Mhdt Istanbul....not all the others from Mhdt.....lets discover the Istanbul (the Book)

When I decided to change my DAC I started researching the internet, threads, post, observations, and comments. Anything I could find I read, many times more than once. The hype on the Denafrips Aries II had my interest the most as it was in my price category, and I seemed to like what I was hearing from comments and observations out there. R2R was on my mind, also. I wanted to move into newer technology. I was in no hurry. I kept watching eBay hoping one would actually sell for less than the new direct price from Denafrips. I always found it was cheaper to buy direct/new than used. Then I saw a few Agon comments on the Mhdt Orchid. Got me thinking and researching once again. Ran across other sites and comments...you know the drill....spend hours reading and thinking....never quite deciding and of course in no hurry. The name Istanbul showed up a couple of times but never saw much info on it. There were a few threads here touching on it briefly before going off into the other Mhdt models and the Istanbul comments quickly disappeared. WTFarfenugen?😀 Then there it was...an actual discussion on Super Best Audio Friends about an Istanbul. Caught my attention just a little more. Then down the internet something about Orchid/Istanbul comparison and how they might not be so different overall......I am now getting more interested in Mhdt and the tube thing and less in Aries II. 
My system is more tube based with a passive pre-amp and my beloved Maggie 3.7s driven by VTL300s.
Mhdt is a seller on eBay and then the Istanbul shows up and I put it in my watch page. it is an auction starting at $500.00. I start my research again. I find myself leaning towards the tube infused DAC. Not being able to audition one near me I try to read between the lines of the observations and comments by guys who have taken the plunge into the world of Mhdt. 
Anyway, to make this long story short (as if that's going to happen) I waited to the end and placed my bid and ended up winning. $735.00 (included taxes and shipping from Taiwan) + a whole 4 days later it arrived. I had already been reading about tube rolling and the suggestions listed on the Mhdt site and bought a Western Electric 2C51 and the WE 396A (early 1957 dated) I started with the factory GE5760 for a week or so then switched to the 2C51 for about 2 weeks and then the 396A. The 396A was too analytical for me but the 2C51 was quite romantic and musical. Then pops up 1217 Garage and their adapter and hey....new family of tubes. Well, the mailman brought the adapter today and it was installed. I had planned ahead when I ordered the adapter and found an early '70s lot of 3 ECC88s made in Germany for $42 shipped. Did not need 3 but bought them as the seller didn't want to sell 1. They arrived and it turns out 1 is made in Holland, 1 in Germany, and 1 in Great Britan. Hmmm. I grabbed the GB tube and put it in the socket and hooked everything back up for the listen. For all who have a Mhdt go for the 1217 adapter and 6922 family of offerings. I bought Raytheon 6922 and Reflector 6N23P tubes, also. Guy at 1217 gave his time on the phone and we had a great discussion. He was an inciteful and knowledgeable guy and I thank him greatly. (Told you I was going to make this short)
Down to some nitty gritty. After 3 or 4 hours of listening to the GB tube/adapter move my system seemed to be a whole new setup. There was so much more, and I could go for another hour just talking about. Eye opening changes in details that were highly appreciated through the evenings listening session.
Now, I am at the end of the Thread post so others can comment on how hard it was to get through this small novella. Crap even I am tired of typing, and I have not even gone into the real emotional ride of the evening. 
I'll end on Romantic....utterly musical.
Let's carry this on about these mods to the Istanbul. I want others to know the Istanbul...a great investment for the low $ high-fi system. It is not so hard to get a great system on a low budget if you piece together the right gear. This DAC was a great addition to my system.
Rick