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The best cost no object tube DAC

Hi agoners,

I just upgraded my system from Mcintosh MC75+C22 amp/pre to Accuphase A-250 monoblocks with C-3900 (right now still using pre function from a loaner E-650 while waiting for C-3900 to arrive). Source is Kuzma XL DC for analog and Cary DMS-600 for digital (Used to be dCS Bartok but I didn’t like it for the price compared to my dirt cheap Cary DMS-600 which I bought pre owned).


The sound quality is night and day difference between my previous setup and the latest one, I have no regret at all as Accuphase is the only SS brand that can tickle my fancy and made me a convert from tube to SS. However, I have to admit that I still miss some tube signature on my music, particularly in the mid range department. I originally wanted to use tube preamp instead of Accuphase C-3900 but I didn’t want to take a risk at this price level of equipment and ultimately decided to just stick with one brand in the power and control department, I also want DG-68 in the future, an ultra high end digital voicing equalizer from Accuphase and it’s full functionality is only possible with Accuphase to Accuphase combo.


The big question is, if I really want to add a bit of tube sound properties on my system, does it make sense to do it from the source? In this case the DAC? If that will work, what would be the best tube based DAC at cost no object level and is Roon Ready? I considered Lampizator but have no detailed informations about it. The website is a bit confusing to me.


Thanks in advance for any advice 🙏
uwiikz
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,429 posts
 
@uwiikz,

Please don’t use a Mac mini with Lampizator DAC...that’s like putting a Corolla engine in Ferrari. And yes, the quality of streamer / server just as important as DAC.

With your Accuphase gear, I would recommend that you audition Lampizator Pacific and EMM Labs DA2. DA2 is SS but it is one of best DAC’s currently available and synergy with Accuphase is impeccable. I can say unequivocally that my digital competes favorably with my Analog rig (SME 15A-V with Hana Umami Red cart).  
https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8046
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 
Lampizator makes awesome DACs.  I have a few customers running them and they love how musical they are.  The stock tubes stink so assume you are going to need to replace those to get the most out of it.  This is a bit below what I would define as "cost no object".   

Regarding Roon, it has two parts.  Roon Server and Roon Player.  If a DAC is "Roon Ready" it is equipped with Roon Player software and serves as a renderer.  It is always best to have those two things happen on separate devices.  This is the approach taken by Antipodes with its servers and players though the player is unnecessary if you have a good Roon ready DAC.  Off hand, I can't think of a tube DAC that is Roon ready.  

To go beyond Lampizator, check out Jadis.  The JS1 MkV is insanely good and is based around the AKM 4197 chip which is used in many of the worlds best DACs.  Gorgeous in terms of aesthetics, and it sounds better than it looks.  

Another alternative would be the Ypsillon NOS DAC.  This is one of the most natural sounding DACs in the world and uses a very interesting approach.  

Either of these is going to give you insanely good sound and naturally would be best paired with something like an Antipodes K50.  PM me if you are interested in either as an alternative to Lampizator.  
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,582 posts
 
Cost no object I would by a used Dave and the balanced TBP.V1.   
Just me.
taylor02
12 posts
 
I don’t claim it’s the best but it’s one of the best: Nagra Classic Tube Dac.
corente
28 posts
 
uwiikz: I own a Lampizator Golden Atlantic since two years. I am very, very happy with it, it is musical and detailed. I mainly listen to classical music and it is fantastic, with it and with all other ones.
I sincerely recommend it.
Regarding your requirements and as you do not have any problem with cost, the Lampizator flagship model: Pacific is Roon ready or Roon bridge or the way that you want to call it and offers WiFi and Ethernet connectivity.
They offer a 7 days trial period although I do not know if this is worldwide.
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