Well. I ended up with a Orchid. It replaced my Oppo 105. I have ~50-60 hours on the stock GE tube an it’s really opened up. The whole sound stage seems In front of you if that makes any sense. So much so I hooked my Oppo 105 into the Orchid and my Redbook seems more alive as well. I also have a Western Electric JW396A D getter W-E military tube en route which I hear is supposed to be amazing.
MHDT or Border Patrol
I've been switching between a DACmagic Pus with an LPS, and a Schiit Modi Multibit DACs and while the sound is decent/acceptable I would like to "upgrade" to a non-OS tube DAC just to see if it adds more body and texture to the music without losing detail. Has anyone had a chance to compare the MHDT and Border Patrol DACs and can comment on their sound quality? I have Bluesound Node2 feeding the DAC, into an upgraded Aric Audio tube preamp, McIntosh MC2200, and Vandersteen 2Ci speakers. I'm actually looking for more texture in the low/high treble and mid/low bass. Aric's preamp gives plenty of body/texture in the midrange spectrum.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
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- 59 posts total
Gelle, I'm fascinated by all this. For an owner using a Lampi GG to want for nothing in using an MHDT is a fantastic testimonial. And your's amongst dozens more that are 100% effusive. Is this dac the single biggest bargain in digital audio. I'm trying to find a corresponding bargain in servers/streamers. My attention is drawn to the c$1k Limetree Network Bridge. I'm thinking that plus BBQ Audio-modded Orchid or Pagoda is the way to go for this computer audio novice. |
Just got the Border Patrol Se-i and it's a wonderful. Exhibiting all the characteristics described here in this thread for the MHDT and you shut the tube on or off to your liking. Built in the US (not Taiwan) and the support from Gary is fantastic. i don't think you could go wrong with either of these DACs but my pick would be the BP given it's proven reliability and made in the US and flexibility. |
I have a Pagoda, single ended. Very happy for the sound. Neutral yet organic super detailed in both frequency ends. Got hold of a new production JJ 6386 tube listed in class 1 by the designer Jiun. http://mhdtlab.com/tube.htm. This change lifted the dac up,to a much higher level. More 3d, more air even more music. This dac is the best ever in my system. Now looking for upgrades. If any..... |
- 59 posts total