Cayin iDAC-6

A fully balanced DAC with a tube buffer, the Cayin iDAC-6 aims for a full, smooth sound signature. It features dual highly acclaimed AK4490 chips from AKM, and boasts all the input and output options an audiophile would want from a high-end DAC. Equipped with USB, coaxial, AES/EBU, and optical inputs, it can transmit via balanced XLR out or RCA. The LED display shows the input and output chosen. Plus, this DAC is highly customizable: Select the transistor or vacuum tube output, and tweak the sound with your choice of five digital filters. 

EvenR on Head-Fi says, “After 6 hours, the tubes provide the warmth and depth that makes the music full, natural, and liquid. The soundstage opens up and positioning is improved and very convincing. The overall tone is buttery smooth, natural with slam and dynamism and detailed highs, which are held in an iron grip and kept it in a straight line. The whole presentation is extremely balanced and I can't point to any sharp edges or any dullness. It's simply alive and groovy.”