Best EXTERNAL DAC suggestions

@captelee "Not many on this side of the fence care to research. But reading up on Audio Science review you can hear and learn comments from the guys (and gals) who design and build these things...past the pretty boxes."

Dacs fitting the "warm" description over there (or any of the dacs I’ve liked) usually get panned by them. And the dacs they show having the best specs, did not always sound as good or were as engaging to me. Been there and done that with their advice. I’ve found the only way to know is to try the dacs in your own room, system, and setup.Then listen close, over several weeks to get a better idea of what someone might prefer and enjoy more.

For my replacement tubes for the Rogue RP-1 , I got these on the way: 1957 Westinghouse 12AU7 PLATINUM+ GRADE Black Plate Tubes Matched Pair 95% NOS.

Any thoughts my good AUDIOGON friends?

I believe the CH-FI products have made great strides in the last couple of years, but still, I find my JDS Atom+ for all of $109 to still be a supurb DAC.  I really would like to hear an Aries II though.   I listen only to ripped CDs. ( JRiver, WASAPI/exclusive/asynchronous)

I have a Topping DX3pro+. It measures fantastic, but still has a little less than the JDS. I also have a Schiit Asgard with the new ESS DAC board, and it is a step back from the JDS but was a big step up from the original AKM board.  My specific sound I hear is the edgieness or sibilance of female vocals like Judy Collins and Joni Mitchel. They hit a few notes that unmask anything wrong.  I am an old guy, so all that top in air and depth stuff is lost on me if if it actually exists. 

@tony1954 if he buys the DAC I say he will be done buying dacs forever. Pay once cry once!

Moose89,

First congratulations on the pre-amp, that's a great start.

Second 12AU7 type tubes have gotten very expensive of late, my favorite are the Mullard NOS (not new production) or the NOS Amperex versions with gold pins....these will both be around $100 per tube, but are amazing tubes. NOS tubes will definitely give you the "warmth and soundstage" that you were referring to.

A very good 12UA7 tube is the NOS RCA "clear top" tubes which can be found under $40 and will be better than any new tube. Brent Jessee will carry a huge selection of 12AU7/6DJ8/and his reputation is perfect http://www.audiotubes.com/12au7.htm

Third if you do decide to go with a $1,000 DAC, I'd recommend looking at the Denafrips Ares 12th edition at $1,000.....not the Enyo/Ares II version for $870. It's definitely worth the extra $130; and is definitely on the "warmth and soundstage" side....and I'd add "fun" as well.