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Seeking Advice on NOS DAC

Looking to purchase an NOS DAC, budget is $1500.
Currently available for sale are:

- Metrum Acoustics Hex digital converter  (used)
- Metrum Acoustics Amethyst DAC       (new)
- Acoustic Plan Digimaster Tube DAC     (used)
This is a German-built NOS, 24-bit R-2R resistor ladder network, PCM1704U-K converter with 4 tube EC 86 triode outputs.
- HOLO Audio Spring DAC – LEVEL 2    (new, but over my budget of $1500)

My primary listening is via the PS Audio PWT, while music files on my Mac are steadily increasing. I’m thinking NOS due to my large collection of Redbook CD's.

So, any experience or comments on which way to proceed is appreciated.

128x128lowrider57
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Thanks, @jond . I will certainly start reading about this DAC.
boxer12
1,703 posts
 
I don't have a lot of experience with DAC's but recently purchased an audio alchemy DDP-1 with the optional power supply. It's exceptional with redbooks, which is about all I own. The preamp section itself is also very good (it replaced a Melos 222 & betters it in every way) & has analog inputs. Audio Advisor is selling these currently for $1500. If you have time, check out the review from absolute sound.  
whart's avatar
whart
1,930 posts
 
Low- I haven't heard the Border Patrol, but it checks the right boxes, tube in the power supply and the more robust version with one output of your choice is below your budget. I was also looking at some of the Audio Note Kits, but the Border Patrol may do the trick. No way to listen to it, though, unless you find an owner. 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Thanks guys, both DAC's look interesting. And @whart  , the Border Patrol does "check the right boxes."

@jond ... Enjoy the Music gave the DAC2.1 Signature a  phenomenal review. It looks like everything I could ask for in a DAC.
My only issue is the review is from 2005. So I'll ask you, what type of questions should I ask the seller/dealer?
Condition of caps and the tube circuits come to mind. Also, there is no USB input.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Oh, wait a minute. I just saw a pic of the DAC2.1 and it only has balanced-outputs. My system is SE tubes and I don't know if I want to use XLR adapters.

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