Review Tube DAC

D/A Converter Tube DAC SE

Dear Mr. Franken,
I am interested in your Tube DAC SE. After frustrating experience with a sinfully expensive …. that didn’t sound a bit different (more emotional) than the DAC of my …. Streamer, I became aware of your product. With the ability to switch between tube and transistor, I assume that they also sound different, otherwise the feature would be pointless. In addition, I read that you offer so-called custom solutions, i.e. that one can possibly achieve a more emotional midrange reproduction by exchanging the tube set. I am not concerned with the last ounce of tweeter precision. I realize that a digital chain can never match the performance of an analog vinyl chain, but a step in that direction should be possible. I would be interested in a test of such a ‘tuned’ DAC.
With kind regards

Addendum

Good day, Mr. Franken
Having purchased and listened extensively to your Tube DAC, here is another question about the unit:
I am very taken with the current sound of the DAC. In contrast to the frustrating experience with a … your device has a clearly comprehensible analog touch. But you know: the better is the enemy of the good. I would – if it would make sense – like to push the DAC to the sonic extreme with a tube swap.

Referring to our telephone conversation regarding possible tube change, I inform you that after intensive listening with SIEMENS E88CC NOS Goldpin and TELEFUNKEN ECC85 NOS I will stay with the tubes you installed. The SIEMENS sounded high definition but a bit cool – no difference from my streamer. The TELEFUNKEN was on the warmer side, but a bit washed out in the soundstage and not as responsive as yours, which produces a precise AND warm soundstage. I congratulate you on the successful tuning of the DAC. The supposedly better is not always the enemy of the good – I have learned that herewith!

With kind regards

Customer feedback

Review
TubeOne SE – Tube DAC – Loudspeaker Secundo

Several years ago, the search for a new power amp led me to a hi-fi dealer in my region. On a shelf, I came across a device that caught my attention. A quick check revealed that it was a used stereo power amplifier in pure tube technology from a small manufacturer in the west of Germany. I was able to take the part home for testing. After a few minutes, I realized that my previously used mono power amps didn’t stand a chance. With great satisfaction I enjoyed its sound quality for several years without trying to figure out who the manufacturer is and who is behind it. But at some point I felt I needed a new tube set. Therefore, I contacted Mr Franken by telephone and found the conversation very informative and Mr Franken very sympathetic, but above all very professional/knowledgeable and totally convinced of his cause.

My enthusiasm for his equipment has grown so much that I am now the proud and more than happy owner of the following equipment: Preamplifier TubeOneSE, TubeDAC24/192, Loudspeaker Secundo and several cables.

I can only say this about the TubeOneSE: the phono stage of this preamp is so high-quality that I tossed my previous single component worth about €3,500.00. I definitely don’t need more phono than this integrated solution. This fact alone already means that this investment paid off and incidentally, I also have a fantastic line stage.

In conjunction with the Secundo speakers, everything works like a charm. The details, timbres, spaciousness, liveliness, bass volume – pure quality you can hear. Also the DAC is solid technical quality without bells and whistles. It elevated my CD listening habits to a new level. Now I enjoy listening to CDs again.

And best of all, you can reach Mr Franken at any time to get qualified, satisfactory information and support, even for special requests. A perfect overall package.

Reference no.: 870

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