Valab TDA1543 DAC VS MHDT Havana DAC

me too fell in love with NOS DAC, it's much more engaging, and it makes more sense to me as a musician myself, sometimes we can't help but anaylise the music but most of the time it's a lot more enjoyable focusing the passion on purely just music, nothing else.
I like the stock tube a lot actually, whatever I play just melts really, so smooth. Tungsol tube has more realism to the timbre, bigger soundstage as well.
It's interesting about Valab, i might just give it a try for its delicious price!

I will have to try some different tubes although the stock set-up is really nice. One of the reasons I am drawn to tubes is to be able to try a different 'flavor' when you get the itch. Is that the Tungsol 2C51 you are using or the 5670? Sounds like one to try - I've heard good things about the WE tubes too. Tried any others?

The Havana is still settling in and the highs are a bit 'steely' right now but it seems to be smoothing out quickly.

I have both.
The Havana is night and day better than the Valabs. It is very similar to the AN Sign 2.1 that I heard not long ago.
Huge detail and great resolution and extenion.
USB into the Havana is much, much better as well.
I use a WE 396a tube in the Havana. About $33 or so.
Very happy with the purchase.
Cheers
Andrew
ps still love my Valabs - but rarely use it now.

mine is tungsol 2C51, I've got WE396a as well, I prefer the soundstage on tungsol.

I don't have the Havana. I just want to say, as a long time soldier for NOS, I am tickled to see the popularity of NOS grow as time goes by. Walk up all the way with the cool sound of NOS.