2. digital
  3. 148054-3787

The Six Moons.com review on the Mhdt Labs Orchid DAC just went up

This morning the review on the superlative Mhdt Labs Orchid DAC was just posted on Six Moons.com.  It gives all the details why I have made it my reference DAC.  I also share my position, with flexibility, that all all the hype regarding high resolution formats as being superior sounding to 16/44.1 kHz or 16/48 kHz R-2R ladder DACs is just that "hype".  

Hope you enjoy the review.
teajay
toolbox149
263 posts
 
Bsme85

"mhdt Lab did pay 6Moons for this review. I own the Orchid, as well as Schitt Gumby, and PS Audio PWD Mark II."

I also own a PS Audio PWD Mark II. How would you discribe the differences between the Mark II and the Orchid?

I love most everything that the Mark II offers: detail, spaciousness, warmth, etc., but there is a little bit of hash around the vocals that I could do without.

So, I’m wondering.

Thanks
Toolbox
teajay OP
1,702 posts
 
Hey Toolbox,
 

I have heard your PS Audio DAC and the Orchid, tubed the right way, does everything better that you like, plus absolutely no hash around any instruments/vocals at all.
bsme85
151 posts
 
The Orchid is nice but not anything special. I actually prefer my PS Audio and Gumby dacs, which are more authoritative and precise without having digital brashness. (By the way, the Orchid is in no way brash!).
bigkidz
3,400 posts
 

IMO there are many variables that have impact on the sound.  I am a transport spinner and many of the DACs reviewed or heard will sound different with a different transport.  I don't know what $14K DAC was compared to a $2K DAC that was equal, better or close, I find hard to believe but that comes down to the design of the component.  If you understand design, then you can understand if the price is worth it or not.  Is a $20K cable worth $20K?  Does that cable have as big of impact on the sound?

Reviews are nice to read but overall to me I only want to hear something in my system and make my own judgement.

Many recent comments about some DACs did not work out for me when I heard them.  The DACs that were reviewed or recommended that were considered good, were nothing special to my ears.  Good OK, but no giant killers that I heard.  Maybe good values for the money but that was all I heard. You can buy older DACs and upgrade a few parts and have better values and provide better sound IMO for a lot less also.

Happy Listening


jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,206 posts
 
I have the Gumby but the orchid is very musical at Teajay system upstairs...Either one you will have a good Dac...
More to discover