Tubed DAC w Balanced Out & Volume Control

ZD... I agree. I'm not limited to a tubed preamp/DAC, although I am limited to balanced because I hear that the NCORE amps do better driven balanced. I am definitely going to try the Benchmark, because I hear that they are no longer so analytical as their early iterations, and are much more musical. Anyone else know the Benchmark?

What I am looking for is a slightly more forward midrange, but warm, and the type of spaciousness typically associated with tubes. But I'll take it however I can get it. More suggestions?

Sorry, I didn't mean to be too negative in my last post. There's just been a run of questions lately treating components like they're generic items. "Should I get a stereo amp or monos?, bipolar or mosfet's?". Things like that.

Anyway, back to your DAC. I can't see you going wrong with the Aesthetix I mentioned, or possibly the Cary. (I haven't heard that model dac, but I have heard several other digital products from Cary and liked them very much). I don't know what your budget is, but if you're willing to go SS, you have a lot more options. A good used Wadia 27 or DCS Elgar are both excellent choices. I know there's other great dacs out there, but I try to recommend stuff I've used and know fairly well.

Thanks ZD. My budget is around $2k, hopefully used. Thia is for a simple bedroom system, and I don't want to go overboard on it. On the other hand, I'm semi-embarassed to say that it consitutes about half my listening.

I'd like to have several inputs. Sources include: airport express optical (with possible reclocker), sqeezebox (coax or optical), Fiio X5 player (coax). I don't think I need USB, but you never know. The W4Sound has all the features I need, I am just wanting to improve the sonics as described. As mine is the original version, one option is the SE version (with or without the FEMTO clock). I will check out the Wadia and the DCS, though I imagine the DCS will be too expensive. Small footprint is also a big plus, as this is a bedroom system.