Galion vs Luxman vs Advance Paris vs (anything else)

@ctlesq - I own a Denafrips Ares II and Black Ice Glass Tube FX DACs.  When I originally purchased the Denafrips DAC I chose it over the Black Ice DAC primarily based on the purchase price and the fact that the Ares II doesn’t have the headphone amp capability that is a wasted function for me. Eventually, curiosity got the best of me so I purchased one of the very last Black Ice DACs (after they listed them as not available).  I started with the upgraded Psvane tubes that I was told were essentially a copy of an Amperex tube  I have since upgraded the tubes and now have NOS Amperex Holland tubes that are identical to the famous Bugle Boy tubes with different labeling.  They improved the sound to my ear as it was a bit too warm for my system.  

I would consider the two DACs to be equals from an overall sound quality perspective, but they do sound different making it a personal preference.  The Denafrips seemed to have a blacker background (less noise) which I miss at times. The Black Ice has a more 3D soundstage.  It’s a bit of an apples to oranges comparison because I also changed tubes in my Pathos Classic One MKiii amplifier as part of the change. I had been using 1960s Mullard Great Britain tubes, but got a set of NOS 1960s Mullard Great Britain gold pin tubes. The gold pins resulted in a dreamy sound, but it was a bit too warm for my taste. Part of my motivation for trying a different DAC was to see if I could find the right balance with the gold pin tubes. It took the NOS Amperex tubes in the DAC to bring it all together.  I plan to keep the Denafrips DAC for the future as I anticipate that at some point I won’t be able to get the tubes needed to keep me happy. 

@macg19 That is a remarkable system that you have!  I appreciate the explanation on the LPS.  I think I will likely upgrade both my Dac and streamer in the next year, so I am not ready to pull the trigger on that upgrade for what I currently have but believe it will be a worthwhile investment when I settle for my next iternation.

@mceljo that is a great comparison.  I would like to try tubes but I am afraid of the expense - but I probably could swing a PrimaLuna amp.  I think for a Dac I am likely to stick with Denafrips or if I go the Eversolo T8 path, look into the Z10 Dac.  There are just so many choices...it is mind numbing....

I truly wished I lived in an area with more dealers to try things out with.  

I appreciate everyone's suggestions!

I have to laugh everytime I read one of these. First off, I personally do not believe the differences are as extreme as many would have you believe. Second Hegel sells quite a few units the last 10 years +, the H400 is something like 45 pounds of power, and even the remote is heavy enough to be used as a weapon.. The Advanced Paris is getting some good reviews, not a lot of places to buy so they show up to buy on EBAY, but Music Direct has a good price on the A12 right now, I even thought about it myself. Good Luck

@waynefia I appreciate the comments and perspective.  I am still considering all options.

@ctlesq - I have no doubt that tubes could become a significant expense.  My experience with my hybrid Pathos is that the preamplifier tubes have lasted for multiple years without any real signs of degradation and I expect the same from my DAC. My NOS tubes have all been under $200 a pair, so not too bad.