Non Analytical Sounding DAC Upgrade- Budget $1,500 or less

I have the Musical Paradise MP D2 mk iii with an AKM 4997 and was previously using a Denafrips Pontus.
I was considering the Audio Mirror Tubadour but for a budget I don’t want to overspend too much on a DAC.

I prefer the Musical Paradise, out of the box all stock it is nice compared to the Denafrips. The MP doesn’t color the sound. I also like how layered the texture of the details is and is very clear. It is smooth and added the warmth of the tubes. It is all stock tubes at the moment with Obligato Caps and the fun part is tou can always upgrade the tubes and caps.

+2 for the Audio Mirror Tubadour III DAC. You don’t need the SE version to get terrific music out of it!

FWIW, I compiled a short list by reading and researching. I don’t have personal experience with these products but I want to contribute what I learned. I wanted R2R and/or tube.

I was very, very close to getting the Audio Mirror Tubadour and the maker wrote write back when I had a question. Some really good experienced people on this forum love the Audio Mirror.

I also read very good stuff about the Denafrips Ares -- backordered by a long time, last I saw.

I got the MHDT Orchid DAC. Why the Orchid? After a lot of research, I learned two things -- the Orchid is the most raved about of all their products. It’s the chip inside -- apparently only the Orchid has the Philips TDA1541 chip. This was a chip which people realized was older and had a more analog type sound. So, people were buying old CD players up like crazy, and the maker of the MHDT DAC, Jiun, bought a bunch of these chips to have a supply for the Orchid. Do I really know if the chip is key? No -- I really don’t. But I have been loving this DAC for about a month and the company is really easy to deal with, despite being in Taiwan. Buy via Ebay or through Linear Tube Audio. Those guys are great.

I have the Orchid in my computer system and have been very happy with it.  I listen mainly through Harbeth P3ESR with a PSA S1500 sub driven by a Vincent SV 237 integrated.  I also have a Simaudio 430 HA headphone amp and an assortment of headphones that I listen to occasionally.  In terms of detail, this system rivals my main system and in some ways sounds better.

I've had an Orchid for several months and after replacing the 1541A chip with a Philips/Taiwan(non S1 or S2- too expensive), replacing the 2.0 uF caps with 1.0uF Mundorfs, and tube rolling(finally settled on a RCA 5670), am pleased to say that sound quality is excellent....listening through Harbeth 40.1's. Transport is an Audiolab 6000.