I have the MHDT Labs Orchid, which I like very much. I also have an Aqua La Voce S3, which is also NOS R2R, and so far, my favorite DAC that I've tried. Having said that, not all delta sigma DACS suck. I really like the way my TEAC NT-505 streamer sounds. It has dual mono
AKM VERITA AK4497 dacs and is very neutral, revealing, and easy to listen to. A little on the "warm" side like the Orchid, but more detailed, but without the hard digital edge that many delta sigma DACs seem to have, especially (IMHO) the Sabre based DACs.
A great balanced R2R ladder DAC: Mhdt Lab Balanced Pagoda
After reviewing balanced DACs that cost right around $5000 for the Stereo Times website, I received scores of Emails from Gon members requesting if I could find and review a truly balanced ladder R2R DAC for less then $2,500. Well, my review on the Mhdt Lab Balanced Pagoda just went up on the Stereo Times website. It will give you all the details why I put it on the " 2020 Most Wanted Component List". The Balanced Pagoda easily matched the overall performance of the twice more expensive, highly regarded DACs. The only caveat to get its best performance you most run it through the XLR analog outputs, not its single-ended RCAs, into another balanced preamplifier. Hope, you take a look at the review, if you are looking to get a balanced DAC to run in your system.
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I use the Soekris DACs in the DAC we offer along with a 30lb power supply!Very nice, which Soekris diy boards did you use? http://www.soekris.dk/products.html Cheers George |
Hi Terry, I was surprised you didnt mention the AM Tubadour SE in your Pagoda review. You described it as a giant killer a year ago (you probably didnt use that term) but now I see it's the Pagoda that is in your best products list. I would really appreciate it if you could tell us how they compare. You write in the review the Pagoda needs to be used fully balanced to give its best. Would you say the AM is better for those of us with RCA pre/amps? thomas |
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