Favorite High-Resolution Tube DAC?

Possible solutions;

New:
Lampizator v3 Level 3
APL DAC-S (stretching budget @ $4950)

Used:
3 Dimension Audio 18se (no hi-rez)
Exemplar Extant (no hi-rez)

The used DAC's would be an inexpensive trial into tube DAC's. I don't want to jump on the Lampizator band-wagon solely because of the excitement but it seems to be the real deal based on feedback from an audiophile acquaintance whose opinion I trust as well as many others who have replaced some very highly regarded DAC's.

Pkubica: The DAC would feed a Thoress F2A11 integrated. Reimyo DAP-777 is SS so I think a tube DAC is in order if I want to take it up a level or two. This sentiment is also shared by the audiophile acquaintance who uses and prefers tube pre/amps and DAC's.

If you're willing to go $4950 for the APL DAC-S, what about the Berkeley Audio Alpha DAC (made in the USA) for $5000? It will play anything from 44.1/16 up to 192/24 files, whether they be broadcast wave (BWAV), WAV or FLAC. It can also play HDCD-encoded files. In early April, Berkeley Audio will release their new USB>AES/EBU converter made to work in tandem with the Alpha DAC.

I haven't heard the Alpha DAC. I just offer it as an option at the $5000 price point.

I'm in the market for the same thing as yourself, and I'm considering both these DACs.

I believe Sakahara is looking for a "tube" DAC. APL DAC-S while looks fantastic (have not heard) but I believe the DAC is not a tube design. For the same performance level, Lampizator Level 4 with 4 output tubes in balance configuration plus a 5th tube rectifier dual diode power supply is the one to audition. Problem is there are not enough dealers and you may need quite a bit of a "leap of faith".

The new Aesthetix Pandora DAC also has balanced tube output stage and can do 24/192. However, that's $5,000.

03-12-11: Sirotseta
I believe Sakahara is looking for a "tube" DAC.

Yes, that was mentioned in the original post.

However, he stated on 3/11/11:

03-11-11: Sakahara
Possible solutions;

New:
Lampizator v3 Level 3
APL DAC-S (stretching budget @ $4950)

Which indicates he has either changed his mind about restricting his choices to tube DACs, since the APL DAC-S is solid state, or he didn't realize the APL DAC is solid state. If it's the former, then the Berkeley Audio Alpha is a valid option to the APL DAC-S.

Scratch the APL DAC-S. I do want a tube DAC. I was confused with other DAC's being researched, thought it was tube design.

Also interested in TRON Seven DAC. Waiting on price. Would have loved to try the Horning Sati but way up there ($15K?). Designed with DAD.