I've read the entire thread and am very interested. My CDP died and I'm thinking about getting a CEC TL5 and an Orchid. I have mild tinnitus and I've been out of audio for a while as a result, but getting back in. This sounds like the DAC for me since I prefer warmth over neutrality and my collection has tons of poorly recorded discs that have sounded less than stellar on some high end systems I've heard. I'm more interested in music than "resolution." A few questions:
1. How long to get from the US distributor? Wondering if they have stock or if we're waiting on international mail. Which might be a problem at this time.
2. Where are people getting the tubes? Previously, I had bought tubes from Upscale Audio but I don't see the Western Electric there.
3. Should I get the Tung Sol upgraded one MHDT offers? Though that would be less interesting to me if it slowed down shipping.
4. As someone who would be listed in the "do not let near a soldering iron" class of individuals, is there someone that does the mods?
5. I listen to mostly rock, punk, alternative and a fair amount of jazz and classical. Wondering if it can keep the rhythm of rock music. Don't want something too 'polite' if that makes any sense.
Thanks in advance.