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

After upgrading my speakers and turntable over the last 3 years it's time to get rid of my nearly 7-year old Beresford DAC. I originally started with a budget of $750 or less, but after researching possible options it seems like $1,500 might be more realistic. This will be in my dedicated 2 channel system. 80% listening through speakers and the rest through headphones. Analog is about 50% of listening, the 50% that is digital is mostly standard res streaming (via Roon/Tidal) or physical CD (using Oppo player as transport) with some higher res stuff tossed in. Music is mostly classic rock, prog, jazz, classical.

Downstream is NAD326 Integrated and Tekton Enzo XL speakers. I'll probably upgrade the amp in the next year. The speakers are long-term keepers.

I want something that gives a nice detailed sound-stage. Being a fan of good vinyl playback I'm not looking for an overly analytical sound. Because of that it seems like a R2R dac might be a better fit. I know there's lots of choices so hoping you can help to narrow the list down to a manageable number. Here's what's on the list so far:

  1. MHDT Orchid or Pagoda
  2. Denafrips Ares 2
  3. Musical Paradise MP-D2
  4. Soekris dac1541
I'm definitely open to other suggestions.

Thanks in advance!
ruleof72
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
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.
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
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.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
ken7
53 posts
 
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.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
All the above plus Border Patrol.
soix
9,456 posts
 
A nice thing about the Tubadour is you can buy it in stock form now to fit your budget and make a significant upgrade to SE status in the future if desired. Nice to have the option. You can read the review by @teajay in Stereo Times that compares the Tubadour SE to the Orchid.  Best of luck.
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