Paging Duckie and any digital guru's

[CajunTaco]

DAC shoping...based on reviews I've read and my budget (~1000) I've narrowed down to a) Benchmark DAC1 USB b) PS Audio Digital Link III c) Music Hall DAC25.2. WWYD? Is there one in the link below you would also consider? Which way would you lean? I'm thinking of buying 2 from Music Direct and auditioning them. I can't find much on the DAC25.2 but a tubed dac sounds interesting if done right. Digital sources will be a Marantz CD5001 and either streamed MP3's via Airport Express or direct via USB from my PC or Apple TV. Preamp is a tubed Mc C220 and amp is a MC252. http://www.musicdirect.com/category/30

[Rubberduckie]

Not that they all sound they same, but the tube DACs I've heard have done a great job of allowing the music to flow sans shrill sonics and mechanical character which are the CD trademarks.

I use a Lite Audio DAC-60 tube DAC and it really widens the sound-stage of my three transports I have as well as adding warmth and timber.

The Benchmark DAC1 is fine device, but still a bit clinical. Great for rock and electronic music, and good for most other genres.

[CajunTaco]

too much of a good thing...I want it to sound as analogue as possible, I listen mostly to jazz/vocal and rock.

There are just so many choices and surprisingly little info out there.Fact is, anything will make the streamed music sound better.

[rbt]

VDA-2 from Channel Islands Audio. I enjoy my older VDA-1, and the newer VDA2 looks like it's upgraded everything. $600, and made in Khalifornia by Dusty Vawter of Audio Alchemy fame. the external PS option is only $160 (recommended for sure...but u can buy it at a later time anyhow).
my VDA-1 even makes my 24/192Khz DVD-Audio discs sound better at 92Khz sampling rate, compared to the 192Khz rate the player's own DAC is capable of outputting thru analog outs.

• Channel Islands

[Rubberduckie]