For some time, once in a while, I lust over every chance of getting an Audio Note DAC 1.1x/II, that is when some mint condition specimen appears on the used market. The feedback I get from AN users mirrors my expectations from a dac, for a natural and true-to-life presentation of the recorded music. The prices of new AN gear went up considerably in these last years and also it is a pity that the affordable ANK kits dac’s are so expensive to import when in Europe. But there are other interesting DAC’s with tubes in the output stage, like: - Lab12 Dac 1 reference - Border Patrol Dac SE-i - MHDT Atlantis ou Pagoda - Line Magnetic LM-32 - Canor Audio Dac 2.10 - Eastern Electric Minimax Tube Dac Plus - Black Ice Glass FX Tube - Synthesis Roma 69DC Dac - Primaluna Evo 100 Dac - iFi Pro i-DSD Signature - Pro-ject Dac Box RS 2 - Lector Audio Dot-Bit pure dsd - Doge 7 MkII (direct import from China) In this lot the ones that interest me are the: - minimal DACs like the Audio Note, Border Patrol and the LAB12 (my favorites) - full spec DAC’s like the Line Magnetic and the Canor Audio, with more options of connection and changeable filters. But in the end is the AN that probably the one I end up with, also for admiration for the brand and excellent customer service. Any users out there with good affordable tube dac’s?
The Border Patrol SE-i DAC does not have a tube in the output stage. The tube in the BP DAC is in the power supply. I had this DAC and ended up selling it within the first few months as it was no better than the DAC in my CD player.
One minor clarification I don't believe the Border Patrol tube is in the output stage. I've had the Jolida Glass Dac on loan and with tube rolling it sounds quite nice for the price very musical not super transparent but you don't miss it. Edit: @rockin_since_58 beat me to it on the BP Dac.
Your profile lists the Rogue RPM-1, which is quite a nice tube pre amp. What do you gain by adding a tube DAC?
I really like the LAB 12 DAC 1 Reference. I have until June to trade it in toward something twice the price. It sounds so good in my system I think I’m just going to keep on enjoying it . It has two 6922 and it sounds great with the stock EH 6922. I like it much better than my RME adi2 which is a nice DAC but the LAB 12 has weight and more meat on the bones. It’s got a great midrange and sweet extended highs. It just plain sounds good.
I do have the Rogue RP-1 pre-amp but also more amplifiers do play with. Also I think that a tube dac could be beneficial with the Rogue because it doesn’t have the typical tube sound.
Though a bit older now, the EE Minimax is probably still a very good dac. It was well reviewed when released in 2010. For my needs this is all I'd need.
I've read some nice comments about the Musical Paradise MP-D2 MK3 Deluxe. Interesting options (i.e. user swappable DAC chip modules). Price, when in-stock, looks pretty reasonable. MP-D2 MK3 DELUXE ES9038PRO AK4497 AK4490 TUBE DAC
You may want look for a used Sonic Frontiers DAC. Much better than most modern DACs. Natural and analog sounding, dynamic, and big soundstage. Most use the famous Ultra Analog D20400A DAC modules and the PMD100 or PMD200 HDCD chips. They are still serviced and improved by Chris Johnson at Parts Connexion (the owner of Sonic Frontiers back in the day). Of course, they don't have USB or hi-res but that can be dealt with. SFD1, MkII SFD2 SFD, MkIII SFD, MkIII (uses PCM1704 chips and does 24/96) Processor 3
Another vote for the Sonic Frontiers DACs. 30 yrs later they're still worthwhile, and affordable on the used market. Especially for someone that values musicality over hyper-detail.
Depending on your budget, Totaldac make three versions: D1-Tube, D1-Tube Mk2, D1-Tube Mk3. The only difference is one dac ladder per channel on the base version, Mk2 has two dac ladders per channel and the Mk3 has (you guessed it) three dac ladders per channel for a total of six dac ladders. Wonderful dacs each.
I didn’t mentioned it on my list because unfortunately it was discontinued. It must be a great piece full of upgrade possibilities
Although I love Sonic Frontiers stuff (I had a Line 2 preamp) I only consider new products, with the exception of the Audio Note and the LAB12, both easily serviceable in Europe. Also I prefer a less complex design now. My Parasound D/AC1100 HD looks busy enough and costly to service if needed.
