Havana vs Audio-GD DAC-19 Anniversary
The DAC-19 Anniversary's bit depth is 24-bit against the Havana's 16-bit, its output voltage 2.5V RMS against 2.6V RMS, and its output impedance 10Ω against 32Ω. Both share max sample rate (96 kHz).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
Havana
MHDT LabDigitalDACsTube AmplifiersDiscontinued
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$528.80
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the Havana
The MHDT Labs Havana is a flagship non-oversampling (NOS) tube DAC from Taiwan, designed for purist digital-to-analog conversion with minimal signal processing. It employs dual 16-bit Burr-Brown PCM56P-J (or PCM56PK) R2R multibit DAC chips, a filterless design, and a single vacuum tube buffer stage using a GE5670 tube (with alternatives like 2C51, 396A, etc. for tube-rolling). The DAC avoids op-amps in the signal path, using the DAC's internal op-amp for voltage output or discrete I/V conversion, prioritizing analog-like musicality, natural timbre, deep soundstage, and resolution over hi-res support. Inputs include USB (via CM102AS+ or C-Media CM102+, max 16-bit/48kHz), coaxial SPDIF (CS8414 receiver, max 24-bit/96kHz), and Toslink optical. Outputs are single-ended RCA at 2.6V with 32 ohms impedance. Housed in a compact aluminum chassis with smoked acrylic faceplate, it was praised in reviews from 2008-2011 for its bold, detailed, musical presentation rivaling more expensive units, though now appears discontinued as it's absent from current MHDT lineups and only available used.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 16-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 96 kHz
- MQA Support
- No
- DAC Chip
- Dual Burr-Brown PCM56P-J / PCM56PK
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- Output Voltage
- 2.6V RMS
- Output Impedance
- 32Ω
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Inputs
- USB, RCA coaxial SPDIF, Toslink optical
- Analog Outputs
- RCA analog
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 260 × 60 × 150 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 1.8 kg (4 lbs)
- Available Colors
- Black
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions