[BugleBoy]

I am looking to buy a DAC that will to sit behind my Leben CS-300X Tube Amplifier. My budget is around A$1700. Would welcome any suggestions? Leben (or any tube amp) owners please feel free to chime in.

After reading various reviews, forums, blogs etc...I have shortlisted the following so far...
 

• EE Minimax (with op-amp and tube upgrades) + Audiophellio 2 (Looks like a great value)
• EE Minimax Plus (with op-amp and tube upgrades) + Audiophellio 2 (Not sure if this will be any better than 1)
• Audio-gd Ref 5 + Audiophellio 2
• Lite Audio Dac 83 + Audiophellio 2 (A bit out of my budget but willing to consider if no brainer)
• Metrum Octave + Audiophellio 2 (Read a lot of good things about this DAC)

 
Any thoughts or suggestions on the above?


Thanks

 

[mikecole]

I would go with number 5. I have its baby brother, the Quad, and I can now listen to digital without a distinct desire to return to my turntable..
 

 

[RedBull]

Do they  still produce Ref 5?  I can't see it in their  website though.

 

[BugleBoy]

I have since bought an EE Minimax and tried various tubes and op-amps...but have now settled for 7136 tubes and OPA2604 & AD797B op-amps. I like how they sound with my Leben CS300X. I am yet to add the Audiophellio 2 into the chain though...
 

 

[ardilla]

I would go with number 5. I have its baby brother, the Quad, and I can now listen to digital without a distinct desire to return to my turntable..

 

X2

I definitely think the Quad is superb.

 

[atonce]

would go for 3. Audio-gd Ref 5 + Audiophellio for its good price.