Tube or R-2R DAC for Tube System

Actually just citing some successful  alternative examples that  DAC designers apply to avoid reliance on the ubiquitous OP-amp. My DAC I/V conversion is via a single passive resistor and has very  good sound quality in my opinion.  SW1X audio for example offers the choice of active transistor discrete or passive resistor with good outcomes from either option. I/V conversion has an influential role in determining sound quality that I believe is underappreciated by many.
Charles 

As others have said, it's not a tube vs r2r comparison, but rather tube vs. solid state and/or r2r vs delta-sigma. 

My main amp is a Line Magnetic LM-218ia -- an 845-based integrated SET amp. I have two DACs: a Black Ice D-S Tube DAC (GlassFX Tube DAC DAC DSD Wifi) and an Audio GD r2r Solid State DAC (R2R-R1). They are both connected to the SET amp and both play through the same Omega Outlaw Super 3XRS speakers (with built in 8" subs).

*the Black Ice was modified by Radu Tarta with some nice upgrades.

I find both of these DACs to be excellent, and honestly they are more similar than they are different even though they are using different conversion techniques and utilizing different output stages. In neither case would I say one or the other was a bad match for my SET amp -- they are both excellent.

If pressed I would say that I prefer the Audio-GD. I think it's a bit more revealing and I find the imaging and separation between instruments to be slightly more defined. Both of these DACs are in the $900-$1200 range and I just think they are both a testament to the quality of sound that is attainable at a relatively accessible price (by audiophile standards where an interconnect can cost as much and does far less).

-Chris 




 

Check out the Border Patrol SE-i.  R2R DAC, tube rectified power supply.  Doesn't do DSD or crazy-high PCM sampling rates, but sounds heavenly to my ears.   And, Gary is great to deal with.

debating technologies in d/a conversion as well as differing output stage types is fun fodder to banter around for audiophiles

one can muse and debate to no end (and no end result)

but at the end of the day it is about the quality of the engineering to make any chosen tech/configuration work, and the taste/ear of the designer/listener who makes and choses the product

the very best sounding dacs out there use all different methods of getting to the desired goal and level of sonic purity and signature desired

I had been using a DAVE + M Scaler as input to my Eddie Current tube headphone amp, and ended up replacing it in that chain with a Holo May R-to-R DAC, which I liked better there. I've since moved the Chord gear to my 2-channel system to replace an MSB 'Analog' DAC....