Dodson 218 vs. Accustic Arts Tube Dac II.

How much is this Accustic Arts Tube DAC II? I can't find its pricing anywhere. Does it sound as good as Audio Research Reference CD7?

Have any of you listened to the Playback Designs? I've heard that it is one of the best too.

I have the original 218 (didn't even know the Palladium came out), use it every day for CD, DVD, iPod (through Wadia iTransport) and it is a superb DAC. Haven't heard the AA, but I have found nothing about the Dodson to be dissatisfied with, which is saying a lot for an obsessive audiophile. Just because the AA design may be newer does not mean it is better -- or not better.

Neal

Viper

The AA is $11k.

Tabl10s

If you're still pondering the choice between Dodson 218 and Accustic Arts DAC II, you might want to read this thread that started yesterday in the Misc Audio forum:

http://www1.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ymisc&1219175000

Jeff Smith of Silversmith Audio in the San Diego area will service Dodson 217 and 218 DACs without regard to where they were bought. I know, because he did work on my 217 MKII that was bought on Audiogon from a professional re-seller. Jeff never asked where I bought it.