Holographic DAC With Air And Decay

@brylandgoodman Got your message.  I don't think I can reply unless I put a credit card on file with AG.  

I'll let you know what I think of the X-30.  I thought about holding about for the R-30, but I thought it might be too similar to my R-26 with LHY ock-2 clock.  

My dac is supposed to arrive next Wednesday.  I also have tubes coming from Belgium, so it's a race to see what gets here first.  lol. 

A “holographic” sounding DAC is often used to describe a Lampizator DAC, but this is likely out of budget. 

OP if Audio mirror is in your radar...there is a Tub IV Se on usaudiomart for a great price...loving my Tub V....very holographic...an affordable Tube dac...that competes up the food chain a bit.

Might I suggest the Rockna Wavelight for consideration.

I've had one in my main rig for a year and a half now and am very happy with it. Replaced a Chord Qutest and was a definite upgrade.

TMR has one on hand in silver at the moment.

@brylandgoodman The Gustard X-30 showed up this afternoon. I'll start by saying that I won't be sending it back.  It's everything that I'd read in the reviews.

Better detail and imaging without any harshness.  Puncher bass. I would say it's holographic. Lots of settings to tweak things, but I like it where I have it. 

The R26 is a great dac for the money, but if you have the $, I'd go for the X-30. I got a good deal by buying direct from Aoshida.  Shoot them an email and they might offer a discount. Very good customer service.