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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
gruvjet
14 posts
 

Fellow Deadhead here... 

I posed the DAC selection question to Schiit just yesterday and here is their (surprising) response:

I would like to incorporate a standalone DAC in my rig and was looking for suggestions.  Your prices are all very reasonable.  The top end Yggdrasil is a stretch, but I would be comfortable with the price of the Gungnir or lower.  If the Yggdrasil is heads above / end game DAC, I would consider it.  Looking to improve soundstage and 3 dimensional sound.

Also, I've been told that different tubes on my Freya+ would improve soundstage.  Could you recommend any tube upgrades?

My Rig:

Node 2i (Streamer/Dac)

Freya + Pre-amp

Krell Duo 300 XD Amp

Klipsch Forte IVs Speakers

SVS 4000 Sub

 

Music Taste:

High db listening to dynamic music

Rock, Jazz, Electronic

 

RESPONSE:

Tom E (Schiit Audio)

Dec 28, 2021, 9:21 PST

Hello,

In my opinion, I would go with the Bifrost 2. It's an outstanding DAC, maybe even better than the Gungnir in some aspects. Here is a link that you may find helpful as well:

https://www.schiit.com/guides/choosing-a-dac 

All the Best,
Tom E.

strawj's avatar
strawj
77 posts
 

Well, well, well u can never tell

mesch
3,519 posts
 

Congrats on your purchase of the AM Tubadour . I truly enjoy mine.

gareents
65 posts
 

I actually own a Benchmark DAC3, MHDT Balanced Pagoda, and Schitt Yggdrasil.

Each is in different systems: the Benchmark directly into a Parasound A23+, the Yggdrasil into a McIntosh MA252, and the Pagoda into a Conrad Johnson ET3SE then into a Pass XA30.8. However, I have traded the three DACs around using the various amps/preamps so I believe I can compare them to some degree.

 

The Benchmark is very neutral and detailed. Very solid performer in every way.

 

The Pagoda is almost as detailed as the Benchmark but more fluid. Music, especially vocals, has more depth and wonderful tonality. 

 

The Yggdrasil is a fine DAC but does not have the detail of the Benchmark or the great tonality of the Pagoda.

 

The MHDT Pagoda is easily my favorite DAC of the three.

 

wharfy's avatar
wharfy
337 posts
 

@terrapin77 -2/26/77, Swing Auditorium. Epic show that kicks off a wonderful run of performances. 

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