Astin Trew

I remember good reviews at the time, but do we ever see bad reviews anymore?

My guess is that based on their current lack of presence on the marketplace is they may hanging by a shoe thread or be gone altogether.  If you are buying previously owned you may encounter some difficulties getting parts, etc.  

Go search the Hi Fi News archives for a review.

The last thing a CD player or DAC needs is a tube output. All it does is add harmonic distortion and noise - which increases with age and use.