2. digital
  3. 195697-130193

which tube dac? Lab 12 vs Line Magnetic vs Borderpatrol?

trying to add some tube magic to my system, seeking as tube-ey as sound as possible

the 3 dacs in question are all around the same price to my door

Line Magnetic seems to offer rectification, is that important?

Borderpatrol does not have XLRS so small negative for me there

thanks in advance 

 

audiocanada
audiocanada OP
228 posts
 

great info thus far

thanks all

pmm
246 posts
 

MHDT DAC or the LTA Aero

pastorbob's avatar
pastorbob
84 posts
 

I have owned a Audio Mirror Tubador & MHTD Labs Pagoda balanced. Both were very fine sounding. I am now using a Holo Cyan 2. Which is a very good DAC, but i miss the luscious sound of tubes.  

toro3's avatar
toro3
404 posts
 

No experience with the DACs you’re interested in, but the Lab12 continues to be on my short list.

Kinda wish I didn’t sell my MHDT Paradisea - rolling op-amps was both interesting and surprising. At the moment I’ve been taking a very strong look at Space-Tech Laboratories out of Canada. AL has been extremely responsive with customization and adding volume control to his DACs. Website is from 1996, and the looks may not be for many - but I love the almost industrial steampunk-like style. Plus, I can’t afford a new LampizatOr with volume control. 

nogaps
43 posts
 

Just picked up a MHDT Orchid yesterday and I'm listening to it now.  I rolled a few tubes through it (stock type 5670, Western Electric  JW 2C51, and an Amperex 6922) and the Amperex wins..super nice sounding DAC.  My now former DAC was a Paradisea+.  The Orchid is certainly a step up, not a big surprise I suppose, but the Paradisea, in it's day, was a nice DAC, still is(for a second system). 

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