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Non Analytical Sounding DAC Upgrade- Budget $1,500 or less

After upgrading my speakers and turntable over the last 3 years it's time to get rid of my nearly 7-year old Beresford DAC. I originally started with a budget of $750 or less, but after researching possible options it seems like $1,500 might be more realistic. This will be in my dedicated 2 channel system. 80% listening through speakers and the rest through headphones. Analog is about 50% of listening, the 50% that is digital is mostly standard res streaming (via Roon/Tidal) or physical CD (using Oppo player as transport) with some higher res stuff tossed in. Music is mostly classic rock, prog, jazz, classical.

Downstream is NAD326 Integrated and Tekton Enzo XL speakers. I'll probably upgrade the amp in the next year. The speakers are long-term keepers.

I want something that gives a nice detailed sound-stage. Being a fan of good vinyl playback I'm not looking for an overly analytical sound. Because of that it seems like a R2R dac might be a better fit. I know there's lots of choices so hoping you can help to narrow the list down to a manageable number. Here's what's on the list so far:

  1. MHDT Orchid or Pagoda
  2. Denafrips Ares 2
  3. Musical Paradise MP-D2
  4. Soekris dac1541
I'm definitely open to other suggestions.

Thanks in advance!
ruleof72
musichead's avatar
musichead
94 posts
 
Audio Mirror Tubadour III, excellent DAC!

It uses the same chip as the high end Audio Note DACs. I have the SE version and it compares to my $20k tt setup :-) Do a search on audiogon, lots of info and comparisons to high end products.
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
Audio Mirror Tubadour is another one to check out
paopawdecarabao's avatar
paopawdecarabao
14 posts
 
I have the Musical Paradise MP D2 mk iii with an AKM 4997 and was previously using a Denafrips Pontus.
I was considering the Audio Mirror Tubadour but for a budget I don’t want to overspend too much on a DAC.

I prefer the Musical Paradise, out of the box all stock it is nice compared to the Denafrips. The MP doesn’t color the sound. I also like how layered the texture of the details is and is very clear. It is smooth and added the warmth of the tubes. It is all stock tubes at the moment with Obligato Caps and the fun part is tou can always upgrade the tubes and caps.
1markr
594 posts
 
+2 for the Audio Mirror Tubadour III DAC. You don’t need the SE version to get terrific music out of it!
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
FWIW, I compiled a short list by reading and researching. I don’t have personal experience with these products but I want to contribute what I learned. I wanted R2R and/or tube.

I was very, very close to getting the Audio Mirror Tubadour and the maker wrote write back when I had a question. Some really good experienced people on this forum love the Audio Mirror.

I also read very good stuff about the Denafrips Ares -- backordered by a long time, last I saw.

I got the MHDT Orchid DAC. Why the Orchid? After a lot of research, I learned two things -- the Orchid is the most raved about of all their products. It’s the chip inside -- apparently only the Orchid has the Philips TDA1541 chip. This was a chip which people realized was older and had a more analog type sound. So, people were buying old CD players up like crazy, and the maker of the MHDT DAC, Jiun, bought a bunch of these chips to have a supply for the Orchid. Do I really know if the chip is key? No -- I really don’t. But I have been loving this DAC for about a month and the company is really easy to deal with, despite being in Taiwan. Buy via Ebay or through Linear Tube Audio. Those guys are great.
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