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
I don’t know what pricing is like in the ‘States, but you might have a look at the range by Cocktail Audio (www.cocktailaudio.com).
They have a good range with a big downloadable table of product features for each product. I have the X45Pro and think it is a great sounding streamer/dac/ripper etc. These products from Novatron in Sth Korea aren’t well known it seems but after 12 mths of good use I think it’s fantastic.
I am 95% vinyl and have budget digital in my main rig but I would suspect, since I have not heard it, the Audio Mirror DAC is very good. I would have given it a try but it was out of my digital budget. My view is based on reading user reviews of the AM dac, and working with Vlad when he built my SET 45W mono blocks. He was easy to work with and support was great. Plus the amps just sound great in my system. Very pure, natural, spacious, non-fatiguing music of any sort.
I have an RME ADI-2 DAC FS. It sounds great. has a million ways you can adjust the sound. $1,150.00.
I have mhdt pagoda ! The sound was so natural ! I have compare it with my vinyl , they are sound very similar! I can listening for all day without fatigue!
I’d recommend contacting Wyred 4 Sound. They have some new old stock options available that don’t show on their website. I picked up a DAC2DSD-SE that was within your budget.