Favorite High-Resolution Tube DAC?

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.

The Horning Sati uses AD1865 chip, which max out at 18-bit. So it won't really do high rez and may not fit your bill.

Have not heard about the TRON. Any good?