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Integrated tube amp with usb dac advice please

Hello, ive been a member for a long time and this is my first thread.  I am looking for some advice on a tube amp with onboard dac with usb in.  This will be my first trip into tubes.  So far ive looked at the caiyn and jolida.  The jolida will require a separate dac but looks like a good value.  Wanting to stay under 2k. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. DG
dickhertz

Showing 2 responses by sfar

sfar's avatar
sfar
1,771 posts
 
Yes, keeping the amp and DAC separate is a good idea. I've owned both Jolida and Cayin integrateds and both sound great, are well built and offer great value. The Cayin - A-50T MKII  at $1,600. plus a high quality, versatile DAC like the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 at $400 would come in right at your budget. Of course, there are dozens of other possible combinations, I'm basing this recommendation on my experience of owning both.
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,771 posts
 
I didn't mention in my earlier post that the reason I sold the Cayin amp was that I bought a Raven Audio Blackhawk LE. It's a spectacular amp, considerably better than the two Cary tube amps and the Rogue Cronus I have owned. It's in a different league in terms of price, though. If you can stretch your budget to get a Raven amp I think you'd be set for a long time. In addition the personal attention from owner Dave Thomson is a real bonus.
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