Pls recommend tube DAC

For years I've been happy with my California Audio Labs Alpha, which is available around $450 on the used market. With Sylvania 5751 tubes, I still think it's competitive with anything else at that price point.

Michael

I've been considering this myself...though I haven't tried one, you may want to look into the Tube Audio Design's TADAC. I have Paul's TAD150 pre & it's very nice...he has a good reputation. Paul has a try the DAC for 20 days & return it ($45 restocking) if it doesn't float you boat offer.

Monarchy M24. It's a tube DAC with a separate tube linestage in one chassis. I can't give you an indepth analysis, as I have limited experience with DACs and audio gear in general, but it has garnered very good reviews and I'm quite happy with it.

Go to the Monarchy site and read the Bound for Sound review if you're interested.

I use it as a preamp. The DAC has an optical and coaxial input, and the linestage has one (analog) RCA input. One for my Oppo, one for my Airport Express and one for my turntable.

OH.. the M24 is about $750.

I second the Paradisea. If you're patient, you'll find one come up on Agon for less than ebay.

I've heard nothing but good things about the Monarchy M24. As Elf73 points out, it can serve as a line stage too. Good article here:

Something Old, Something New: The Monarchy M24 DAC & Linestage by Lynn Olson