The Mhdt lab Balanced Pagoda DAC


In the last couple of months I have received numerous Emails from readers regarding could I fine a truly balanced R2R DAC that would sell for less then $2,500 to review. Since, I am a fan of the very reasonably priced, but very well built and terrific sounding DACs from Mhdt Lab I requested from the them the Balanced Pagoda model that retails for less then $2,000. In the past I have reviewed the Orchid DAC and found it to be a superlative music maker, raved about it and thought it was a great bargain at it’s price point of $1,200. Take a look at the threads here on AudioGon, where the DIY/modders have shared how they improved the performance of the standard Orchid to a higher level.

The Balanced Pagoda uses four, two per channel, highly regarded NOS Burr Brown PCM 1704-J grade chips. Of course all circuity is doubled and it uses a pair of NOS WE 396 tubes in the analog conversation section, compared to the Orchid’s single tube.

If you run a balanced system and are looking for a "honey" of a DAC, the Balanced Pagoda might be the DAC you are looking for because of its performance vs cost ratio. It takes the beautiful tonality, 3D imaging, wonderful air around instruments of the Orchid to a higher level and adds more transparency/micro-details, with dramatically more powerful overall dynamics/ bass extension. Yet it never becomes analytical in its presentation and draws you into the music.

There are two caveats to be mindful of to get the magic out of the Balanced Pagoda: 1) Drive it with an AES/EBU balanced cable. 2) Only use the XLR outputs. Otherwise you will lose the ultimate performance of this DAC in your system.

I’ll be writing for the Stereo Times website the full review with all the details about the Balanced Pagoda in the next couple of months. For now, this "heads up" hopefully provides to the individuals that were seeking a balanced DAC in this price range enough details to seek out an audition of this excellent performer.

teajay
Oh, and by the way, I've never bought a Lab12 -  I just didn't appreciate that this 5 year old dac was being represented as a new product.  
Hey janehamble,

We know you don't have kind feelings towards me or my writing, to put it mildly, so could you please stop reading my posts, better for your mental health, and allow this thread to go back to discussing the Balanced Pagoda for the folks that want information on it and not your "blow hard" rants about the me and everyone else you don't care for.  PLEASE!
Agree with teajay. FaceBook is a good place for people to go if they want to argue with people or just be rude. Highly recommend.
@ teajay as long as you choose to post your comments on public social media forums you can expect some reactions.  Not all them will be positive - you'll have to get over that.  This is not your private notice board. As mentioned, Audiogon is inundated with influencers posting 'reviews and advice'. Much of it needs a filter. I'm sure everyone's looking forward to your piece about the Pagoda.
Hey janehamble,

Please..... I have nothing to "get over ", I'm not upsetting myself over your inane remarks about me or what I do here or in my reviews.  You have an agenda, and have ever right to express it here on AudioGon.  I respectfully, after you stated your opinion and the rest of the posters did not agree with your position, leave the thread alone so a positive discussion of the thread's topic could go on, with out your sideshow that is totally irrelevant to the topic.

Oh, I'm not sure everyone's looking forward to my review in the near future on the Balanced Pagoda, but enough that will get some useful information to make it worth writing.