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Looking for a tube (or tube sounding) DAC

I’m selling my Shiit Yggy and want to purchase a tube DAC as a compliment to my Primaluna Dialogue HP integrated amp. My budget is up to $6,000. I have a small assortment of music on a hard drive, do not have analog gear, no headphones, and listen almost exclusively to Qobuz through Roon. My list of DACs to consider so far are:
  • Lampizator Baltic 3 $5,900
  • Holo Audio May Level 3 $5,000 (not tube)
  • Tubadore III with all additions $2,300ish
  • Primaluna EVO 100 $3,000

Others I thought of, but are not tube are:
  • PS Audio Perfect Wave with network card
  • Mytek Manhattan II with network card

I live in a small town in OR and it’s four hours to Portland. I would love to hear suggestions from all of you. I’m looking for a nice step up from the Yggy. If you’re interested in my Yggy, it will be on Agon next weekend.

My gear:
  • Roon Rock via an Intel NUC that I built.
  • Ethernet connection to a separate switch, then fiber optics to an EtherREEN.
  • Bryston BDP-1 music server (might sell this too)
  • MiniDSP SHD for Dirac room correction
  • New DAC
  • Primaluna Dialogue HP integrated
  • Martin Logan Summit X speakers
  • Cables and interconnects are Acoustic Zen and Kimber.

Thanks, everyone!

Steve
smills59

Showing 2 responses by smills59

smills59 OP
54 posts
 
Thanks for your suggestions. It's not the I don't like the Yggy, I have an itch to upgrade to a higher level and I love the sound of tubes.

I think the Aquahifi DACs are out of my budget of $6,000, but they sure look nice!  I'll check out the MHDT Orchid.  I do have the Holo Audio May KTE on my list, but it's not tube.  Definitely still on my list.

I'd love more suggestions, and comments on the Tubadore III and Lampizator Baltic 3.

George, you and I traded comments in an earlier thread when I bought my PL.  You had the same comment then.  I demoed the Saunders AMP with my Parasound preamp against the PL and decided on the PL.  I never listen to music loud (wife doesn't like it).  I've not noticed any issues with the PL and my ML Summit X speakers.  Now maybe it's clipping and I can't tell, but I think if it is, it would be rare.

Thanks again.  This is indeed a great community of folks.  
smills59 OP
54 posts
 
Thanks everybody! I decided to order the Holo Audio Mat Dac. I'll let you know how it sounds in my system. 

I appreciate your advice!

Steve
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