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Need help choosing a new DAC

With so many options for DACs these days, I'm having a hard time deciding on a new DAC.  Currently considering a MHDT Orchid or Pagoda, Denafrips Pontus II, Benchmark DAC3,  Schitt Yggdrasil, or Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE.  I don't need any options such as volume control, BT, or MQA.  I also prefer musicality over measurements.  I'm currently using a SMSL SU-9, which will be moved over to my office system.  I'm tired of moving it back and forth between systems. My bank account prefers the cost of the Orchid since the other options cost up to twice as much, but I can go as high as $2500.  I mostly steam Qobuz thru a Raspberry Pi 4, but also use a Cambridge Audio CXC v2 CD transport on occasion.  My preamp is a Don Sachs DS2 tube preamp going into a D-Sonic m3a-1200s amp feeding "Gunned" MMGs.  I mostly listen to the Grateful Dead, rock, jazz, and acoustic music. Which DAC should I get and are the any others I should look at? 

terrapin77
yyzsantabarbara
4,887 posts
 

A warm low-ish cost DAC is the Gustard X26 Pro. I owned it for a while and loved it.

I also owned the AudioMirror (top model). It was pretty good but I preferred the Gustard for my warm DAC types.

I currently own the Benchmark DAC3B. It just does the job and I like having it around. It is a little hot on top. I was told by someone with some audio experience that the DAC3B is a little shy on the bass and that makes the top seem hotter.

The best DAC I own is the Musetec 005, ($2965 - $3300). It has the perfect warmth, detail, and really dense sound. I would like to get a second 005 to replace the rather good Topping D90SE DAC in my living room system.

mazian's avatar
mazian
406 posts
 

Two years ago I went through the same task of trying to find a DAC that made a difference to SQ. Like you I have an all tube system but found that Denafrips Pontus, and the Orchid and Pagoda made absolutely no difference. The distributer for Denafrips who loaned me the Pontus said I would need the Terminator to notice any improvement in SQ. I eventually went with a SS DAC in my price range which did provide greater dynamics and clarity, This was the Pure Audio Lotus 5 which used the ESS 3089 chip. The fact I liked it surprised me because I have generally hated ESS products finding them way to bright but the implementation in the Pure Audio was extremely musical and a great match with tube amplification.

oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
502 posts
 

+1 Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE. I owned one for about a year paired with a SS amp; it is a wonderful sounding DAC.  The non-SE version has been discontinued.      

djones51
4,947 posts
 

Why not another SMSL?

sameyers1
138 posts
 

I would add the Ayre Acoustics Codex to your list. It’s $1,995 new and has both USB and optical inputs. It’s somewhat comparable to the Benchmark in that it’s very neutral sounding and highly resolving, but unlike some solid state gear not edgy or overly bright. It’s something to which you can listen for hours given its clear, smooth sound. Also Ayre provides great support for their products. If you can audition the gear you are considering you will hopefully find one you like best. 
 

Happy listening!

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