Well this little gizmo is quite a surprise. The 6j1 valve buffer/pre-amp I'd ordered. The sound quality is remarkably good to be honest, very clear and open, no lack of body either. Gain is a bit on the high side for the Quad power amp it's connected to, but it should be spot on with the Monarchy Audio, which I have yet to try. I wasn't expecting much at the meagre £18 it cost sent from China. It even came with a UK power supply, which wasn't quoted as an included item.
It is impossible for anything digital to sound analogue, because it isn't analogue!