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DAC choices -- help me cross the line

My current DAC is Cambridge Audio Azur 851D driving the two channel speaker system in the study. My headphone system consists of a Bluesound Node 2i feeding into a Quicksilver headphone amp. The plan is to put the CA DAC in the headphone chain and sell the Node, so this means I have to purchase a new DAC for the 2 channel system in the study. Here's what the 2 channel system looks like ...
opticalRendu >> CA Azur 851D (to be replaced) >> Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 2 >> Harbeth P3esr

So what am I looking for? Heft, holographic, a bit of warmth, big organic sound, tonal richness. I don't mind sacrificing a bit of neutrality or accuracy. I listen to all kinds of music but am partial to jazz, vocals, classic rock. 

I almost pulled the trigger on a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ but wanted to take the R2R DACs for a spin just for kicks. I was initially interested in the MHDT Pagoda or Orchid, but their no-return policy is a no go for me. I know some people don't mind, but I really don't want to give my business to a company who doesn't trust its own products.

So this leads me to three final contenders -- AudioMirror Tubadour iii SE, Tubadour iii (regular/non-SE) and the Border Patrol DAC. Really interested in hearing from someone who might have heard at least one of the two, or better yet compared the Audiomirror to one of the MHDT DACs.

Now Audiomirror offers two versions of the Tubadour III -- SE and non-SE, with the SE being a $1000 costlier. Wondering if the sonic improvements are worth the higher $$$ in the SE version. Would love to hear from someone who has had a chance to compare the two.

Also wondering how the Tubadour III regular version compares to MHDT Pagoda. Both are around the same price.

Note: If are going to suggest another DAC, I don't mind. But please make sure it's R2R, < $2500 (used or new), has a return policy, and NOT made in China.

128x128arafiq
jaytor's avatar
jaytor
765 posts
 
A friend brought his Border Patrol DAC over a few months ago. At the time, I was using a Schiit Yggdrasil A2. The Border Patrol was smooth sounding, a bit laid back, and more forgiving than the Yggy. On my system, I preferred the Yggy with it's punchier bass, better dynamics, more forward presentation, and more detail. 
ghasley
2,499 posts
 
I've owned an orchid, border patrol and tubadour. As far as my preferences, I like the Border Patrol better but it isn't as detailed at the tubadour, it is more detailed than the orchid and I'm sure the se of the tubadour is even better. I have not heard the sei version of the Border Patrol. Gary Dews of Border Patrol is brilliant and the Border Patrol is almost no risk. It has a reasonable return policy and the resale demand is exceptional if you want to try something different. I asked Gary recently if he was going to come out with a more full featured dac someday and he could make a few changes to the existing dac for around another $1,000 that would make things interesting. The thing is, if you are just going to sit down and enjoy some music, its hard to argue at the BP pricepoint. The Lampizator dacs are also quite good but they have shifted away recently from pure r2r and now utilize a special digital engine with a DS dac. Good luck, there are alot of great dacs and gear out there. The BP dac sei is a really cool option and you can reach him on the phone. The td1543 dac chip isnt the last work on detail or sampling rate varietals, but it is one of my favorites for value and musicality on most recordings. It is so outdated in the minds of many and yet, some really musical dacs use it. Audio note's new integrated even uses it and its not like Audio note makes rash decisions or puts out a product that doesnt meet their standards. Good luck.
facten
2,882 posts
 
There are a few threads on here related to all of the DACs that you are interested in , including a couple of reviews by member teajay that might be worth checking out . Some of those threads have comments about how they sound one to another
pastorbob's avatar
pastorbob
78 posts
 
I have owned both the BP and AM (my current DAC).
I purchased the Border Patrol after reading some reviews that attributed an "analogue sound" to the BP. 
IMHO it is a pleasant sounding DAC, but nothing special, lacking detail and air.
I decided to replace it after about a year.

After reading various reviews (a dangerous undertaking) I decided to purchase the RME ADI 2 DAC. I really liked it and had it in system for around a year. A lot of detail and very clean sounding.
I also played around with a couple of Chinese DACs (Musical Paradise, and Audio-gd).
In short none of these were the "one" for me.

Just recently, again after perusing reviews, I came across some really positive remarks about the Audio Mirror.
I contacted Vlad at AM and to make a long story short bought the basic AM Tubadour.
It is a fantastic DAC.
It is detailed and musical, both. The best DAC I have had in my system by far. Vlad is great to do business with too.

One word of advice; give it time to burn in. It will take 50-60 hours before showing the promise of what it can do.

The AM is head and shoulders above the Border Patrol (again my opinion).
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
Look up teajay's reviews and other threads here about the dacs you're researching.I like my Tubadour lll very much.Mine has the upgrades caps only,so not really an se.All I can compare it to is the tubes Vincent CD player that it replaced.I loved that player but the laser gave out after 9years and couldn't be repaired.The Tubadour has more detail and dimensionality.The Orchid and Border Patrol were on my list to try also if it didn't work out,but I 've had it for a year now with no desire to change.
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