Seeking Advice on NOS DAC


Looking to purchase an NOS DAC, budget is $1500.
Currently available for sale are:

- Metrum Acoustics Hex digital converter  (used)
- Metrum Acoustics Amethyst DAC       (new)
- Acoustic Plan Digimaster Tube DAC     (used)
This is a German-built NOS, 24-bit R-2R resistor ladder network, PCM1704U-K converter with 4 tube EC 86 triode outputs.
- HOLO Audio Spring DAC – LEVEL 2    (new, but over my budget of $1500)

My primary listening is via the PS Audio PWT, while music files on my Mac are steadily increasing. I’m thinking NOS due to my large collection of Redbook CD's.

So, any experience or comments on which way to proceed is appreciated.

128x128lowrider57
Low- I haven't heard the Border Patrol, but it checks the right boxes, tube in the power supply and the more robust version with one output of your choice is below your budget. I was also looking at some of the Audio Note Kits, but the Border Patrol may do the trick. No way to listen to it, though, unless you find an owner. 
Thanks guys, both DAC's look interesting. And @whart  , the Border Patrol does "check the right boxes."

@jond ... Enjoy the Music gave the DAC2.1 Signature a  phenomenal review. It looks like everything I could ask for in a DAC.
My only issue is the review is from 2005. So I'll ask you, what type of questions should I ask the seller/dealer?
Condition of caps and the tube circuits come to mind. Also, there is no USB input.

Oh, wait a minute. I just saw a pic of the DAC2.1 and it only has balanced-outputs. My system is SE tubes and I don't know if I want to use XLR adapters.

Don’t know if you’ve heard of or thought of MHDT Labs, but I have their Balanced Pagoda, and it sounds amazing. Particularly with good tubes.

I too and a big fan of the NOS sound, after having had a Scott Nixon DAC for a long while.

I highly recommend the Pagoda. 
@lowrider57 AN dacs of that vintage don’t have USB inputs, mine doesn’t I use coax. You could of course get a usb/spdif converter. As far as questions I wouldn’t stress too much about caps my DAC is Circa 1995 and still going strong. It’s a pretty low stress environment in terms of the output stage. perhaps ask for some interior pics? I don’t think there’s much to worry about AN has fantastic interior build quality.