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Some DACs I am Considering-Any thoughts?

Soekris 2541                $1.1

Doge 7                         $1.2

Mhdt Pagoda               $1.4

Denafrips Pontus         $1.8

Audio Mirror SE           $2.5

Holo Audio Spring 2    $2.7

Audio Note 4.1 Kit       $3.6

Lampizator Amber 3    $3.8

Anyone who can speak from experience  about comparisons
between any two these?

I like the use of a tube and I like the R2R style of build.

Prefer to stay under $2.5 but might be swayed.

Thanks in advance for sharing.

(Some of these prices are certainly not correct)
chorus
chorus OP
976 posts
 
George,

Your argument on tubes is no doubt on point.
Accuracy is sacrificed when a tube is introduced.
But for my ears Musicality is enhanced with a tube
in the right place. All my other gear is S.S. so this is
my only spot to add one.


decooney
2,089 posts
 
@adam8179
My experience is limited but I have a little experience with the MHDT DACs.  I have the Pagoda (non-balanced) and I really like it but I prefer my Chord Qutest.  The Qutest has better bass and treble extension, and better detail.  The Pagoda definitely is more of an analog and less fatiguing sound, but in my opinion, it's not as true to the source as the Qutest.  My good friend got an Orchid on my recommendation and I'm afraid to say, neither of us liked it very much.  It was much more rolled off than the Pagoda in bass and treble and it overemphasized certain frequencies to a strange degree.  For example, any recording with tape hiss was almost unlistenable because of how the DAC emphasized it.  We thought it was defective but he returned it and the folks at LTA said it was working perfectly.  If you decide to go MHDT, I would go for the Pagoda, especially if your system is a bit on the analytical side.  If you already have some warmth, I might suggest staying away from tube DACs
Did you or your friend use the factory supplied tube(s) or change them? What you mention can occur if sub-standard tubes are used.  

Several friends with both MHDT Orchids and Pagoda, all good luck so far past 3-5 years. Mine is dead quiet.  Both DACs sound different and better with really good tubes.  With really good interconnects and for the DIY'ers, adding top-shelf coupling caps open them up even more but still retain the R-2R Ladder non-oversampling (NOS) analog type of sound.
luisma31
516 posts
 
OP with all due respect these qualities.
I am looking for the elusive "Musicality".

My definition of that term is another word "Magical"

You will find on the recording not so much on the presentation.

Listening to Bags & Trane - Milt Jackson / John Coltrane, the magical Musicality is in the music itself not the Dac

Not intending to offend anyone


bander's avatar
bander
504 posts
 
I listened to my system with the Chord Qutest DAC. Excellent and belies it's price. Do add it to your list.
headphonedreams
527 posts
 
If you are ok with non r2r dacs I would add Okto Dac 8 Stereo to the list. Price around $1.3k depending on options. This is only based on reviews but it seems to be a very well made dac that also measures better than almost any other.
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