Paradisea owners

Thanks Marco. I appreciate the info.

I had a Constantine, which is just the Paradisea without the tube buffer (it's NOT a tubed output). It was the most musical DAC I'd heard and I kept it over several much more expensive DACs and CDPs.

Then I bought a used Audio Note Kits DAC 1.1 here for $750. It was just as musical as the MHDT unit but with far better micro and macro dynamics and far greater nuance. The MHDT models are wonderful to listen to, but the AN DAC was just as musical but drew me in to a greater degree.

I've since built the Audio Note Kits DAC 2.1C Sig (the top model) and this is certainly the best digital I've had/heard.

Thanks to all who responded.

That's encouraging to hear about the Audio Note kits. I like the DIY, NOS, and tube aspects. It's something to consider.

I've heard about the Monarchy NM-24, but never knew it could toggle between tube and SS. How do the modes compare to each other? I also have to wonder how it compares to the Paradisea, but I don't expect anyone to answer that for me.

The Wavelength looks interesting. I'll have to read up on it.

Tvad, can you please tell me the rule of thumb for the best impedance match? There must be an optimal ratio.