Some DACs I am Considering-Any thoughts?

[@cetla416] I had a Pontus II in my system for about six months and it obviously blows away the DAC in the Node 2i that I use as a streamer now only. I don’t post much but I do research quite a bit in these forums. The responses about MDHT Orchid were always positive so I bought a second-hand one with the WE tube that was modified by a member here. Well I packed up the Pontus II sold after listening to the Orchid. I recently purchased the tube adapter so I could roll 6DJ8’s in it and it really takes it to another level. In my system the Orchid beat out the Pontus II/NOS head to head handedly. I was never going to use the other modes in the Pontus II and I liked what I read about R2R/NOS DAC’s.

Nice! Its a neat DAC R2R ladder design in its own right. Along with trying other GE 5-star triple mica tubes, Tesla, WE369A tubes, just for grins I upgraded the (very good) stock caps to some silver-gold-oil Mundorts. Both were small incremental improvements. +really a good OCC digi coax input and OCC output interconnects, the MHDT Orchid holds its own with higher $ DACS.

Rockna wavelight is one hell of a DAC. 

It's and R2R DAC that has the clarity of a chip based design, massive soundstage, 3D Layering, and a very accurate timbre. Bass has weight, density, agility, and is very transparent to the source. 

You might want to throw that on your list. 

Goes up another level if you use a good powercable and aftermarket fuse. 

@chorus Any progress?

All this statement speaks to is what this poster hasn't heard@jjss49

This is so true; been there, done that myself.

And is why I question the logic of buying inexpensive DACS because the technology is changing so rapidly.

My Theta DS ProBasic III is a very good DAC and it is what, 20 plus years old?  I also bought a new Soekris single ended. Different strokes, depending on your musical tastes and the rest of your gear. 

I listen to new equipment regularly at a couple of hi end stores in the Indy area.

Just because it is the latest technology does not mean that it is the best sounding. 

Thanks for listening,

Dsper

This thread is 10 months old now so rereading later posts today was interesting.

Particularly the Cetla comparison of Pontus 2 to MDHT Orchid.

I bought the AM Tubadour and did a reclocking upgrade since.

I still love it for the $2k I have spent. Not sure if the friend with

the AN 4.1x kit will sell or not so waiting for his decision.

I heard a system last week with the Gustard DAC for the first time

and the system was great. How much of a role the DAC played

is hard to know. The owner is a value guy who never overspends

making me think it is likely pretty good as per previous comment.

I agree with many statements above about buying an established name

known for solid builds. I broke with that for Audio Mirror after hearing Vlad's

story. Had to support him and am happy I have done so. Nice to be able to

pick up the phone and talk to the owner/designer/builder too.