Only black faceplate available right now. Silver unit to be back in stock in September. 

Note that as of Aug. 16/10 all TubeDAC-09 products are shipped with the volume control activated (pre-amp mode) by popular request. We have done extensive testing and have found that it sounds excellent with the volume control activated and the benefits of being able to adjust the output again adds to the flexibility of this do-it-all box . If you are a purist and don't want another volume control in the chain, simply follow the very simple PDF modification instructions down this page.

'So there you have it. A well built Tube DAC that can raise the level of budget players without breaking the bank, leaving you more money to spend on your vinyl rig. I don’t want this to sound like those “it’s good for the money” reviews because while that is true, it offers more than that. It offers a musically satisfying presentation over the all-too-common by-the-numbers approach in the sub $1,000 digital world. It produces an enjoyable listening experience that virtually anyone can afford. I can’t think of a CD front-end or a stand-alone preamp at this price that I like the sound of more than Tube DAC-09. And this unit does both! It offers a lot for a little.'

Richard Austin - Dagogo. Full review here

'My previous experiences with budget DAC’s have left me with the realization that much improvement was needed for them to be a part of a serious-sounding main rig. The Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-09 undeniably brings life and a third dimension to music. This DAC isn’t for the faint-of-heart or those that want hear a polite presentation. The TubeDAC-09 is a turbo-charger for those that like music up front and moving forward'

Dan Neilson - Affordable Audio - July 2010 Issue here

High fidelity design with budget in mind. This vacuum Tube Digital-to-Analog Converter will connect you with modern media storage technology closer without sacrificing any bit of sound quality. 

It is a 5-in-1 unit: can be used as 1) external USB DAC for laptop, 2) headphone amp, 3) tube processor for analog signal, 4) digital decoder for optical and coaxial signal, 5) tube preamp to drive your power amps with a simple jumper switch change.

You can use it directly with your digital source such as laptop and music server and play music back through your existing amplifier or powered speakers. Or you can simply get a pair of high quality headphones and enjoy the music in private! 

Breath new life into your older CD or DVD players either by connecting them to the digital or analog inputs. Turn your Blue Ray Player into a higher-end music/audio player.

Computer game music will also become less fatiguing with the tube processing of the TubeDAC-09.

If you need a low cost tube pre-amplifier, the TubeDAC-09 can do that for you as well with a simple user internal modification, or we can mod it for you prior to shipping. Those who only need a DAC will appreciate not introducing an unneeded volume control in the signal chain.

Note that as shipped as a line level DAC, the TubeDAC-09 volume knob only controls the headphone output, do not hook up to a power amplifier until you have changed the jumpers which then results in volume knob controlling all outputs.

Features: 

• (5) sets of selectable inputs to allow you plenty of choices - including 2 sets RCA, 1 coaxial, 1 optical and 1 USB 2.0. 
• (2) sets of RCA Outputs tailored to your taste - one with transistor and one with single 6N3 (5670) vacuum tube.
• Built-in headphone amp to allow you enjoy music in privacy (standard 6.5mm jack). Transistor output.
• Key parts are of audiophile quality from Germany
• High efficiency low noise R-shape transformer which is usually used on high end audio only. 
• Separate power supply rectification to analog and digital circuits
• Gold coated signal connectors throughout
• Can be used as a pre-amplifier through simple modification (see instructions at bottom - .pdf file)
• Supports 16 bit, 20 bit and 24 bit audio source through coaxial and optical inputs. 
• USB chip is used to transfer data only, decoding is at 24 bit.
• Supports sampling frequency of 32k, 44k, 48k, 88k and 96kHz (automatic - not manually selectable)
• High quality processing chips used throughout  - Cirrus Logic for main D/A converter and National Semiconductor LF353N for op-amp (Please understand that in order to deter unlawful design copy, manufacturer chooses not to disclose the exact model number for the main D/A converter chip and we respect their decision. The chips inside the unit have been erased off model number during production.)

Specifications: 

• Input impedance: Analog - 100kohm; Digital - 75 kohm
• THD: Transistor output <= 0.001%; Tube output <= 0.1%
• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 30kHz +/-1 dB
• Max Output: 1000mWx 2 (32 ohm); 500mWx2 (300 ohm); 300mWx2 (600 ohm)
• S/N ratio: Transistor - 96dB; Tube - 90dB
• Output Voltage: 2000mV
• Dynamic Range: 117 dB
• Power supply: 115/230V, 60/50Hz selectable
• Size: 26cm Width x 17cm Depth x 5.5cm Height
• Net weight: 2kg (detachable standard IEC power cord included)
• Color: silver or black - please specify at time of order

This product comes with one year parts and labor warranty from Grant Fidelity. 90 days on tube. 

Note: If you need us to modify the unit from default DAC setting to preamp setting, please add US$25.00 to your order, or you can simply do it yourself as per instruction below. 

The single most asked question: What is the grease looking stuff on the DAC case when I first open my package? 

Answer: It is protective wax applied for storage (the factory is located in the quite humid part of China) and sea shipping in case salty air gets into the package to cause rust or erosion. You can use a soft cloth to wipe it then the unit becomes shiny - overtime the wax will disappear (like car wax). 

Got a Question about this product? 

ask Ian by email