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Please recommend a budget tube dac

Hi,

I just switched to a great solid-state integrated, but I want to regain that rich tube sound, to the extent that I can on my CDs. In addition, I am starting to delve into computer audio.

Right now I have a Music Hall CDP 25.2. I guess I could sell it, and get the Music Hall Dac and set it up with an old cd player with an optical out, and via my computer on the USB port.

Are there any options?

Thanks -- Marty
martyw
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Pick up a Monarchy M-24...it's a tube preamp, and a tube DAC (you don't have to use the preamp if you don't want to)....around $700 used,

The preamp section is very good, and the DAC is outstanding.

If you use the preamp...you can sell the one you have now...that makes the cost very low.

Dave
musicman07
126 posts
 
Paradisea+ is probably about the least expensive tube DAC around. I have one it did the job quite well. I've now upgraded to the PreDAC which is so very impressive though over budget for you.

The M-24 mentioned is also a very good deal.
musicman07
126 posts
 
Meant to say "so far very impressive"... as that reads a tad too glowing a review for my liking.
keroo1099
35 posts
 
If you like the CD 25.2, then I highly recommend the DAC 25.2. It has the same sound, just better.

The stock unit was good, but I tweaked it by replacing the op-amps with OPA-627 from partsconnexion, and replacing the stock feet with 3 spikes. The new op-amps made it more musical, and the spikes cleared up a slight haze/peakiness.
bwp
114 posts
 
Grant Fidelity has a new tube dac, pretty cheap and may be worth a shot. They do have a free in home trial so you can always send it back. Limited reviews so far which can be a good thing, clean slate so to speak.
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