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Birthday DAC

Hi all,

I have been asked by a family member to help choose a new DAC as a birthday gift. ( wish my wife was as generous ).  My sister in law is looking for an R2R Dac; preferably tube based.  The only kicker is she wants a smaller size.  Her price range 3-5 thousand dollars. I haven't been down this rabbit hole for a while and wonder if there are any suggestions I could share with her.

Thanks !

rivinyl
noodlyarm
106 posts
 

+1 for the Audio Mirror Tubadour SE DAC.   Version III and IV are both outstanding.   Tube NOS R2R DAC.   I love mine.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,993 posts
 

Too bad size is a factor.  LAB 12 DAC 1 Reference is a great sounding DAC.   In June I can trade mine up for a DAC  twice the cost but it sounds so good I think I'm keeping it.     Great sounding DAC. 

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
590 posts
 

You just described, to a tee.......The Audio Mirror Tubadour SE....A FANTASTIC and Musical Tube based..R2R .zero feedback...$3500 smallish piece of Magic. I Love Mine !

headphonedreams
529 posts
 

It may limit the selection if it has to be small and tube based. I guess the form factor is more important and will just give some ideas of smaller dac's.

M2Tech Young MkIV

Chird Hugo 2 or Qutest

Hugo TT2

IFi Pro DSD

Nuprime AMG

ronboco
858 posts
 

@jerryg123 

HaHa! Just watched that movie last night! 

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