What's the best Tube DAC you have heard?


Hi,

Just like input for my next system upgrade. In attempt to add the tube magic back into my system which currently isn't friendly for tube amps. I'm thinking of adding that magic in the other end of the chain at the source. I do mostly computer served music these days...~40,000+ songs in my server.

I do still spin a record or two here and there, but been relying on my computer/Linn Majik more and more. I'm thinking of switching to a combo of Musical Fidelity V-link async USB -to-S/PDIF and I'll tie that to a good tube DAC.

So would like folks guidance, I've been leaning Audio Note and Audio Research....

Gerald
geraldedison
Used ARC DAC-3 MKII or Audio Note zero oversampling units are hard to beat for the price.
The Eastern Electric Minimax DAC with some op-amp rolling is INCREDIBLE! I finally bought one to try and it's frickin' amazing.

OPA2604 in the U1 & U2 positions and the AD797B in the U6 & U7 positions for op-amps with a Mullard CV4003 tube...WOW!!!

Probably the best digital I have ever heard and I've owned a lot of DACs.
Mofimadness,

Can you share more about the other dac's you've tried out that you feel the Minimax Dac beat out in your experience; thanks.

Gerald