I'd help him get started so he can play his hi-rez) and have to get back over there to set it up
I see it more as a Cap rollers dream. that is the unique point.
Others out there are already Rolling tubes and DHTs/DHPs at that, on the fly, without removing the case. The easy Cap roll with just remving the pig tails from clamps makes cap Rolling dead easy (no soldering).
This is a hefty package for the money that can be modded to taste. Great offering.
Jack
Active member
Chris
My point is that for those looking for the highest level specs for DSD or even PCM playback, whether or not they will ever buy the needed additional equipment and use it, the MP-D2 may not be for them on paper. If you are just looking for a well built and designed unit that allows you to participate in it's final sound and makes music then it is well worth the effort to listen to. Just like Lumin that seems to value sound quality first over the "Spec" war. Just my opinion.
My point is that for those looking for the highest level specs for DSD or even PCM playback, whether or not they will ever buy the needed additional equipment and use it, the MP-D2 may not be for them on paper. If you are just looking for a well built and designed unit that allows you to participate in it's final sound and makes music then it is well worth the effort to listen to. Just like Lumin that seems to value sound quality first over the "Spec" war. Just my opinion.
CPP
Active member
Just came across this reading some reviews on a big discussion on the DAC over at Canuck Audio Mart forums.
"[FONT="]The DAC is fully balanced. But if you are running single ended it is not necessary to swap out the full compliment of tubes or caps if you want to make a change. You only need to swap to 2 tubes or 2 caps."
Can anyone tell me which two tubes and two caps are necessary for using it single ended?
Thanks for any help.
JC[/FONT]
"[FONT="]The DAC is fully balanced. But if you are running single ended it is not necessary to swap out the full compliment of tubes or caps if you want to make a change. You only need to swap to 2 tubes or 2 caps."
Can anyone tell me which two tubes and two caps are necessary for using it single ended?
Thanks for any help.
JC[/FONT]