I've seen a few Paradiseas for sale stepping up to the Havana. My friend made that upgrade and I'm pretty sure he felt the Havana was a nice improvement but haven't heard them together myself. Right in your price range. You may also want to check into the April Music DAC which is just a bit over $1k as I recall. Per Tvad's note, the April Music is solid state while the Havana had a tube in the output path.
Thanks for your responses. My question was intentionally open-ended, but obviously a little too much. I'm just curious if there's anything worth checking out in the 1k price range that betters the Paradisea. I've been happy with mine, but can't help wonder what else is out there. What I've read about the PS Audio DLink interests me, but whether it's an improvement over the Paradisea is debatable. I'm sure it sounds different. I'm definitely into a relaxed natural sound. I realize the only way to know if I like something is to get it into my system, but I need some ideas to experiment with.
Synergy is the only sure bet.Like you say PS audio,maybe Wavelength for a grand also to try.Plus the resale is phenomenal[sp] on those 2 units,good luck,Bob
Tvad, can you briefly explain the impedance issue? The input of my preamp is 100k. The Paradisea output is 800 ohms.
Yep, this is where it all starts! Before I do anything crazy, I'd like to try some different tubes. I haven't used anything other than the stock JAN 5670. I'd also like to experiment with output caps (Obbligato Copper, Mundorf SIO). Generally speaking, I can keep myself amused and engaged with tweaks like this if the unit is good to begin with.
Grant turned me on to the relatively inexpensive GE 5-star tube which does indeed sound great in the Paradisea. Beyond that, the cream rising to the top of many lists is the Bendix and the WE. Cheaper than a new DAC...
You may want to Check out the monarchy NM-24. Both tube dac and ss dac plus linetstage at that price point. Very impressed with this piece, with my only minor gripe cosmetics and the good, but not great linestage.
Disclaimer: I'm probably putting mine up for sale next month as I have a linestage already that I prefer and looking to try the MHDT havana.
Is there a difference between a 5670 GE black plate and 5670 GE 5 Star? Which one do you prefer in the Paradisea?
I've only tried the 5-star (don't think they have black plates - grey as I recall). It's been a while since I did that comparison, but I seem to recall feeling the 5-star were more linear and less colored than the Bendix or WE, though I did like the bit of added warmth the WE gave it. Bendix was pretty linear, but for some reason I cannot recall, I prefered the WE. I now only use the Paradisea in my office system and do not listen critically there, but find it a very enjoyable DAC nonetheless. If it lacks anywhere I'd say it is in resolving powers, but tends to sound very natural and laid back, which are qualities you seem to be after. The other DAC I've listened to at length that possesses those qualities is the Wavelength Brick, but I thought it a bit soft overall in the original version I had. Rankin has since changed the design to implemented a significant change in the USB connectivity which you can read about on his site. Retail is close to double your $1k, but you might find one used at that price. I can't speak for the new design though, but the old one was very enjoyable in terms you seem to be seeking in a DAC. Better than the Paradisea? That's really a subjective call.
I had a Constantine, which is just the Paradisea without the tube buffer (it's NOT a tubed output). It was the most musical DAC I'd heard and I kept it over several much more expensive DACs and CDPs.
Then I bought a used Audio Note Kits DAC 1.1 here for $750. It was just as musical as the MHDT unit but with far better micro and macro dynamics and far greater nuance. The MHDT models are wonderful to listen to, but the AN DAC was just as musical but drew me in to a greater degree.
I've since built the Audio Note Kits DAC 2.1C Sig (the top model) and this is certainly the best digital I've had/heard.
That's encouraging to hear about the Audio Note kits. I like the DIY, NOS, and tube aspects. It's something to consider.
I've heard about the Monarchy NM-24, but never knew it could toggle between tube and SS. How do the modes compare to each other? I also have to wonder how it compares to the Paradisea, but I don't expect anyone to answer that for me.
The Wavelength looks interesting. I'll have to read up on it.
Tvad, can you please tell me the rule of thumb for the best impedance match? There must be an optimal ratio.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
