Probably a dumb DAC question

I'm using the Eastern Electric Minimax Dac (Mullard tube and upgraded opamps). Probably the most organic, engaging piece of equipment I've EVER heard - with Cardas neutral reference to my pre, Silflex glass toslink to my iMac.

Mwilliams:

PS Audio is offering their excellent Perfect Wave DAC (PWD) for $2,000 along with the trade-in of any used DAC - old or cheap. This is for certain a true bargain. I highly recommend visiting their website for details.

I pair my PWD with solid state, but I have heard it with tube gear (ARC amp and pre), with which it sounds spectacular.

I'd look for a DAC that is neutral. You should check out the Neko Audio D100.

Thanks guys

It looks as if choosing a dac is going to be a long process. Like everything else in this hobby.

Stanwal: What do you mean by hot.

I would like something firewire for the mac. Not a must
Any other suggestion.

I just want a basic dac with no volume control. I was looking at the Tranquility but someone told me it might be too warm. Any experience with this. Though it does not do hi rez i have heard it does redbook well.

Matt

I think Kbarkamian and Musicslug are on the right track. I like to use each upgrade as a chance to further improve my system for my preferences. Try asking yourself this: "if I could fine tune my system, what would I like more of, or less of" Try to get a degree of those qualities in your new dac. A wise woman once told me that hifi is like ice cream, some people like chocolate, some people like strawberry, which I like a lot more than the right or wrong sound train of thought. Sooo, how do you want to dial in your system?