MHDT Orchid versus MHDT Pagoda..which one is best?...and why?

I have not heard the Orchid. But I have owned a stock Havana and now own a heavily modified Pagoda that was purchased from Agon member C_avila. As Phil states, the Pagoda has a lot more resolution than other MHDT DACs while retaining the natural, unforced sound that R2R dacs are known for. I did compare it to a Level 1 Pavane a couple years ago, and it couldn't be unseated. I am hesitant to even bring in anything else, that's how happy I am with the Pagoda.

Oz

Ozzy. Would you be so kind as to reveal the "heavy" modifications done to your Pagoda? And did GrannyRing perform them? Thanx! Jeff

(4) Vishay TX2575 resistors
(2) Shinkoh resistors
(2) Relcap Teflon capacitors
(2) Jupiter capacitors
(2) Sonicap Platinum output coupling capacitors

I don't think grannyring did the mods, I think the original owner did.

Oz

Hi Phil,
Any idea where the MHDT Canary lies in the euphonic scale, as compared to the Orchid?

It's been quite awhile since I last listened through a Canary, and haven't heard the Orchid & Canary juxtaposed for listening. Note also that Canary is substantially less expensive than Orchid, which I assume is largely due to the 1541 chip being scarcer and more expensive than the 1545. Canary has discrete transistors current>voltage conversion whereas Orchid has an opamp in that role.

My memory of the two is that Orchid is essentially a richer-toned Canary. I consider them about equally euphonic (as in forgiving, and "wrong" in a good way) but Orchid is more vivid and I think dynamically it has more slam.

Phil