New R2R DAC

@ken7, where did you get your Orchid modded?

It sounds like those mods are worthwhile. Finding and S1 or S2 is hardly a given, but upgrading the caps should be a slam-dunk.

to desktopguy: I performed the mods myself. Requires obtaining a chip puller and removing existing chip and carefully inserting new chip. No soldering needed for this step. Removing existing large caps is an exercise in careful removal of existing large caps and soldering new ones in their place. S1 and S2 chips are available on line from e-bay account 'polida2008'. They've been in business for quite a while and seem to be honest

Forgot to mention that these have gone up in price. Recent check of prices seem to hover around $500 for an S1 chip....hopefully you may find one less expensive but make sure that S1 or S2 stamp is on the chip

@mountz the winner is based on what sonic comparisons?  Bass, mids, treble, soundstage, separation. clarity, etc.  That would be helpful to others trying to make a decision on a DAC.

All of the DACs are good quality DACs that all have something to offer.  They also offer upgrade options to improve the sound.

We make both R2R and chip DACs.  each offers something depending on what you are looking for.

Happy Listening.

Maybe you can stretch to a Lampizator Baltic 4 which the designer believes is a sonic bargain. There’s a used Baltic 3/4 here which is a Baltic 3 upgraded to 4. The used price seems high so maybe a lower offer?

Hard to go wrong with the Holo May DAC, plenty of very positive reviews