Eastern Electric Minimax DAC

Posted by: naimUnT on 12 November 2010

Just wanted to share an audio gem for Naimees who cannot afford (or do not wish to pay the price of) a NDac! I recently bought a Easter Electric Minimax DAC (implements the new Sabre 32-bit chip, hooked it to my NaimUniti via analog 1 input (bypass mode), using the analog volume control of the EE M DAC (tube output, SB3 into BNC) and am startled at how good the combo sounds! It lays to rest my nagging doubt that the Uniti analog is capable of showing the virtues of higher end digital source, and clearly beats the Uniti's built-in Wolfson DAC. The EE M Sabre DAC throws a huge and deep soundstage with excellent bass and a 'sweet' SET-like midrange! The EE M DAC analog volume is barely past 10 o'clock for comfortable listening SPL! I am extremely happy with the EE M DAC and NaimUniti pairing which has resurrected my SB3 and elevated my listening pleasure!

Posted on: 12 November 2010 by Aleg

quote:
Originally posted by naimUnT:
Just wanted to share an audio gem for Naimees who cannot afford (or do not wish to pay the price of) a NDac! I recently bought a Easter Electric Minimax DAC (implements the new Sabre 32-bit chip, hooked it to my NaimUniti via analog 1 input (bypass mode), using the analog volume control of the EE M DAC (tube output, SB3 into BNC) and am startled at how good the combo sounds! It lays to rest my nagging doubt that the Uniti analog is capable of showing the virtues of higher end digital source, and clearly beats the Uniti's built-in Wolfson DAC. The EE M Sabre DAC throws a huge and deep soundstage with excellent bass and a 'sweet' SET-like midrange! The EE M DAC analog volume is barely past 10 o'clock for comfortable listening SPL! I am extremely happy with the EE M DAC and NaimUniti pairing which has resurrected my SB3 and elevated my listening pleasure!

IMO it usually has not so much to do with the actual DAC chip that was used as with the way they build the analogue stage of the DAC.

I know of DACs where they actually prefered Wolfson which was considered an upgrade, but IMO it depends on the analogue stage.

-
aleg

Posted on: 13 November 2010 by naimUnT

Aleg: Sure, implementation of the DAC chip is also very important and although I don't know very much about the EE aspect I do know that the Sabre chip is quite special, if properly implemented! You really need to hear the EE M DAC for yourself and come to your own conclusions! I have had many external DACs in the past (Altmann Attraction, Paradisea, Benchmark, LFD DAC3, CIAudio, etc) but none have moved me the way the EE M DAC has done!

Posted on: 13 November 2010 by Aleg

quote:
Originally posted by naimUnT:
Aleg: Sure, implementation of the DAC chip is also very important and although I don't know very much about the EE aspect I do know that the Sabre chip is quite special, if properly implemented! You really need to hear the EE M DAC for yourself and come to your own conclusions! I have had many external DACs in the past (Altmann Attraction, Paradisea, Benchmark, LFD DAC3, CIAudio, etc) but none have moved me the way the EE M DAC has done!

naimUnT

I'm glad your happy with you EE M DAC, that's what it is all about, regardless of the chips used and build of the analogue output stages.

But likewise I'm very happy with my XPS2-ed NaimDAC, so I'm afraid I won't go auditioning any others anymore.

-
aleg

Posted on: 13 November 2010 by Hook

quote:
Originally posted by Aleg:
...
IMO it usually has not so much to do with the actual DAC chip that was used as with the way they build the analogue stage of the DAC.
...

Hi Aleg -

Agreed 100%. Most discussions I've read in other forums suggest that the actual choice of chip plays a relatively minor role in the overall sound quality of a DAC or a streamer. In fact, this is one reason why I am keeping an open mind about the NDX (as compared to the Naim DAC).

Many, including myself, were initially confused by the idea of the DAC as an NDX "upgrade". Not saying it is definitely the case, but it is certainly possible that the DAC is *only* listed as an upgrade because the NDX has S/PDIF output.

Once the NDX is actually out and can be demo'ed at home, I would not be surprised to see a debate about voicing similar to what we've seen with the CDX2 (and/or DAC) versus the CDS3!

Hook

PS - NaimUnT - Sorry for the minor detour - am glad to hear that the EE DAC works well with your Uniti!

Posted on: 13 November 2010 by naimUnT

Thanks Aleg and Hook!

Wish I had the dough to afford the NDac! Maybe someday but until then I hope the EE Minimax DAC will keep me happy!

Posted on: 15 November 2010 by pcstockton

quote:
implements the new Sabre 32-bit chip

Every time I read this I cant help thinking about The Office.... "Saw-Bray". hilarious.

Posted on: 17 November 2010 by naimUnT

pcstockton: CEO Sabre "Saw-bray" is hilarious! Bet you she is configured 32-bit perfect!

EE Minimax DAC as pre-amp into Uniti sounds more dynamic than as a line source! But, when I use the headphones the volume on the EE Minimax DAC has to be turned almost full blast! The worry is if I pull out the headphone connection the Uniti will go full blast!