I've been using the analog outs of the Panasonic SV-3800 for years to drive Sifam VUs that are buffered with a network of series and parallel resistors. I have a spreadsheet from Christopher Hicks, PhD., which is for Excel, that allows any VUs to be tuned to respond, with proper ballistics, to any reference level with respect to the digital conversion to analog. (PM me for a copy with instructions.) The DAT has to be in pause/rec mode in order to send the signal, but I have found this mode to be something the Panny can stay in all day long for many years, without releasing the magic smoke. Another cool thing is that the SV series has an adjustable analog output, so you can have the same meter be used for different calibrations of 0 VU. What else are you using those DACs for? How about the DACs on your hardware L2? They would work just fine for this application, even though it would only be for transfers in progress. Whereas, with the DAT machine and a z-8.8, you have a digital transfer console.
Like some others, here, I have been using -14 dB FSD = 0.775 VRMS = - 6VU (i.e., 0 VU = -8 dB FSD). This is for CD mastering.
I really like the new logo, Viitalahde!
Andrew