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

Showing 1 response by musicman07

The Havana is the Paradisea's new big brother so it may compare slightly better to the Monarchy. That said I have the Paradisea+ non-USB using the Bendix Redbank 6385 tube.

For lack of a better term, it has a nice analog sound to it. I also find the soundstage better than my Nuforce processor. So for $600 or less not much to complain about.