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Too many choices for R2R DACS--opinions appreciated

So I've decided to treat myself to a new DAC to celebrate a rather significant birthday coming up, and I'm very intrigued by the new generation of DACs employing R2R technology. Reviews have been unrelentingly positive, but I have way too many choices now, so I'd appreciate some opinions from any of you who may have had a chance to compare some of them. Price range: about $3K (with some slight headroom if the right DAC warrants it). I've looked at reviews for Audio-GD, Denafrips, Sonnet, and the new one from Jay's Audio (which doesn't yet seem to have any reviews that I can find). 

I'll be replacing a DAC that I actually really like, an Abbingdon Music Research DP-777 (not SE) which I've had for a few years now, but from what I read about the R2Rs, they appear to produce a sound I might like even better. 

Listening preferences: mostly classical, some folk, some Broadway, and I never  totally outgrew my taste for the good ol' rock music I grew up with. 

Rest of the system: Modwright KWI-200 integrated, Cambridge Audio CXU disc spinner, Ryan R610 speakers, Rel S2 sub. Cables: Audience & Cardas. (This all might be a bit TMI, but let's cover all the bases).

Your opinions gratefully received. Thanks!

 

cooper52
26mo18pts's avatar
26mo18pts
22 posts
 

I saw a Terminator for 3K on US Audio Mart. Would try it. If you didn't like it you could sale and not take a huge hit. I have the Plus and Gaia but a lot more money. I know and have heard Audio GD's R8-HE and it sounds very strong. Kingbarbuda may just have a bad match-up with equipment. I have owned several Audio GD pieces and thought for the money they are very hard to beat. Not sure who he is talking about as his dealer because Audio-GD sales direct. If he means they person selling in the USA, I can only say I bought from China and had no problems. Good luck.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 

I have an MHDT Orchid, upgraded by Grannyring with good capacitors and resistors. It competed quite admirably with the Holo May DAC at 5x the price. 

big_greg
6,628 posts
 

The only two R2R DACs that I've owned are the MHDT Orchid (in stock form, no mods) and the Aqua La Voce S3.  The Orchid might be the most "analog" sounding DAC I've owned, very easy to listen to, perhaps just a little on the "warm" side. 

I give huge props to MHDT Labs and Jiun.  I bought mine second hand and the USB input wasn't working.  I contacted MHDT Labs about getting it fixed, being very up front about the fact that I wasn't the original owner and that it wasn't under warranty.  Jiun sent me a new board free of charge.

The La Voce S3 provides a lot more detail and dynamics, without sounding "digital".  It seems very true to the music, however you want to interpret that.  I have owned a number of other DACs and the La Voce S3 is the best I've had to this point.  It's out of your budget new, but TMR has an open box one for under $4K.  If you're patient, you might find a used one within your budget.

grinnell
1,096 posts
 

TUBES!  MHDT Dacs are wonderful

jonwolfpell
386 posts
 

I second the Border Patrol DAC & really like it. Sounds very natural, not all fatiguing & very similar to my good turntable. Reasonably priced & made in Maryland. 

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