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Tube DAC Recommendations

I am in the market for DAC; my preference is a tube DAC. My primary music source will come from a computer or music server. The DAC will connect to Sim Audio 700i integrated amp. Budget is up to $7000 for the DAC.
I have been studying this forum over the last several months but cannot seem to find a consensus on the top 3-5 tube DACs.
Any input is appreciated.

Thanks
ddelisle911
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
if you can find a wavelength dac in your price range , grab it.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Lampizator 4 will hit the spot!
sunandmusic
27 posts
 
My strong recommendation would be Audio Note DAC 3.1. I have been using Audio Note DACs for about 8 years, and the sound is superb, really natural and very close to vinyl.

Aside form very high quality parts and great design of the circuits, a major factor in the organic and natural sound is going against the grain and NOT using Oversampling OR Filtering. AN UK did extensive research and discovered the common Oversampling route pushed onto everyone since 1990s is fundamentally flawed.

If you ring Peter at Audio Note UK, he will explain the philosophy and the levels of Audio Note models in your price range.

Audio Note DACs are designed around 2 channel traditional stereo (CDP fed). It is an easy job to purchase a USB convertor to then go down the PC Audio route, which can rival or surpass traditional transports.
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