Looking for a tube (or tube sounding) DAC

Couldn’t disagree with George more there are dacs which can have a more liquid sound yes that may be coloration but many Audio systems will sound more engaging with a bit of coloration
The ultimate sound of the dac will hinge upon the type and design of the analog output stage

One if the best sounding dacs you can get is the Aqua hifi la Scala

https://www.aquahifi.com/la_scala.html

The Aqua is an r2r dac with a fpga stage which allows the dac to handle all high res files rhe Aqua is also 100 percent upgradable so as digital changes your dac can continue to improve

The lascala has a liquid midrange a huge soudstage and great resolution
It is a stunning achievement in digital the design and build quality is among the best you can find

https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/aqua3/1.html


Dave and troy
Audio intellect Nj
AQUA HIFI DEALERS

Maybe give a try to the metronome LaDac.very musical and warm

I don't want to twist your arm to spend about 1/5th of your budget, but the MHDT Orchid DAC sounds incredible with my Quicksilver tube gear, my Node streamer, and my Salk Speakers. I've matched it also with Atoll solid state gear. In all cases, it is clear without being edgy and always adds a third dimension to the imaging. There is no smudging of the image. It is available via MHDT on Ebay or via Linear Tube Audio, who are great to work with. That said, if I were to try another, from my research the Audio Mirror Tubador is at the top of my list.

sympathetic colorations and system synergies are the lifeblood of assembling beautiful sounding systems

we listen with our ears, for pleasure and to stir passion

'accuracy' and measurement geeks have always missed the central point of why this pursuit exists

The MHDT made my system sounds so much better