What's the best Tube DAC you have heard?


Hi,

Just like input for my next system upgrade. In attempt to add the tube magic back into my system which currently isn't friendly for tube amps. I'm thinking of adding that magic in the other end of the chain at the source. I do mostly computer served music these days...~40,000+ songs in my server.

I do still spin a record or two here and there, but been relying on my computer/Linn Majik more and more. I'm thinking of switching to a combo of Musical Fidelity V-link async USB -to-S/PDIF and I'll tie that to a good tube DAC.

So would like folks guidance, I've been leaning Audio Note and Audio Research....

Gerald
geraldedison
I have been using a VAC DAC 2 Mk 2 for many years----done a lot of A/B with other digital gear---the VAC remains-----I also own an Audio Logic 34 which is very close to the VAC (same person designed both, Jerry Ozment)
Not all of my list has tubes but here are my favs....Museatex Bidat, Audiomeca Enkianthus (1st gen and X model), Camelot Uther Mk 4, Kora Hermes (if modded), Audio Aero Capitole (has digital in, so can be used as a DAC), Check out the TADAC..a real sleeper and very flexible with tube rolling. EAD 9000 Mk 3 (whatever was the last version). The Berkeley is quite good.
Mofimadness, I can understand why you would be enjoying it; you have a lovely combo of opamps and tube with the Minimax.

Out of curiosity which transport and cabling are you using?

Doug,

I owe my op-amp combo to you and your hard work in rolling for the article in Dagogo! I'm a Mullard man, so that's my tube of choice.

I have a CEC TL-2 transport and Grover Huffman digital cable and analog cable.
Hey mofimadness, where did you get your op amps? Those are the same ones I am going to get. I've also noticed that many times there is an extra letter designation following the numbers you give for the op amps...do you know what those numbers/letters indicate? Thanks.