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Tube DAC Advice Needed

These days I'm doing 90% of my listening through a computer-based system using a Squeezebox 3 directly into my SS integrated (a Plinius 8200 MkII). While the internal DAC in the SB isn't terrible, I'm sure everyone would agree it's nothing to write home about--the sound is somewhat closed in and lacks "midrange magic" to use a cliched term. So I'm shopping around for a DAC with a tube buffer in the $1000 range new or used.

After sifting through the posts and reviews, it seems as though at least three fit the bill--the TADAC, the Monarchy M24 and the Paradisea (or Havana). Unfortunately, all three of these are direct order and therefore I'm unable to demo them. So I'm appealing to fellow Agoner's who have heard one or more of these units for help. What would you say are the relative strengths and weaknesses of each, and which would you recommend? Many thanks!
eslaudio
clio09
3,346 posts
 
I used to own the Monarchy. Great DAC for the price and then some. You can actually demo it as there is a return policy with Monarchy subject to a restocking fee.

The DAC is very balanced tonally although you can tweak it a bit with tube selection. Bass is strong and tight. Highs have a smooth texture to them. I really can't think of a weakness with this DAC. It could be more revealing I suppose, but it just does so much well that you're too busy enjoying the music to notice.
dmm53
63 posts
 
I've owned the current version with volume control of Paul's TADAC for about 6 months. Previously owned MF DAC. The difference is significant. I also have replaced the tubes that Paul shipped with the TADAC with some vintage NOS Mazdas. Just can't rave enough about this unit.

I've found Paul very responsive to all my emails.
richinny
10 posts
 
I had the Paradisea a while back and am now using the Monarchy NM24 with a squeeze box source. The Monarchy is superior all around. It has great bass, midrange magic, and smooth highs. It is very well built as well. Some say the preamp is its weak point but that is not my experience. If you can live with the rather high gain, it adds another dimension to the sound. I have found that pairing the tube dac/ preamp of the Monarchy with solid state amps is a great combination. I have used it with a Redwine Sig 30, PS audio HCA-2, and NAD 320BEE (amp stage only) and it works great with all of them. I like the newest Monarchy as you have the flexibility to use the tube dac only, the tube dac with preamp, the solid stage dac with or without preamp. I don't think you can't go wrong with it. The reviews are right on.
danlib1
819 posts
 
Does the Monarchy have USB input? I can tell you the USB functionality on the Havana was important to me, and it performs superbly.
richinny
10 posts
 
The Monarchy does not have USB, only Toslink & Coaxial.
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