wino

Supposedly TotalDAC, Lampizator, Trinity (super expensive), Aqua… & for sure MSB.. One could say R2R is better based on your somewhat open-ended question, however I'll assume it also relates to the 1st question... Surprisingly… it's not just the DAC 'chip' (some R2Rs are really modules built w/ resistors), it's also the design & of course the implementation.. David

Thanks ! I will find some !

Agreed ! Interestingly that's exactly what many do/have done over on that 'other' forum where they listen through 'cans', haha... OTOH… most aren't so monied that they purchase an 'end' system from scratch, all at once… most (at any price level) buy piece by piece.. upgrading as they go... David

VERY well said !!

Minimal imo… when you're talking 10-20K difference… agreed, haha ! David

I think you answered your own question, haha… Some owners of M7 I've talked to, further tweaked it to get it to really sing... The La Scala is another supposedly more upscale rendition... The 55K Trinity DAC also uses these chips, albeit goes through thousands to make them 'Super Ks'.. Many say that is the best DAC in the world, if there is such a thing.. David

What can I say wisnon ? Try it for yourself…

Nice ! Keep in mind… it takes 400 hrs to really become 'on point'…. w/ a load of course, not just simply turned on..

The "best DAC available ?" can now be yours on Agon...

B- You're omnipresent ! Great point… I'll triple check, but the dealer said these are the only tube that can 'drop in'… according to Aqua... Your avatar always cracks me up ! d-

Hey Bill- Thanks for the compliment ! Yes, the retail is 5500.00… After it's broken in, I'll start an impressions thread here… I'm a crappy writer, however I'll try to enlist helpers, haha ! There's more info at Home talk to Mark the owner.. very knowledgable & helpful.. he's the new importer I believe.. I was lucky & grabbed a NOS matched pair of '59 Telefunken ECC81 Diamond bottoms today ! ECC81 Tele's are the only non stock, factory authorized tubes you can roll... Also grabbed a week ago, a Shunyata Digital PC for the Yggy… great for any DAC… 500 retail.. I'll keep you posted… will get Aqua next Wed. ! David

Was looking to replace the MSB Analog… or spent 10K or so… was looking for a while at the Aqua La Scala II which is using the same chips as Trinity, the PCM 1704Ks… 5500… should be here in a week or less.. David

Hey Joe.. Sorry, I was at happy hour... PM me please.. David

No doubt ! Agreed ! Will do.. uses PCM1704K chips (like the 55K Trinity).. smart designers… uses ECC81 tubes.. Getting the rare factory black...