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Will I notice a difference?

I currently have an Exemplar/Denon 3910 CD player ( a Denon unit modified at great cost by John Tucker) and a Cambridge Audio CXN streamer. I'm thinking of getting an Mhdt Orchid dac but will I hear a difference or rather improvement ? I've tried sub $1000 dacs like Topping D50 and heard no difference at all. Guess I'm tending to be cynical about external dacs but would appreciate some informed opinions.
128x128mazian
big_greg
6,619 posts
 
I have the Orchid, and it is not my most expensive DAC but I think it's my favorite. I've never heard your CD player so I don't know if it will be better or if you will like it better but if you like neutral detailed "analog" sounding digital then give the Orchid a try.

There are other things in your system that will make more of a difference than an external DAC but if you don't like digital sounding sources then it's worth making the investment in my opinion.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,464 posts
 
The Orchid bests dacs costing up to $4000 in my system. It is very, very good.  Give it a decent power cord and NOS WE tube and enjoy! Just a wonderful sounding dac with no weakness that takes away from the enjoyment of the music. Easy best buy based on my experiences. 
mazian's avatar
mazian OP
387 posts
 
The rest of my equipment is a Van Alstine Transcendence 8+ pre, a Rogue Stereo 90 power amp driving the electrostatic panels of Martin Logan Vantage speakers and an Acurus A250 driving the bass units. Also a Mosscade Saturn 12 sub which I rarely use.
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grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,464 posts
 
I must tell you that you will hear a difference and a good one at that. Ask Linear Tube Audio for a 10 day trial. They may work with you even though they don’t offer this now.  Explain your situation and who knows? This is not a cheap dac, but $1100 that sounds like $5000.  It is supremely real sounding and a delight. Worth a call.  
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