All the DAC is, is converters, op amps and power supply. Th analogue sound passes through those op amps, not unlike the fancy beer can capacitors with unicorn hair insulation inside.
I'm fine without metal tape, provided the type II is decent (and I have lots of NOS there anyway).
But a machine worthy of the Revox/Studer name would be nice. If nothing else, bring back that transport! Sell it without heads even!