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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
teajay OP
1,691 posts
 
Hello everybody,

Just wanted to share I’m coming close to writing my review on Balanced Pagoda for the Stereo Times website. I have spent much time with it, in two different systems. I have in-house two other very highly regarded DACs for review, one costs $5000, the other $5500.

Well, the Balanced Pagoda is right there with them regarding overall performance, but costs less then half of the other DACs! When it comes to beauty of timbre/colors, providing a large airy layered soundstage, 3D imaging, it hangs quite well with the big boys. It’s not quite as quiet, it uses tubes in the analog section, and is a smidgen less quick/dynamic overall, but still has great bass extension and very good overall PRAT. I will go into many more details about its performance in my formal review.

So, if your budget range is around $2000, I really suggest you setup an audition, you can do this through Linear Tube Audio here in the states, its a great music maker at a terrific price.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,662 posts
 
@teajay How do you setup an audition through Linear Tube Audio if you don't live close by?
bsme85
151 posts
 
@arafiq You could contact LTA and ask them. Nonetheless, LTA's website indicates "MHDT DACs are not eligible for our 14-day home trial period. All sales are final."
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,662 posts
 
@bsme85 Yeah, this is exactly why I was asking teajay. I even contacted the dealer by email and they told me the same thing that they don't offer in home trials for DACs. Hopefully, teajay can chime in if he happens to know another way. I'm really interested in MHDT DACs but I generally don't buy without a return guarantee just in case.
teajay OP
1,691 posts
 
I could be mistaken, but I thought that you do get a trail period from LTA and can return the piece if it does not work for you. Sorry, if I'm mistaken, I'll give them a call tomorrow to make sure which is correct. 

I totally understand arafiq's position regarding a home audition vs. a no return policy. For what its worth I have received, because of my Six Moon's review of the MHDT Lab Orchid DAC, scores of Emails from individuals who bought the Orchid and were thrilled with its performance and reasonable cost factor. I know that does not prove everyone will be as satisfied, but the Orchid & Balanced Pagoda are terrific performers.
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