Price $2499
The New Fet Valve DAC
We are always asking ourselves "what if," when thinking about new designs that push sound reproduction forward. Dean Kayser, an AVA associate, has built dozens of prototypes in search of better sonics.
John Broskie, a brilliant audio engineer, developed a gain stage block that he calls the Aikido. John designed this gain stage with two triode sections in a stacked, totem connection.
Dean has used John's gain stage and coupled it with our mos-fet transimpedence amplifier. Separate active regulated power supplies are used for each tube and for each mosfet. There is no overall feedback loop. Gain is a function of the tube's mu (voltage gain).
The results stunned us. The new Fet Valve units have a natural, musical, and dynamic presentation that exceed our previous work. There is a "relaxed" presentation that makes the music sound more "right." Resolution, dynamnics, bass impact, and imaging are all there.
We present the Fet Valve Dac as the best we can currently do. When you hear them, you will understand why we are so excited.
The Fet Valve DAC. Hybrid no feedback design for up to 192/24 bit sources. Uses two 6CG7 tubes.
Functions: Four switched digital inputs, two coax, two optical. Ministreamer USB board for up to 96/24 USB input available as special order option.
Wolfson digital chip set with Broskie/Kayser no-feedback Aikido filter/line circuits. Output gain can be factory set for special needs upon request.