About the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC

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. 

@curiousjim 

In my opinion going from a $2.000 retail DAC to a $4,000 retail DAC might not be as big of an improvement as you’d like. I’m going to estimate it will mostly be a different presentation with some very slight refinements. It’s a $2000-$5000 category.

To make a considerable improvement you would have to cross into another price bracket which is $6,000 up, retail. Or be patient and wait for a deal on a used market. A used $4000 DAC that retailed for $7,000-$8,000 new should be a good option.

I know you said you don’t need a built in preamp and or streamer. I would encourage you not to overlook some candidates that include one or both options. 

@audphile1 

+1