Dodson 218 vs. Accustic Arts Tube Dac II.

Teajay

Are you referring to the 217(various iterations reviewed) or the 218 which is much newer and hasn't been reviewed AFAIK? Maybe Philnyc can chime in.

Tabl10s - I have the dodson 218 palladium and consider it very good but have not heard the Accustic Arts, Jeffrey Smith said the palladium was a step up from the previous 218 but there has been no reviews or web chat re this unit - It would be intersting to hear from anyone else who has one
Cheers

How much is this Accustic Arts Tube DAC II? I can't find its pricing anywhere. Does it sound as good as Audio Research Reference CD7?

Have any of you listened to the Playback Designs? I've heard that it is one of the best too.

I have the original 218 (didn't even know the Palladium came out), use it every day for CD, DVD, iPod (through Wadia iTransport) and it is a superb DAC. Haven't heard the AA, but I have found nothing about the Dodson to be dissatisfied with, which is saying a lot for an obsessive audiophile. Just because the AA design may be newer does not mean it is better -- or not better.

Neal