Hi, Analogkid, I'll answer your questions in the order you asked them:
1) I have heard both the Reimyo CDP and the first generation DAC. I would put them into the type 2 flavor without having the microdynamics/clarity of the AA Tube Hybrid, which has great extension/dynamics and very natural timbres without the loss of dynamics of other tube DACS. Remember the AA does not use the tubes in the analog conversion stage, but upstream in the digital process.
2) I have never heard the Ref7 in my system, but have heard it in a system I was not very pleased with, so I really can't give you a very objective viewpoint regarding it's performance compared with the AA DAC.
3) The Accustic Arts DAC MK3 does not use tubes, and when I auditioned the Reimyo vs the MK3 I purchased the AA, still liking its overall sonics compared with the Reimyo DAC.
Hope this helps.
1) I have heard both the Reimyo CDP and the first generation DAC. I would put them into the type 2 flavor without having the microdynamics/clarity of the AA Tube Hybrid, which has great extension/dynamics and very natural timbres without the loss of dynamics of other tube DACS. Remember the AA does not use the tubes in the analog conversion stage, but upstream in the digital process.
2) I have never heard the Ref7 in my system, but have heard it in a system I was not very pleased with, so I really can't give you a very objective viewpoint regarding it's performance compared with the AA DAC.
3) The Accustic Arts DAC MK3 does not use tubes, and when I auditioned the Reimyo vs the MK3 I purchased the AA, still liking its overall sonics compared with the Reimyo DAC.
Hope this helps.