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Please recommend a budget tube dac

Hi,

I just switched to a great solid-state integrated, but I want to regain that rich tube sound, to the extent that I can on my CDs. In addition, I am starting to delve into computer audio.

Right now I have a Music Hall CDP 25.2. I guess I could sell it, and get the Music Hall Dac and set it up with an old cd player with an optical out, and via my computer on the USB port.

Are there any options?

Thanks -- Marty
martyw
musicman07
126 posts
 
Meant to say "so far very impressive"... as that reads a tad too glowing a review for my liking.
keroo1099
35 posts
 
If you like the CD 25.2, then I highly recommend the DAC 25.2. It has the same sound, just better.

The stock unit was good, but I tweaked it by replacing the op-amps with OPA-627 from partsconnexion, and replacing the stock feet with 3 spikes. The new op-amps made it more musical, and the spikes cleared up a slight haze/peakiness.
bwp
114 posts
 
Grant Fidelity has a new tube dac, pretty cheap and may be worth a shot. They do have a free in home trial so you can always send it back. Limited reviews so far which can be a good thing, clean slate so to speak.
mingles
775 posts
 
Another vote for the Paradisea. Very smooth with an excellent midrange.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
MHDT is great. I loved the Havana, and have heard great things about the Pardesia as well.
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