Thanks for the update Mike. It just goes to show how system and personal taste dependent these things can be. I also think that the "mystery" of production tolerances from unit to unit can come into play.
I have two Sigma's ( one earlier version, one 24 / 96 ) and two Alpha's ( both earlier non 24 / 96 versions ) along with a few other DAC's. If i had to pick one of these DAC's as sounding the warmest, smoothest and most "romantic", it would be the early Sigma hands down. This is with the stock tube too, even though i've tried other tubes in all of the DAC's. It does not have the top end resolution or spaciousness of some of the other DAC's, but it is pretty phenomenal on female vocals, jazz and acoustic based music.
This was the first tube based DAC that i had bought and it opened my ears up to the "musicality" aspect of digital. Before that, it had always sounded "soul-less" and sterile. As you can see, i found that specific unit impressive enough to venture further into their product line to check things out. Needless to say, they all sound slightly different : )
Either way, it's good that you found something that suits both your tastes and your system at a reasonable price. Sean
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