New DAC recommendation $1K, hopefully tube.


I currently use a Benchmark DAC1 and really like it. With a new iMac on the way, the DAC1 will be used for headphone duty only on my desk.

So now I need a new DAC for the Krell/Focal system. I'm open to any suggestions following these guidlines:

1. Prefer tube as I'd like to see what they offer.
2. Less than $1K.
3. Prefer balanced outputs, but not necessary.
4. Multiple digital inputs.
5. Excellent jitter reduction for Airport Express.

Thank you,
gherrera1
gherrera1
This is an old thread, but I have both a Paradisea (Havanna's little older brother) and TAD's PreDAC. Couple of cheap components modified and stuck together, but sounds great.
i'd like to sell my Havana DAC, over the period i had invested around 4 tubes, so you will be able to tune the sound a bit with the extra tubes, e-mail me if you are interested, oh and i'm selling because i bought a cdp with digital in which helps to downsize.
In terms of naturalness of timbre, Havana is as good as my esoteric.