Thinking about getting a R2R DAC

ML36 is what 25 years old? In 2005 that would have been considered old tech and not nearly as good as new stuff. Suddenly is is great again? No.

Both your DACs are good but you prefer one. Much different implementations. One thing that has changed in 25 years is you of course if you are the original owner.



Personal preference which is impacted by prior experience, your specific system and environment and yes age.

Never discount flavor of the day and the impact of suggestion either.

@audio2design 
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject. 

I'm the first owner of the ML39, vintage 1996, which I had upgraded to a ML390S in ~ 2002. 
As for the ML36, I'm the 2nd owner for all I can tell. 
And yes, both are some 25 years old - with one laser unit replacement for the ML390S, about 1 year ago. 

During mid to end 2000 I had A LOT of Systems auditioning going on (semi-professionally), and this across the board of high-end digital systems, culminating in some way-out Bösendorfer-Lyngdorf system. Actually too many to mention. 

All this did for me, was to set-up an analogue side system to my existing digital one, and repurches LPs I'd gotten rid of during end 1980. 

I mention all this for some perspective, as even listening to far more expensive and more sophisticated set-ups, I could not be convinced (by LISTENING) that this so considered 'new'(er) technology sounded any BETTER - different ok, but not better. 

The more resent listening to some full blown latest B&W802D3 diamond tweeter speakers and Esoteric gear failed to make any further 'upgrade' desire as well. 

All I keep hearing is more 'resolution' and less of any 'realness' - more artifice, for lack of a better word. 

That's when I came across that 'ancient' ML36 (R2R) so since it integrates easily into my existing system I decided to give it a go. 

It sounds the least artificial, though a good LP sounds 'easier' on my ears - still.
A question of more real harmonics/timber I'd say. 
In closing, by my personal experience, I'm this far unconvinced, that high-end digital has made the kind of progress that is generally banded about.
Been surching for close on 25 years and good analogue *still* has the edge for me. 

Enough said for now, 
M. 🇿🇦 

Recorded music isn't real, so something that plays perfectly (a DAC) may not be to your liking. Nothing wrong with some imperfections to simulate a more lively environment. Embrace it.


The music industry is embracing it. Lots of work being done on adding noise, distortion and other artifacts to music to make it more appealing.  I used to prefer studio recordings. Now I am into live recordings warts and all. I will often pick a YouTube live version over the perfect studio one. It's more emotional.

I have an MHDT Orchid Dac and had a Border Patrol Dac on loan which I didn’t feel was as good.  The Orchid is a very nice Dac and LTA is offering a 600.00 Mod for it shortly.  The MHDT Dacs - Border Patrol among others are Chip Based R2R Dacs as opposed to a fully formatted R2R Dac like the MSB - Aqua Dacs- Holo Audio etc... a new one from the brains behind the Metrum Dac’s called the Sonnet Morpheus Dac is Approx 3k and better than the 6K Metrum Psvane.    The Chip based are less expensive.  The new Audial while still chip based is more elaborate but only 2K and supposed to be very nice

 

 The Chip based are less expensive.

Indeed - its possible to get the flavour of R2R at a very low price - try for example Lite DAC-AH, which goes for under $200. Its using the same chip (but 8X as many) as the Border Patrol but the PSU is less elaborate.