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Thread: Tube DAC Recommendations
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June 20, 2021, 09:14 PM #1
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Tube DAC Recommendations
I am looking for recommendations for a good tube DAC. I will put a $3K cap on it for now.
Thanks.
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June 20, 2021, 09:23 PM #2
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
Audio Mirror Tubador SE, MHDT Orchid, Musical Paradise MP-D2 Mk III and Lampizator Amber III come to mine. I have owned two versions of the Musical Paradise. It can be ordered with either AKM or ESS chipsets and is tube regulated with user replaceable capacitors so you can roll capacitors, rectifiers and input tubes.
Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
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June 21, 2021, 12:29 AM #3
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
The latest Tubadour III SE is a great bang for the buck. Manufacturer is in Minnesota and Vlad, the owner, offers excellent customer service. I sent mine back as an RCA input jack was wonky. He replaced both input jacks free of charge and while the DAC was there, upgraded the USB input without my even asking. Listened to mine today; highly recommended!
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June 21, 2021, 07:54 AM #4
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
cary has a tube dac the dac-200ts that can switch between tube and ss.
Aurender > Weiss > Audio Research > SoundField
Oppo > Lexicon > Hegel > SoundField
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June 21, 2021, 11:22 AM #5
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
Thanks for the recommendations. I will research every one. The list is shorter than I expected so I will raise my bar to $4,999.
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March 7, 2022, 10:22 PM #6
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
Raising to $4999 gets you a much bigger list to choose from. Just throwing this out there, $4999 can get you a very nice single box player that could out perform a two box setup. I really like single box players as it is easier to know what voicing you are getting.
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March 8, 2022, 03:47 AM #7
Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
Lampizator Amber 3. Approx. $4300.
Ĥѱ = 𝐸ѱ
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March 8, 2022, 05:40 AM #8
Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
I would second Lampizator Amber III. Lampi has a great policy of making new upgrades available every 2-3 years and generous trade ins (towards more expensive models).
Adam
Speakers: Magico M3
Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer
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March 11, 2022, 12:53 PM #9
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
Let us know what you decide, we like to spend money that is not ours.
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March 11, 2022, 03:03 PM #10
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
Thanks for the suggestions. Still a work in progress. I am lining up DACs to audition in my system. I do not need a DAC. Some of my equipment has internal DACs. If I can't better them significantly there is no reason to spend the money. Still, I have optimism that an external DAC will prove worthwhile.
Contributor to stereotimes.com
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March 11, 2022, 04:36 PM #11
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
And if you can stretch a bit, the Lampi Baltic3 gets my recommendation.
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March 12, 2022, 01:18 PM #12
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
+1 on the Lampi DACs. I had the Amber 3 a couple of years ago and it would be hard to beat in your price range.
On the other hand, I just bought the Baltic 3 and it is on another level. As Devg says above, if you can dig a little deeper into your budget and get a Baltic 3, I think you'd be thrilled with it. I compared the Baltic 3 to the internal DAC in the Boulder 866 and much preferred the B3, for whatever that may be worth.
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March 12, 2022, 01:35 PM #13
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
I have a Lampizator Big 7 and see no reason to change. You can pick one up for under $5k. I love how one can change the flavor by switching direct heated triodes in and out. I’ve assembled quite a collection of DHTs. Of particular note are the fabulous sounding antique triodes like the 01a, 112a and 71’s. You can pick up a pair of those for well under $100 on the auction site and they sound every bit as good as the 45, 300b, 2a3 etc. Given what I have amassed in my collection of triode tubes, including the Lampizator Edition 45 EML, which can’t be used in most other Lampizator models, I’ll be happily living with my Big 7 for quite a while. Highly recommended!
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March 12, 2022, 05:13 PM #14
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
Another one that is getting some vibe in the $3-4k price range is the Musetec MH-DA005. The internals seems to use some quality parts and a clutter free design. I haven't had the chance to hear it but its being compared to far pricier dacs, like Mola Mola, Holo May, etc.
MH-DA005
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July 26, 2022, 01:35 AM #15
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Re: Tube DAC Recommendations
I just picked up the LAB 12 DAC 1 Reference. It's a NON OS dac with a pair of 6922 in the output. I am really enjoying this DAC , it is a lot better than the RME dac it replaced in that it is super smooth and has zero listening fatigue. At around $3k it is worthy of audition. This DAC definitely has a unique presentation so I only recommend if you can listen before committing as I did. Great bottom end without being obtrusive, beautiful midrange and sweet highs . Build quality is better than most in this price range. It is really solid , high quality.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
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