I own the Manley Ref Tube DAC that has absolutely incredible bass extension. But I also had the VTL Ref Tube DAC for a couple months at the same time. The VTL had a little more of the lowest bass presence but it was not clear which of the two units was more accurate. Neither has any of the bass qualities that you described of typical tube DACs.
Overall for me, the Manley was more smooth, natural sounding and simply had a greater musical presence. And the Manley DAC's build quality is vastly superior. Both of these units are not easy to find on the used market. Expect the Manley to be in the $3000-3500 range and the VTL in the $1700-2500 range.
John
Overall for me, the Manley was more smooth, natural sounding and simply had a greater musical presence. And the Manley DAC's build quality is vastly superior. Both of these units are not easy to find on the used market. Expect the Manley to be in the $3000-3500 range and the VTL in the $1700-2500 range.
John