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

This seems like a very educated list.  What did you end up buying and do you still have it?  I have a Pagoda single ended with Ericcson tube which has a lovely warmth,  good soundstage and separation.  Sometimes I feel like I'm missing some sparkle on the top end, like the resolution is a limiting factor.  I'm really considering trying a Pontus II.

The Holo Audio Spring DAC is the best dac I have ever had in any of my systems.  I have owned north of 20 over the years.  

I’ve owned three of the dacs on the list.

pagoda with mods

Lampizator level 4 Gen 5(not the same but close)

And now the Pontus II

My take is that the Pontus easily beats the Lampi with an easier flow to the music, where the Lampi seemed forced at times. The tone and timbre of the Pontus is more natural and richer.

The Pontus and the Pagoda are closer in terms of tone and engagement. Where the Pontus pulls ahead for me is in bass definition and inner detail.  And the Pontus only has about 30 hours of playing time so far.

So the Denafrips Pontus II wins the day for me. I’m wishing now I had went straight to the Venus II, that may happen sooner than later.

Oz