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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
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
While I own the Orchid, I have to admit to be very curious about Chord, not least because of the talk given by Rob Watts in this 2017 video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXyjsSYjnL8
His knowledge and experience shine through and I learned a lot. 

That said, I do wonder about R2R Soekris DACs. It strikes me as one of those sleeping giants, still mostly under the radar and not part of the "buzz," but perhaps one of the best values out there. I've yet to hear one. I don't know if it would sound analytical or not.
moving_daneedle
6 posts
 
+1 on the Border Patrol DAC....

Most of my serious listening has been/is vinyl; but, my modest CD collection is made much more enjoyable now because of the BP DAC. I may actually explore digital further because of the this DAC.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
Just buy a $299 musical fidelity v dac 90. You would save tons of money and still get a great sounding dac. I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I think it's a freaking bargain if there ever was one. Sterephile seems to agree and gave it class A component status! 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
ken7
53 posts
 
to respond to akgwhiz, replacing the 1541A chip is not difficult....just need to gently pry out existing chip(you can buy a special tool on Amazon for this) and carefully put in the replacement making sure that all the pins are aligned properly before pushing down. Also replacing the caps is quite easy....just requires a bit a soldering skills. Mu unit(used) came with a WE 5670 installed and it proved to be extremely dull making music sound lifeless. I also tried several GE 5670's and thought they were a bit too glarey. Finally settled  on a RCA 5670 'Command' which provided the right balance for my system. Tube rolling makes a definite difference....but I can't say how much difference compared to the slight mods referenced above. Also some of the improvements made could be attributed to the Audiolab 6000 Transport that feeds the Orchid but I can't evaluate this addition as I have nothing to compare it with. And finally I had been using a Marantz 8001 which was a highly regarded unit in its day butI'm getting so much more enjoyment with the Orchid.
vinylvalet
896 posts
 
Regarding the stock Chord Electronics Qutest power supply. It may work well with the Qutest but injects an enormous amount of noise into your AC electrical system. I didn't detect an improvement in sound when I replaced it with an ifi iPower linear supply but all the electrical noise disappeared, my phono stages were dead quiet again.

My choice for under $1.5k DACs would be the Black Ice Audio Glass FX DSD tube DAC, $799 new.
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