I had a Constantine, which is just the Paradisea without the tube buffer (it's NOT a tubed output). It was the most musical DAC I'd heard and I kept it over several much more expensive DACs and CDPs.
Then I bought a used Audio Note Kits DAC 1.1 here for $750. It was just as musical as the MHDT unit but with far better micro and macro dynamics and far greater nuance. The MHDT models are wonderful to listen to, but the AN DAC was just as musical but drew me in to a greater degree.
I've since built the Audio Note Kits DAC 2.1C Sig (the top model) and this is certainly the best digital I've had/heard.
Then I bought a used Audio Note Kits DAC 1.1 here for $750. It was just as musical as the MHDT unit but with far better micro and macro dynamics and far greater nuance. The MHDT models are wonderful to listen to, but the AN DAC was just as musical but drew me in to a greater degree.
I've since built the Audio Note Kits DAC 2.1C Sig (the top model) and this is certainly the best digital I've had/heard.