Need a DAC Recommendation.

https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/measurements-of-gustard-x26-pro/

Gustard X26-pro test

vanson1, I see Gustard multitone performance is the best achievable, and that is the most important DAC perf-metric. third order is about -125dB, which is perfect. Third order harmonic increase over topping is because Gustard has discrete class-a analog signal path, which on my experience is better than regular OPAMP chip design.  

I adore my Doge Audio Tube DAC.  In my system and my room, it beat out lots of stuff and it's been too difficult to find a reasonably priced upgrade so it stays.  Due to demand, prices have gone up.  I think it you could get them delivered in 3-4 days for $1400 when I bought mine.  They might be edging upward now though.  

Be sure to research and look at the parts quality in the DACs.  The Doge has British caps throughout.  It's a holographic powerhouse.  Can't say enough good things about it.  

https://doge.audio/product/doge-7-tube-dac/

@yyzsantabarbara - Since you have the Gustard X26Pro, can you provide any insight on comments I've seen that the unit runs hot (temperature-wise)? I assume this unit would be left on all the time, but the heat issue makes me wary. (An analog guy in a digital world). TIA.
Bill Hart

The Doge looks very interesting, there is a lot of nice parts in there, looks really well built. I just read up on it and it really sparked my interest. Anyone compared that to the MHDT Orchid? 

@what I do not leave it on all the time. I turn it on in the morning and shut it down around 1AM. I am usually listening to tunes during that time. In the course of the day the unit does get warm. It is the warmest DAC I have owned but it is not scalding hot. The heat that it generates is likely not ideal for long term ownership. I am pretty confident I can get 5 years easy with this DAC. 

I believe there is a Class A output stage on this DAC and that is what makes it warm. I sit 2 feet away from the DAC and do not feel the heat from it.

I also do not notice that the DAC sounds any worse in the morning after turn on, but then again I am pretty groggy in the morning.