Tube DAC with solid state pre and solid state amp

Hi Pgawan2b

I too have the EE Minimax DAC and I run it through the tube output stage. In my system when I switch to the Minimax to the solid state DAC the gain is a little less and the mids seem more dull sounding. My preference is for the tube DAC output. I haven't tried the Solid State option without the tube as removing the tube from the EE is a pain in the but for me. That and I bought it because I wanted a Tube DAC and it fit my budget.

Actually, isnt the request of the OP to peple who have TUBE Dacs and SS amplification?

Its not about tube vs SS Dacs or tube vs opamps in the same Dac.

The EE DAC can output both tube or SS, so it is possible to compare the two with SS amplification. I prefer the tubed output and have experimented with several different tubes. No one can really say what your system would sound like. It works.......for me.

Using a Boulder 1060 amp with a Pass XP-20. Going to sell the Pass and get a Boulder pre. The 2010 runs circles around the 1010 but those circles are $$$. Oppo 105 as source. Might have it modded to remove the need for a DAC? I have never used a DAC but I am leaning toward an Audio Note 3.1 kit heavily modded by Ben at High End Audio Repair.

I'm thinking to get Lab 12 Reference DAC (tube) to pair with Solid State Amplifier (Yamaha A-S1200) to drive Dali Rubicon 2. Would it be appropriate ? Kindly advise.