looking for a good tubed dac

Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC. Nothing comes close for the money

I second the EE DAC. My previous was the PS Audio DLIII. An excellent DAC, especially if bought used, for the money. The EE is a step up and has phase inversion, both solid state and tube, volume control (on the first generation). Bear in mind that the second generation has a USB that can receive 24/96 whereas the first generation can only handle up to 44.1 I am using a M2Tech hiface USB to SPDIF converter between my miniMac and the EE DAC. Bill at Morningstar is a great guy and easy to call if you have questions. I am not affiliated nor have an interest in EE or Morningstar.

I will third the recommendation of the EE Minimax. Best DAC I have owned. Try some opamp rolling and find the right tube and you'll have a top notch setup.

It seems there's feeding frenzy regarding the EE minimax.

It would also help to know how you are planning to connect it, and to what (computer/CD transport/SB Touch/etc).

Other tubed DACs: Audio Research DAC8, Wavelenght lineup, Accustic Arts Tube DAC II, Ayon, Aesthetix. Then there's the question of why they NEED to be tubed...

I hope this helps.