I use a Kora Hermes DAC with a Theta Pearl transport and love the combo. The Hermes replaced a Bel Canto DAC 1.1 which wasn't quite working in my bright room. It uses two 6922 tubes, and with a little tube rolling you can get the sound just the way you want it. I believe there are a couple up for sale on Audiogon.
Tube DAC or new CD player?
I have a DR6050 marantz CD player/recorder. I enjoy the flexibility of having two decks for random play as well as being able to record CDs. I think it sound bright and edgy at times and would like to see what can I do to get a smoother sound without loosing detail (the strength of the DR6050). I am thinking of a CAL Audio Labs DAC (SIGMA or SIGMAII). The tube output stage is very alluring to me. Please feel free to propose other DAC, tube DAC, CD players etc...... Keep it under $600.
Thanks, Salsero
Thanks, Salsero