This spring, I'm planning on being in a position to spend some money on a significant upgrade. One consideration is a new digital source in the "not to exceed" $3K range. I'm currently using a Jolida JD 100 with RCA NOS tubes.
I'm open to both CDP's or transport/DAC options, and already assume I will get the most bang for my buck with a DAC/transport.
Mark Levinson 390S. I'm a very happy owner -- it has an integrated volume control, balance, phase, as well as digital inputs, so it can replace a preamp in an all digital system. It would be very difficult to get separates (DAC, transport, preamp) that would rival it at the used price.
Readers of this thread should disregard previous comparisons of the tube technology dac to Esoteric. I own the X-01 and the tube technology sounds slow, sluggish, and lethargic alongside it. In no way, shape, or form is the tube technology dac in the same league as the Estoeric.
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