MHDT dac...and which streamer/server?


I've been sitting on the fence re streaming for years now, getting splinters you know where Lol.
Time to get off the fence.

So here's my dilemma. I love lp, have a heavily-modded analog rig that serves my 3k lp collection v well.

Critically, I have a special cdp, the Eera Tentation, that after 2 decades of searching for digital to sit happily alongside my tt and not be shown up, target achieved. I love playing my 1.5k cds.

Throw into the mix that I am a real stick in the mud on computers, hate them with a vengeance, w streaming leaving me cold as a personal human activity, I am a hugely reluctant adopter.

Plus, SO many streamer setups I visit just have a "cold" sonic signature, akin to cdps from 80s (which I know is a lot to do w noise and hash associated w how streamed music enters the home).
Only exception being an SGM 2015/Aqua Formula rig...at £30k all in.
...and lack of confidence I'll find 00s or 000s of albums to make the foray worthwhile.

Hence, my series of trade offs on streaming, choices, how much to spend, is far and away my biggest challenge in decision making in 22 years in this hobby.

Spend too little (Bluesound Node)...have a sound I'll wear of l/t
Spend too much (SGM, Innuos Statement)...have no cash to spend on lps and cds (yes, I still love cd collectors editions)
Don't spend enough (Innuos Zenith or SGC/Rendu maybe base level to not go below) and streaming is a sonic missed opportunity.

Throw in my "all fingers and thumbs" w using a tablet, and total lack of knowing what, and how much, is out there in my deep genre loves of prog, fusion, electric jazz, avant garde, prog ambient electronica, and there you have my intersecting pressures on a decision.
Although, more and more, I'm confident I'll find at least 250 albums I never would have easily on cd, and deffo not on lp.

Last issue is Roon. To Roon or not to Roon, conflicting advice here too.
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So here I am, open to all suggestions.
I could go Bluesound Node. I could go all in one Linn or Lindemann. I could go to Zenith or SGC/Rendu plus commensurate dac like Holo Springs Kitsune.

However, my eye is drawn to MHDT dac as my option. Not a bad word on SQ reported. Indeed users are punch drunk ecstatic on their choice...at under $1.5k, if it really isn't embarassed in any way by a 10x pricier Lampi GG, it seems a no brainer. Certainly a big contrast to the Chord Qutest I'm considering.
So at MDHT level, and knowing my reticence on this subject, but not wanting to shortchange myself on the streamer, which to consider?

I could go Chord2go/Hugo all in one.
I could go Stack Audio The Link.
Limetree Network Bridge.
DCS Bridge 
Innuos Zenith.
SGC i7/Rendu.
Obv, can look to save cash here buying used.

Dacs I'm looking at...MHDT Orchid or Pagoda (maybe w BBQ Audio mods), Holo Springs Kitsune, Schiit Yggy w USB update, Chord Qutest or Hugo TT.

Is there a streamer at the affordable end that performs out of it's skin, would be a great complement to the MHDT, easyish to use...and thus at an affordable but performance-led level, get me into streaming affordably...and keep me interested 12 months down the line.

Thanks for bearing w me guys, and the inside of my fevered mind Lol.


spiritofmusic
I have only heard the Lumin T2, so I can't say how the Lumin U1 Mini sounds, but it would definitely be on my short list if I were in your shoes.  I highly recommend the MHDT Labs Orchid, especially with your preference for analog.  I've had a lot of DACS and it is probably the best.  I say probably because I don't have an easy way to compare it to my TEAC NT-505.  The TEAC is also worthy of consideration if you're open to a streamer/DAC combo.  
I am using a Sonore Ultrarendu as the network bridge/streamer into an Orchid Dac.
As many have said very analog sounding, mine just has the popular WE tube upgrade and a very good power cord.
I am using Roon right now but I admit I am a recent convert as I did not like the $119 fee for a year but so far I can say I am very happy with the service and the features.
However I have also just bought a Metrum Onyx to go head to head with it, should be here tomorrow as very intrigued by this and depending what I hear I may step up and buy the matching Metrum Ambre bridge and connect via i2s.

For the cost of the rendu and Orchid though it is hard to go wrong and as you say there are always Grannyrings mods to boost the sq even higher.

The Holo Spring Kitsune Edition was also on my short list to, all are excellent DAC,s from all accounts.

Of course you can always go the route of a Lumin D2 which is combined DAC and streamer available lightly used for well under $2000.
I have an MHDT Pagoda that was heavily modified by the previous owner. Before that I had the Havana. MHDT products are highly musical and very engaging. I am using the Pagoda with a Lumin U1 Mini. It was a very noticeable step up over the Bluesound Node 2i. For what you want, I think you want to skip right over the Node because it can be clinical sounding to my ears. The Lumin has a more natural tone with instruments.

The Holo Spring Kitsune has been on my radar too. But I'm not sure if it would be anything more than a lateral move.

Oz



I agree with Ozzy about skipping over the Bluesound.  I wish I would have done that.  It's a great bargain and sounds pretty good if you're not overly critical.  I still have one in my bedroom system.  It can easily be outclassed by spending a bit more.  I had mine paired with a $3500 DAC, the Auralic Vega.  The TEAC NT-505 was a very noticeable upgrade from that combination.  The MHDT DACs are very good and the most "analog like" of any I've owned.  The downside to the NT-505 is that there's no way to connect it to an external DAC, otherwise I would probably have the Orchid in my main system with it.
I think most any good quality streamer will do well for you with  a mhdt dac.  I am still quite happy with my SS mhdt Constantine. The sound is similar on many ways to that off my Linn phono setup.   I use an ARC tube preamp with both.