[JoshK]

How about a brand new Monarchy M24 6922-based DAC/Preamp? $980 direct from Monarchy. Do an Audiogon search.

Interesting...looks like a Lite DAC-60 except with a PCM-63K instead of the PCM1704 and with a pre-amp extension to the board.  Toroids instead of R-core transformers too.  The Positive Feedback review notes the connection to Lite as well. 

Depending on your take on the differences, paying less than $500 for a new DAC-60 from an AC company (GR Research) seems like a good option.  It seemed to do a good job in the GR room at the RMAF, although I expect it was the version with Sonicraft upgrades (another $290). (BTW: the Monarchy website says the M24 price is $1490)

I think the differences are a lot more than that.  Superficially they do look the same minus the volume control and DAC differences (which aren't that similar btw).  IIRC, the Monarchy use the tube the correct way IMO, as a transimpedance amp for I/V whereas the Lite DAC60 (which I own btw) does the cop out way and uses a resistor for i/v (greatly increases distortion of the DAC) and then using the tube as a voltage amp ala SRPP.  I also wouldn't be surprised it there were a number of other difference in the reclocking scheme, digital input section and voltage regulation too.

However, the Lite is pretty inexpensive and why I bought it.  It also is a nice base for a DIY'er like me to play around with. 

[Jon L]

How about a brand new Monarchy M24 6922-based DAC/Preamp? $980 direct from Monarchy. Do an Audiogon search.

Interesting...looks like a Lite DAC-60 except with a PCM-63K instead of the PCM1704 and with a pre-amp extension to the board.  Toroids instead of R-core transformers too.  The Positive Feedback review notes the connection to Lite as well. 

Depending on your take on the differences, paying less than $500 for a new DAC-60 from an AC company (GR Research) seems like a good option.  It seemed to do a good job in the GR room at the RMAF, although I expect it was the version with Sonicraft upgrades (another $290). (BTW: the Monarchy website says the M24 price is $1490)

I think the differences are a lot more than that.  Superficially they do look the same minus the volume control and DAC differences (which aren't that similar btw).  IIRC, the Monarchy use the tube the correct way IMO, as a transimpedance amp for I/V whereas the Lite DAC60 (which I own btw) does the cop out way and uses a resistor for i/v (greatly increases distortion of the DAC) and then using the tube as a voltage amp ala SRPP.  I also wouldn't be surprised it there were a number of other difference in the reclocking scheme, digital input section and voltage regulation too.

However, the Lite is pretty inexpensive and why I bought it.  It also is a nice base for a DIY'er like me to play around with. 

Have you had a chance to inspect the inside of the Monarchy?  I never heard before that Monarchy version actually alters the DAC tube section circuitry like that.  It really does look like Monarchy specifies their version to be built with different transformers and some different caps, and then add their active tube preamp stage after the DAC section..

[SET Man]

Hey!

   The MHDT Paradisea DAC looks very good. I've not heard it but definately looks very promising It also made it in to enjoythemusic.com "Best of 2006 Budget Beaters" But it is not a true tube output but more like a tube buffered output I think Still for the price I think it look great and if you are lucky you might get it for $400 on one of the auction he put in on if no one bit against you.... well maybe it is too late now since the words got out with this thread

   Anyway, my dream tubed DAC right now is the Audio Note DAC 2.1 Kit  Check out he inside....



That is the Level B. Starting for $1300 to $1800 fully loaded. Well, maybe someday

 Of cause with this some assemble required But if you knwo how to swing those soldering iron than you might want to check it out.

Take care,
Buddy

[Paul_Bui]

The AudioSector NOS DAC is not embarrased by the Altmann DAC either.  While it doens't have such features as JISCO, Toslink, 192 and battery power, it isn't far behind the BYOB DAC in terms of musicality.  It's just as sweet and extended.

[bpape]

http://www.geocities.com/mhdtlab/

It's basically the same spiel as on the eBay pages and a link to a search string in eBay to show their current auctions.

Bryan

[JoshK]

Have you had a chance to inspect the inside of the Monarchy?  I never heard before that Monarchy version actually alters the DAC tube section circuitry like that.  It really does look like Monarchy specifies their version to be built with different transformers and some different caps, and then add their active tube preamp stage after the DAC section..

I wasn't aware that lite was the OEM to Monarchy.  If that is the case then what I said before about them only being superficially the same wouldn't hold.  If Monarchy were using the tube stage in grounded grid config then what I said about the I/V is still true.  Note I/V stage isn't part of the DAC in multibit dacs. 

[Scott F.]

Hey!

   The MHDT Paradisea DAC looks very good. I've not heard it but definately looks very promising It also made it in to enjoythemusic.com "Best of 2006 Budget Beaters" But it is not a true tube output but more like a tube buffered output I think

Hiya Buddy,

You're correct, the MHDT is using the tube as a buffered output stage.

   Anyway, my dream tubed DAC right now is the Audio Note DAC 2.1 Kit  Check out he inside....

...That is the Level B. Starting for $1300 to $1800 fully loaded. Well, maybe someday

The AN 2.1 is a very nice DAC. I had the 2.1 Signature for a number of months to play with. It wasn't as detailed as the MHDT but it did make some really great music.

[SET Man]

Hey!

   The MHDT Paradisea DAC looks very good. I've not heard it but definately looks very promising It also made it in to enjoythemusic.com "Best of 2006 Budget Beaters" But it is not a true tube output but more like a tube buffered output I think

Hiya Buddy,

You're correct, the MHDT is using the tube as a buffered output stage.

   Anyway, my dream tubed DAC right now is the Audio Note DAC 2.1 Kit  Check out he inside....

...That is the Level B. Starting for $1300 to $1800 fully loaded. Well, maybe someday

The AN 2.1 is a very nice DAC. I had the 2.1 Signature for a number of months to play with. It wasn't as detailed as the MHDT but it did make some really great music.

Hey!

   Very interesting Scott Maybe I could save my money and just get the MHDT and use the rest of money to buy more LPs and CDs.

   But, man! I wish someone could give me the AN DAC 2.1 to play with for a while... wonder what it will sound like

   Meanwhile.... I've been having fun with this cheap TDA1543 DAC kit from HiFidiy.net You know I could make a tube buffered output for this litttle DAC.... just like the MHDT! Well, maybe not quite that level

Here is the link to my thread on this fun project....

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=32778.0

   Is in my system right now and I think it sound great! And I love the simpilicity of it

   Anyway, Scott looking forward to see your review or comment on the AN DAC.


Take care,
Buddy

[NewBuyer]

The MHDT "Constantine" performs well too. aa The Constantine is the Paradesia minus the tube stage. It made a substantial improvement in SQ of my system which uses the stock SB3. The gain in sound quality was not subtle but instantly discernible with improved bass output and articulation, 3D sound stage, and separation of instruments. Tremendous bang for the buck.

Raja

I completely and totally agree. The Constantine is just outstanding, and USB input as well if you like having this option (Mhdt Labs calls this version the USB Plus Constantine). Perhaps one of the top bargains in audio right now IMO.

...I've been having fun with this cheap TDA1543 DAC kit from HiFidiy.net You know I could make a tube buffered output for this litttle DAC.... just like the MHDT! Well, maybe not quite that level..

I would love to see your work on that, if you are truly interested in trying it out and posting pics for us - are you really going to try this out? (I hope you do...)  

[SET Man]

...I've been having fun with this cheap TDA1543 DAC kit from HiFidiy.net You know I could make a tube buffered output for this litttle DAC.... just like the MHDT! Well, maybe not quite that level..

I would love to see your work on that, if you are truly interested in trying it out and posting pics for us - are you really going to try this out? (I hope you do...)   

Hey!

     NewBuyer, as of right now the little DAC sound fine as is. But I do have one problem with this DAC kit is that the output is lower than the Sony and the DVDR so I have to crank up the pre more especially with the DVDR... Hmmm maybe I missed something here 
 
    I have to admit that the tube buffered output is quite tempting for me, I think this increas the output and maybe have more drive to the sound But I don't have money laying around to do this right now  So, with that I later use whatever spare money to buy more CDs or LPs

    But I will definately let you guys know if I decided to go for this

Take care,
Buddy

[slwiser]

One more alternative is the Lavry DA10 (Black) that can be seen at www.lavryengineering.com

This is the one that I have.  I got it for about 925 new including shipping.

[JoshK]

Buddy,

We should work together on a tube I/V / output stage for your dac.  I am going to be doing a similar one for my AD1862 DAC.  I am also going to prototype a SS one based on similar principals and test the two.  Of course, as with all projects of mine it'll take time.  I have many notes and sketches though.  I also pointed you to Broskie's blog with a schematic for yours. I am going to submit a schematic sketch I made with some of his concepts for his review to see if I got the pieces straight.  If I do, I'll help you build it and it should 3 up the Audio Note (not because its my idea, but because it is Broskie's, I just put two and two together). 

[SET Man]

Buddy,

We should work together on a tube I/V / output stage for your dac.  I am going to be doing a similar one for my AD1862 DAC.  I am also going to prototype a SS one based on similar principals and test the two.  Of course, as with all projects of mine it'll take time.  I have many notes and sketches though.  I also pointed you to Broskie's blog with a schematic for yours. I am going to submit a schematic sketch I made with some of his concepts for his review to see if I got the pieces straight.  If I do, I'll help you build it and it should 3 up the Audio Note (not because its my idea, but because it is Broskie's, I just put two and two together). 

Hey!

   JoshK, you've read my mind Well, if I were going for it I was thinking of asking your for help anyway especially with the tubed section.

    BUT! currently I don't have any money to spare. I'm not sure if you know this but I left my day job recently Anyway long story.

    My plan was to make it as easy as possible. So, I'm thinking of getting PSU from Welborne Lab of which is  pretty much ready to go

   As for the AD1862... I think the Audio Note use this chip in thier DACs Well, thier say it is the best one and better than the TDA1543

   Well, defintely we should talk about this at the next Rave at your place. Oh! yeah!... I will bring along my little DAC to Rave with me..... I hope I will make it there tho

Take care,
Buddy

PS
Than I think if this gets a go than we need to start a new thread at the "Lab"

[JoshK]

Well I have enough parts around to do a bread board version with spare parts.  If it works out then we/you can upgrade the pieces later when funds are available.  I have dozens of spare tubes that would work for this, and sockets and etc...

The PSU supply iron is all we might be missing but I have some for testing at least and there is plenty of cheap iron on the supply market that will work.  That's the beauty of DIY.  Free software like Duncan amps PSU builder software makes the math easy for those who don't like to do the algebra themselves, plus it helps you simulate optimal filters (which I can't do easily with pencil and paper, and I have a MS in applied math).  This is nice when you want to work out the best R or C to follow an L input supply, etc, etc....

I picked up a dozen AD1862's...they are pretty hard to come by but I found a Chinese OEM that has an huge inventory of hard to find chips and facilitated a large buy with others on diyhifi.org. Good news is I now have access to his stash if I need other hard to get chips.   They were the chip that AD wished they never did because they were so expensive to make.  They have long been obsoleted because of it.  They don't make them like this anymore.  Same with some Siemen C3G/C3M tubes I got...they would cost serious bucks to make nowadays, but still sell reasonably.