About the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC

@curiousjim 

Just to be clear, I ordered the Aero with the Ray Reserve tubes. Of course, I have no idea how it might sound in your system. 

I don’t recall the restock fee charged by LTA. It might be cheaper to try this used one from TMR:

https://tmraudio.com/products/linear-tube-audio-aero-tube-dac

If I were you, I'd compare the costs of LTA vs. TMR. 

@sls883 

I just realized, I have dozens of 6DJ8, 6922 and a half a dozen 7308’s as well as dozens of 12AU7’s and 12AT7’s , but I don’t have any 6SN7’s or 12SN7’s.  What a bad time for Brent Jesse to close.

My preamp uses 6SN7 or 12SN7 tubes.  I have tried a number of NOS tubes.  My favorite is the Linlai E-6SN7.  I bought mine on Amazon.  Quite a bit cheaper than Ray Reserve. 

https://www.amazon.com/LINLAI-Matching-Vacuum-Audio-Amplifier/dp/B0D5HHJSKM

The big point about the ND-1 is surely the optional transformer-coupled output---or at least that's what caught my attention.  I'm looking forward to getting opinions from people other than "Terry" who have been able to audition in person.  

@stuartk TMR asking price on that used Aero is $100 cheaper than the brand new unit? I think it’s a typo. It must be.