You should check out Skylab's review of the Audeze Edition Isabelina HPA wherein he compares the Isabellina DAC section to the Havana... http://www.head-fi.org/t/572939/review-red-wine-audio-audeze-edition-balanced-headphone-amplifier-dac-combo
"This decision was furthered by the fact that the [Isabellina] AE's DAC was much better than the MHDT. I like the MHDT quite a bit, actually, and think it sounds very good, especially for the money. But the MHDT is much less neutral than the AE. I like the Havana’s “sound”, but it has a sound, for sure, regardless of tube rolling. It isn’t neutral. And that was the primary trait that impressed me about the AE’s DAC – it was extremely neutral and stunningly transparent."
leesure, thank you for the link!
However, I have logged about 3 hours of use with the Class A balanced headphone amp and I am so happy. I find it is much more clear and dynamic than both the SE headphone amp it replaced as well as the Signature 30.2 (when using planar cans or the K1000). The top is more extended and "sweet" (no harshness), with the 30.2 there is more impact with the K1000 but overall I feel the sound is better with the Class A headphone out. I guess my 30.2 will now drive speakers or an Stax energizer box.
