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.

lowrider57
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.
Stretch your budget just a little for a used Pavane. You can later upgrade if you feel the need.  The base model is much better than the Hex and their Level 3 (run through a very good preamp) beat their highly rated Adagio head-to-head, for my tastes, in my system - although the Adagio was very good and other listeners may have called it differently.
I bought a Dodson D 217 mk. II d with 218 software upgrade and used it happily for over a decade. However, one of my system goals has always been to achieve ultimate transparency without crossing over the line into harshness. So when the Hex came out I decide to give NOS a shot and pulled the trigger and I do have to admit, the filterless approach does come off as a bit more organic and the micro shadings/information are more cleanly and decipherably presented. Then the Pavane reared its ugly head and after much deliberation and gnashing of teeth, I decided to take the plunge. It is MARGINALLY better but the sweet spot for the money is most certainly the Hex in my book. And I paid $3800 for my Hex brand new so at $1500, I'd be all over the one you're currently eyeing up.

I listen to redbook CD 100%.

Best of luck to you, whatever your decision.