Best tube dac available?

i believe audio research makes a tube dac as well as amr. i am not sure of the model names.

regarding the zanden. i prefer the original zanden to the later versions. i find the original version more full bodied and more in keeping with the classic tube sound, but not to the extent of sounding syrupy , veiled or a significant loss of resolution.

Also worth checking out the Ayon Skylla. I have been using the CD5S which is the Skylla + CDPro2M

Just announced at CES: Audio Research Reference DAC which has the analog stages from a Reference 5 SE (itself using parts derived from the 40th Anniversary Edition). The Reference DAC is also a network connected media player, along with USB/SPDIF/AES inputs.

Hi Husk01,

refer to this thread, lots of great info

Reference DACS: An overall perspective
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1126769860

at the top of the digital thread page.

In the end you will need to try and compare in your own set-up for your self to see which you feel is your preference, we are talking some serious coin here.

I heard the Zanden one box CD player on a pair of wilson sashas at CES and it was flawless.

Hi Husk01,

Take a look at my review here on the GON on the Concert Fidelity DAC-040 for details why many of us that have hear the redbook DACS on your list think they were surpassed sonicly in the performance of this DAC.

There is no "BEST" in the world of highend audio, however the Concert Fidelity is a world class piece, Hope you put it on your audtion list.