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
The Schitt is great bang for the buck. I also like the Hegel DAs. The HD12 can be found on the used market for under $1000 and offer a lot.
Just for fun I picked up a Topping D-30 as it was getting some nice comments online. It was about $120.00 on ebay.


I've seen it beat out a variety of much more expensive units! Smoother, more 3D and not bright. Quite a surprise! The last DAC it beat had a retail of over $4000.00...


It supports S/PDIF (AES1), TOSLINK and USB; up to 192KHz and 24bits.
BTW, I agree with the previous Mojo comment; definitely the best DAC under $500.
I have been through so many DACs and as good as some were, I was always aware that something was missing. Some DACs I've tried, North star, Musical Paradise, Aeris, Calyx,  EAR Dac4 (exceptional but expensive) Plus many others
But when it came down the the one that ruled all others it was :-
Dum roll roll please  ............ Tubadour III SE ... Music Music Music 
The SHD competes with the best DACs plus it has:

Dirac Live® Digital Room Correction
Processor: 32-bit floating-point 450 MHz Analog Devices SHARC DSP
DAC Chipset AKM AK4490EQ

Dirac Live plus the AK4490EQ DAC will be like removing coke bottle lenses from your eyes.

miniDSP SHD is my choise