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Tube DAC, be gentle first time

I am thinking of adding a DAC to my system. I would like it to be a tube DAC since I have over the years been going back to an all tube system. I will be streaming from my Sonos to a Cary SLP98 feeding a CJ MV60SE. I need to keep the budget under $1000, and it would be better if closer to $500 for this first time purchase. I would like to buy used.
Questions:
Is this an upgrade or just a sideways move at this price range?

Any product recommendations, please be a specific as possible?

Thanks,
Doug
keep_lookingup
ton1313
272 posts
 
Another nod for the MHDT.
keep_lookingup OP
5 posts
 
What about an Audionote?
I think I can get one on my budget.
Doug
arh
366 posts
 
Which Audionote are you talking about?
Alan
keep_lookingup OP
5 posts
 
There is a DAC 1 for sale now ($1000), but I am open to any suggestions. I am not in any hurry.
Doug
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Don't take this as critical, it's simply my take. I think you need to look beyond the vacuum tube. I use tubed pre, phono, and mono blocks.

In the DAC world some might say the analogy of solid state and tubed is sampling and non over sampling or NOS, and like everything else not all NOS DACs are the same.

IMO some of the latest DAC designs at all price points are becoming more analog like in their presentation. I would stay away from older designs like the plague.

The key is in doing your own research here, AA, and The Computer Audiophile.

Recently DSD capable DACs capable of high (24/348?) are coming into their own. I know you don't see any practical need for DSD but they seem inherent with other sonic virtues. Mytech comes to mind.

Good luck with it.
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