MSRP $7,000
R2R Non oversampling tube DAC
Introducing the Tubadour V Audio Mirror DAC. Tubadour V represents a refined continuation of the visionary concept first introduced with its predecessor, the Tubadour IV. Building upon this legacy, the Tubadour V significantly elevates the listening experience.
Reviews
Monad on Audiokarma reviewed Tubadour V Tube DAC. See the review >>
Category: Audio Mirror
 
Product description
This Non Oversampling DAC is built around Analog Devices finest, most musical and analog sounding chip, ensuring that you’ll enjoy unparalleled audio quality.
Key Features:
All-format support: This DAC handles a variety of formats with ease, featuring a tube IV conversion stage.
Versatile Inputs: The Tubadour V boasts AES, Coaxial, Optical, USB, and I2S inputs, supporting bit depths from 16 to 32 bits at rates up to 384kHz. PCM files are natively supported, while DSD playback can be achieved through “convert on the fly” options available in popular music player software such as Audirvana, Amarra, Foobar, Roon, and Euphony, all without compromising quality.
Signal Path Perfection: With a “no cap” philosophy, the Tubadour V maintains a signal path free from capacitors. Instead, it employs Lundahl output transformers, widely recognized as some of the best in the industry. This design allows for both balanced and unbalanced outputs, delivering optimal performance. The result is a more natural, richer sound with enhanced resolution and tonality, free from artifacts and listener fatigue.
Enhanced Tube Stage: The Tubadour V takes a significant leap forward with tube rectification, utilizing either the 6Z4 or Russian 6Ц4П tubes. The tube stage is entirely new and features two single triodes, 6S45P-E/6С45П-Е tubes, known for their superior sound quality compared to other commonly used 9-pin triodes. This elevates the audio experience, ensuring a smooth, detailed, and musical sound.
USB Re-clocker: A built-in USB re-clocker improves the precision, separation, focus, and texture of all USB-sourced signals. It effectively reduces jitter, ensuring exceptional audio quality.
Precision Components: The Tubadour V incorporates Z-Foil “naked” Vishay resistors in both the IV section and tube stage. It also benefits from lower-noise power supplies for the USB and I2S inputs, enhanced with high-quality OSCON capacitors. The IEC power inlet is a Furutech – Gold, guaranteeing robust and reliable power delivery.
Enhanced vibration Isolation: A standout feature is the inclusion of IsoAcoustics “GAIA” vibration-absorbing/isolation feet. These feet enhance the clarity and focus of the sound, providing an audio experience akin to replacing an interconnect cable with a high-end one.
Connectivity Options: Silver RCA and XLR outputs cater to both balanced and unbalanced connections.
After years of exploring various DAC technologies, including ESS Sabre, Delta Sigma, and non-oversampling DACs, as well as single-bit and multibit DACs, we’ve returned to the pinnacle of audio quality with the Analog Devices multibit R2R DAC. This DAC offers the most analog, musical, and artifact-free listening experience.
Please note that a power cord is not included.
Discover the Tubadour V – Redefining the Art of Sound.
 
PRODUCT INFO
Sample rates:  
 
S/PDIF, AES         44.1 – 192kHz
Optical/Tosslink   44.1 – 96kHz
USB, I2S, PCM   44.1 – 384kHz
 
DSD – coverterted by player to PCM “on the fly”
Bit depth:
 
Up to 24 bit over S/PDIF, AES, Tosslink
Up to 32 bit over USB and I2S
 
 
USER MANUAL
This is a non-oversampling, all format, vacuum tube DAC.
It is based on Analog devices AD1865N-K flagship DAC chip. This is the best and most analog and musical sounding R2R DAC chip ever made.
DAC uses two single triodes 6С45П/6С45П-Е Russian tubes for analog stage. Close equivalent, but different pinout is 417 tube, so don’t try to replace it with 417. 6С45П/6С45П-Е outperform any of the other popular 9pin tubes. Power supply uses 6Z4 or Russian 6Ц4П rectifier tube.
DAC has a built in USB re-clocker. It reclocks all signals coming from a USB source. It improves a lot the resolution, tonality, balance, separation and dynamics. Lowers siginicantly the jitter.
DAC has a build in slow ramping up high voltage (HT) supply to prevent  shortening the tubes life. Due to this the DAC will perform with full scale level and sound quality after approximately 10-15 min. after it’s turned ON. Do not leave the DAC ON for long period of time (24 hrs. or so) if you are not listening to music. This will only shorten the tubes life.
DAC has a built in delay when turned ON.
DAC parts has a break in time of between 100 -150hrs. The most noticeable improvement in sound will be in the first 20-25 hrs.
Output transformers need around 150 hrs. break in time.
DAC does not have MQA capability. DSD files can be played if the player/streamer used – convert  DSD to PCM “on the fly”. Most players like Foobar, Audirvana, Amarra etc can do this on the fly. DAC has two knobs on the front panel. Left one is POWER ON/OFF. Right one is input selector. DAC has COAX(SPDIF) TOSSLINK(OPTICAL) AES, USB and I2S inputs, selectable from the front right switch. DAC has Blue LEDs on the front panel showing the selected source. The most left LED is a white color and it indicates when the DAC has locked into the source, applicable only for Coax, Optical and AES inputs. It does not work with USB and I2S. DAC outputs are Unbalanced RCA and Balanced XLR. They are switched by a small toggle switch  on the back. Both outputs XLR and CA can not be used at the same time.
CHANGING TUBES
When you decide to replace tubes in the DAC, Please follow  these instructions. When you remove the top cover pay attention to size/length of the screws. One is shorter than the others. This one is on the front right corner of the DAC. After you replace the tubes, when putting the cover back, please put shorter screw in the same place as it was before.